Moving your TimeClick Server usually takes just 5–10 minutes if you follow each step carefully.
TIMECLICK TIP
You can either read through this full guide before getting started or follow along step by step. Either way, you’ll avoid pitfalls and keep the process smooth.
Quick Navigation
- If your old TimeClick Server crashed or you can’t access it, skip down to Common Questions.
- If you already moved your server but are now getting an error (like Error 912 or an installation problem), you’ll find the fix in Common Questions.
How to Move Your TimeClick Server (Step by Step)
Step 1: Unregister Your Current Server
We’ll start by unregistering your current server, making a backup, and getting everything ready to move.
- Find your TimeClick version.
- It’ll look something like
25.1.0.0or21.5.1.1. - TimeClick 25 → System Info > My Version
- TimeClick 21 or older → Help > About Info
- Write this down - you’ll need it later.
- It’ll look something like
- Unregister and export your database.
- Go to Admin Mode > Utilities > Unregister TC & Export Database.
- Follow the prompts.
- Save the backup file (
.tcdb) somewhere easy to find - your desktop works fine.
- Record your registration info.
- TimeClick 21 or newer: Registration code.
- TimeClick 20 or older: Transfer key.
- Finish the prompts and close TimeClick.
- Move your backup file to the new server using a flash drive, shared drive, or email - whatever’s easiest.
Step 2: Install on Your New Server
- Download the same version you were using before from timeclick.com/download/.
- Run the installer - it only takes about a minute.
- Once installed, click Import Database.
- Select the backup file you just moved over.
- Your employee data should appear on the main screen once it’s loaded.
Step 3: Register TimeClick
- TimeClick 21 or newer: Enter your registration code when prompted.
- TimeClick 20 or older: Email support@timeclick.com with:
- Your transfer key (from the old server).
- The new serial number shown on your new server.
- Your company name.
Step 4: Remove TimeClick from the Old Server (Important!)
Once the new server is up and running, uninstall TimeClick from the old one.
- If you’re retiring or disconnecting the old server, that’s fine - just remember, client computers won’t work until it’s offline or uninstalled.
- Even if you’re only using TimeClick on one computer, uninstall the old version to avoid registration conflicts.
Common Questions
The steps above work for most setups, but here are some quick answers to common questions that might come up while moving your TimeClick Server.
Do my employees need to be clocked out before I start?
Nope - it doesn’t matter. All of your data up to the moment you start will stay right where it is.
Does TimeClick need to be closed on every computer first?
No. If someone tries to use TimeClick while you’re moving the server, they’ll just get an error and it’ll close. Once you’re done, it’ll work again automatically.
Do you have a cloud or serverless version of TimeClick?
Not yet, but good news - you don’t need a real server computer. TimeClick can run on any reliable Windows computer, even something simple or older. It takes up very little space and runs smoothly on most systems.
Does TimeClick Server need to be on an actual server?
No. Any dependable Windows computer (Windows 8 or newer) will work just fine. Even a basic Windows laptop can handle it without a problem.
My new server just keeps spinning when I try to register. What should I do?
Close TimeClick and reopen it - that usually does the trick. If it still won’t register, check your firewall. Make sure the server can connect to the internet during registration, and that Port 12012 is allowed through your firewall.
I’m getting Error 912 on the new server. What does that mean?
That means you didn’t unregister TimeClick on the old server (Step 1). Uninstall TimeClick on the new server, then start over from the top - it only takes a few minutes. If you no longer have access to your old server, reach out to TimeClick Support for help.
I hit an installation error that’s not Error 912. What should I do?
Try uninstalling and reinstalling first. If that doesn’t solve it, contact TimeClick Support and we’ll walk you through fixing it.
My new server works, but my client computers say I need to register. What’s going on?
Your clients are probably still connecting to the old server, which was just unregistered. Once you uninstall TimeClick from the old machine, the clients will automatically find and connect to your new server.
Can I set up the new server without turning off the old one to avoid downtime?
Unfortunately, no. But the move only takes about 5–10 minutes, so your downtime will be minimal.
My old server crashed and I need to move TimeClick to a new computer. What should I do?
You’ll need to contact TimeClick Support, but first, see if you can recover your backup file from the old computer. That’ll help us get you set up faster.
The Unregister button on my old server is grayed out. What now?
Reach out to TimeClick Support and we’ll help you get that sorted out quickly.
TimeClick Support
- Phone: (435) 753-4102, extension 2 for support
- Live Chat: Click the chat button at the bottom right of this page to talk with a live rep
- Email: support@timeclick.com - we respond within 24 hours on workdays, usually much faster
