CompuTime101 Time & Attendance Software


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Welcome to the CompuTime101 Information, Support, and Resource Center

For a recent list of software updates, enhancements, and downloads please see our updates section.

To obtain answers to your questions use one of the resources listed on the left.

Contact sales and technical support via email support@computime101.com (or use the support request form on the left).
Call 800-925-4506 to leave a message for technical support. Please make sure your time and attendance system qualifies for technical support. A Compumatic support agreement is required for all time and attendance systems beyond the initial 90-day free support period**.

**Systems purchased through local dealers are supported through our local representative and may have longer or shorter free support periods. Please contact your local representative for support.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. How do I contact Compumatic Time Recorders, Inc.?
A. Call us at 800-925-4506 (answering service, 24/7), direct 516-486-3538 (M-F 10am-6pm Eastern time), email support@computime101.com, or click here.

CompuTime101 Software - General
Q. Can I install the software on more than one computer?
Q. Can I use multiple clocks with one software?
Q. Since the software supports both the XLS 21 clock and the HandPunch clock, can I use both at the same time with one software?
Q. How do I backup my data?
Q. What is the difference between CompuTime101 and CompuTime101 Professional?
Q. Where can I found out more about the optional upgrades (Professional version, Job/Code collection, Multi-User license)?
Q. I purchased upgrades but I didn't get the upgrade codes, how do I get them?
Q. I already have a HandPunch clock, is the CompuTime101 compatible?
Q. Can I export the data to my payroll software?
Q. What about QuickBooks?
Q. What happens after my 90 days of free setup support expires?

CompuTime101 Software - Technical
Q. I am trying to log in but it says the user is already logged in, what do I do?
Q. Can I move the database to another computer, such as a file server?
Q. I want to change file locations and I found that option, why do I need authorization?
Q. I replaced my computer, how do I transfer my data to the new computer?
Q. I setup a shift for my employees (in CompuTime101 Professional) and assigned it to them but when I recalculate nothing happened, why aren't the shift rules working?
Q. I am using the CompuTime101 software outside the U.S. Why don't the punches show up?

HandPunch Time Clocks
Q. How do I reset my HandPunch clock?
Q. How do I set the time on my HandPunch clock?
Q. How do I enroll my employees?
Q. How do I remove an employee from the clock?
Q. Why can't I add another employee (clock says "Sorry Can't Add")?
Q. How do I program an IP address (HP50E, HP1000E, HP3000E, HP4000E)?
Q. How do I communicate with a HandPunch located in a different location (by IP address)?
Q. I have a serial (RS232) communication clock but I do not have a 9 pin serial port on my computer, what do I do?
Q. How do I troubleshoot communication errors?
Q. The clock reads most hands but some employees are having a problem, what do I do?
Q. The clock does not read any hands, what do I do?
Q. I was enrolled as a supervisor but now I can't access the menus (it reads my hand but will not let me past the password), what do I do?
Q. How do I log into the supervisor section?
Q. The clock is asking for a password, what is it?
Q. Why is the clock displaying strange characters (C's and zeros)?

XLS 21 Time Clock
Q. How do I add/remove employees?
Q. Can I password protect the clock so an employee can't access the menus?
Q. The clock is asking for admin verification to log in but I don't know it, what can I do?
Q. What is the difference between a Supervisor, Administrator, and Enroller?
Q. What is the default IP address and how can I change it?
Q. How do I communicate with an XLS 21 located in a different location (by IP address)?
Q. How do I troubleshoot communication errors?
Q. I'm using serial (RS232) communication but I do not have a 9 pin serial port on my computer, what do I do?



CompuTime101 Software - General
Q. Can I install the software on more than one computer?
A. Yes, with the purchase of a multi-user license. Contact your dealer for purchase details.

Q. Can I use multiple clocks with one software?
A. Yes. There is no limit on how many clocks you can connect to with one software.

Q. Since the software supports both the XLS 21 clock and the HandPunch clock, can I use both at the same time with one software?
A. Yes.

Q. How do I backup my data?
A. The CompuTime101 software automatically creates a backup of the database when you exit the software. By default, backup files are created in the CT101\AutoBak\ folder and stored for 20 days. You can change the location and storage duration of backup files under File-->Software Utilities-->Advanced-->Automatic Backup. You can also make a more complete backup by copying the entire CT101 folder to a storage location of your choosing.

Q. What is the difference between CompuTime101 and CompuTime101 Professional?
A. CompuTime101 Professional adds the ability to use shift rules for enhanced time calculation. Rules such as revision zones, rounding, automatic lunch deduction, and more are included.

Q. Where can I found out more about the optional upgrades (Professional version, Job/Code collection, Multi-User license)?
A.

Q. I purchased upgrades but I didn't get the upgrade codes, how do I get them?
A. Upgrade codes are typically listed on your invoice. You can also click here and request all codes purchased for your serial number.

Q. I already have a HandPunch clock, is the CompuTime101 compatible?
A. The CompuTime101 will work with all F series HandPunch clocks (HP50E, HP1000, HP1000E, HP2000, HP3000, HP4000) and supports all types of communication (RS232/RS485 serial, modem, Ethernet). An optional HandPunch module upgrade code purchase may be required, contact your dealer to verify.

Q. Can I export the data to my payroll software?
A. The CompuTime101 software includes several payroll exports. Please contact your dealer or click here to check support for your payroll software or to inquire about a custom export.

Q. What about QuickBooks?
CompuTime101 (v3.007 and later) can create an .IIF timer file that QuickBooks can import. This file contains the employees worked hours. QuickBooks uses this file to create timesheets that can be converted into employee pay checks. There are a few configuration settings required in QuickBooks and CompuTime101, as detailed in these instructions (also available in PDF format). Click here to download the latest version of CompuTime101.

Q. What happens after my 90 days of free setup support expires?
A. Please contact your dealer to check price and availability of an extended support agreement, or click here to request a support agreement from Compumatic Time Recorders.



CompuTime101 Software - Technical
Q. I am trying to log in but it says the user is already logged in, what do I do?
A. You will receive this message if the software is open on another computer and this user is currently logged in. If the software is not installed on another computer or you are sure this user is not logged in elsewhere, click the button next to the user name box to log off the user and allow you to log in.

Q. Can I move the database to another computer, such as a file server?
A. Yes, The procedure is as follows:
1) Create a shared location for the database and make sure the computer with the software has read and write access to the shared folder.
2) Map a drive letter to the shared folder (recommended but not required).
3) Copy the database file (CTdata.mdb) from the local computer (default location C:\CT101\) to the shared network folder.
4) Open the CompuTime101 software. Select File-->Software Utilities-->Advanced-->Link Database, select the new database folder location, click link database.


Q. I want to change file locations and I found that option, why do I need authorization?
A. You can change the export folder location, however, the other file location options are locked for your protection. Changing the working or utility directories are rarely necessary. If you want to locate the database on another computer or file server, please refer to the FAQ titled "Can I move the database to another computer, such as a file server?" for instructions.

Q. I replaced my computer, how do I transfer my data to the new computer?
A. Moving the software to a new computer is simple. Follow these steps:
1) Install the software on the new computer using the original CD.
2) Copy the entire CT101 folder from the old computer to the new computer, replacing the folder installed from the CD.


Q. I setup a shift for my employees (in CompuTime101 Professional) and assigned it to them but when I recalculate nothing happened, why aren't the shift rules working?
A. Shifts are assigned to the punches when they are downloaded, based on the shift assigned to the employee at that time. If you change the shift assignment after the punches are downloaded you will have to use the advanced shift assignment option to assign the shift to past punches. Perform the following steps:
1) Open the Employees form.
2) Locate the employee you want to edit and double click on the shift assigned. Click yes to the message.
3) Double click on the shift assigned. Click yes to the message.
4) Enter the date you want the shift assignment to start and click ok. Click Save/Close. You will be prompted to recalculate punches, which is necessary to process the changes. You may click no if you plan to recalculate later.


Q. I am using the CompuTime101 software outside the U.S. Why don't the punches show up?
A. Check the short date format in your Windows regional settings and click here for more information.



HandPunch Time Clocks
Q. How do I reset my HandPunch clock?
A. Reset procedure:
1) Unplug the power cord
2) Locate the reset button. It is a small, white button located in the middle of the main board (near the bottom of the back of the clock).
3) Press and hold the reset button. Plug in the power cord while holding the reset button.
4) When the clock beeps, look at the display. If it shows the reset options, let go of the button.
5) Press 1 to reset the clock configuration or press 9 to reset everything (including punches and employees).


Q. How do I set the time on my HandPunch clock?
A. You can set the clock time from the CompuTime101 software or directly at the clock. To set the time from the software, select File-->Clock Utilities-->HandPunch Clocks-->Send Time To Clocks. To set the time at the clock, log into supervisor password area 2 and press NO until you get to the Set Date & Time option, then press yes. Enter the proper information (*** use 2 digits for the year and use 24 hour format for the hours).

Q. How do I enroll my employees?
A. Click here to view the enrollment instructions.

Q. How do I remove an employee from the clock?
A. Removing an employee is the same basic procedure as adding an employee, except choose the "Remove User" option in password area 4. Enter the employee number to remove and press enter. Click here to view the enrollment instructions.

Q. Why can't I add another employee (clock says "Sorry Can't Add")?
A. If you receive the "Sorry Can't Add" message before the employee is prompted to place their hand it means one of the following:
1) You are adding a number that already exists in the clock. You can't duplicate numbers.
2) You have reached the employee capacity of the clock. You must purchase an upgrade (if available for your model) or remove old employees to make room for new employees.

If the message appears after the employee places/removes their hand as instructed it means the clock was not able to record a good image of the hand. The employee may not be placing their hand properly or consistently. Prior to enrollment, show the employee how to place their hand and let them try it a few times to get comfortable with the proper positioning (hand relaxed, all the way forward, fingers against the pegs). If you place your hand over their hand to correct the finger placement during the enrollment procedure it will prevent the clock from getting a proper image.


Q. How do I program an IP address (HP50E, HP1000E, HP3000E, HP4000E)?
A. Click here to view the network configuration instructions.

Q. How do I communicate with a HandPunch located in a different location (by IP address)?
A. If the clock and software are in different locations and on different networks, port forwarding is likely the required setup. You will define the clock in CompuTime101 using the public IP address of the clock location. The clock IP address should be set according the the local area network it is connected to. A port forward must be configured in the router at the clock location to direct TCP port 3001 to the clock IP address on that LAN. Consult your router manual or network admin for instructions on creating a port forward in the router.

Q. I have a serial (RS232) communication clock but I do not have a 9 pin serial port on my computer, what do I do?
A. You need to purchase a serial to USB adapter. It is a common computer adapter available in many office/computer supply stores. You should also contact your dealer for competitive prices.

Q. How do I troubleshoot communication errors?
A. Communication errors can occur for many reasons. Here are a few things to check based on the communication method used:
RS232 Serial (direct to the 9 pin port on the computer) - Verify the cables are plugged in securely on both the clock and computer. Make sure the correct clock type and com port are set in the software (baud should be 9600). A port conflict may exist with another software product on your computer so a serial to USB adapter may be required.
Modem - Verify the phone number in the software is correct (do not use dashes or parenthesis). Call the clock with a regular phone, it should answer in one to three rings and sound like a fax machine. If you are using a splitter to share the phone line with another item, unplug the other item in case it is interfering.
Ethernet (TCPIP, IP address) - Verify the correct clock type and communication method is selected in the software. Verify the network settings programmed in the clock (or external Ethernet adapter if applicable). Some models can use an internal Ethernet adapter only, some use an external adapter only, and some can use both. For example, if you have a HandPunch 1000E model, the configuration is different than the HandPunch 1000 model and it will not communicate if you select the wrong clock type, even if the IP address is correct. Also, the IP address should not have leading zeros in the software (i.e. 192.168.001.010 will not work, it should be entered as 192.168.1.10).


Q. The clock reads most hands but some employees are having a problem, what do I do?
A. Check the clock calibration, clean the surfaces, re-enroll the employee. To check the calibration, press the NO(*) key on the clock 11 times. It will show 3 values and they should be r0 c0 e100. The manufacturer's acceptable range for the r and c values is +/- 2. The range for the e value is +/- 20. A high e value usually means the clock is dirty (the reflective surfaces on the outside and/or the glass above the hand inside and outside). If the r or c values are out of range it could need cleaning, a physical camera adjustment, or factory service. It is also possible that the clock has a poor image of the employee's hand. You should remove them from the clock and re-enroll them (using the same pin number) to get a fresh image. No changes are necessary in the software.

Q. The clock does not read any hands, what do I do?
A. Check the calibration values. To check the calibration, press the NO(*) key on the clock 11 times. It will show 3 values and they should be r0 c0 e100. The manufacturer's acceptable range for the r and c values is +/- 2. The range for the e value is +/- 20. A high e value usually means the clock is dirty (the reflective surfaces on the outside and/or the glass above the hand inside and outside). If the r or c values are out of range it could need cleaning, a physical camera adjustment, or factory service. If the r or c values are in the 250's then there is probably a hardware problem. Contact your dealer or click here to send a support request to Compumatic Time Recorders, Inc. Include the serial number of your HandPunch (press the NO(*) key 10 times at the clock to get the serial number) and include your original invoice number for the clock purchase (if it was purchased from Compumatic).

Q. I was enrolled as a supervisor but now I can't access the menus (it reads my hand but will not let me past the password), what do I do?
A. The clock does not recognize you as a supervisor. If another supervisor is enrolled, have them remove your hand and re-enroll you as a supervisor (using the same pin number you used to use). If no other supervisors are enrolled, click here to request additional support.

Q. How do I log into the supervisor section?
A. If nobody is enrolled yet, press enter then clear quickly (one right after the other, within one second). When prompted for the password, type the menu password you want to access (the commonly used passwords are 2 for configuration and 4 for enrollment). If you are enrolling yourself and you are the first user in the clock, make sure to add yourself as a supervisor, NOT an employee.
If you are already enrolled as a supervisor, press enter then clear quickly (one right after the other, within one second), enter your number (the one you were enrolled with) and press enter, place your hand to verify, when prompted for the password type the menu password you want to access (the commonly used passwords are 2 for configuration and 4 for enrollment).


Q. The clock is asking for a password, what is it?
A. The passwords are as follows:
1 - Calibration
2 - Configuration
3 - View users and available user space
4 - Enroll users
5 - Special enroll (for people with physical hand problems)


Q. Why is the clock displaying strange characters (C's and zeros)?
A. The status display was turned on. Log into password area 1 to turn off the status display



XLS 21 Time Clock
Q. How do I add/remove employees?
A. If no admin’s are defined, any user can access the menus. Enrolling at least one admin AS A SUPERVISOR with a secure id is recommended. User manage options are:
Menu-->User Manage-->Enroll User
Menu-->User Manage-->Enroll Admin
Menu-->User Manage-->Delete
There are 3 admin levels:
Enroller - Limited rights
Admin - Almost all rights
Supervisor - All rights
Enrollment options are:
Reg RFID - Associate a PIN number with a badge card. The employee will only be able to punch in/out with the badge card.
Enroll Pwd - Enter a PIN number and password. The password should be 0 for all users. The employee will only be able to punch in/out with the PIN number.
Reg Card&Pwd - Associate a PIN number with a badge card. The password should be 0 for all users. The employee will be able to punch in/out with the PIN number or badge card.


Q. Can I password protect the clock so an employee can't access the menus?
A. Yes, if you enroll at least one admin then only an admin can access the menus. If you enroll an admin, at least one should be setup as a SUPERVISOR.

Q. The clock is asking for admin verification to log in but I don't know it, what can I do?
A. Contact your dealer or click here

Q. What is the difference between a Supervisor, Administrator, and Enroller?
A. There are 3 admin levels:
Enroller - Limited rights
Admin - Almost all rights
Supervisor - All rights


Q. What is the default IP address and how can I change it?
A. At the clock select Menu-->Options-->Comm Opt-->(IP Addr)(NetMask)(Gateway)
The default IP address is 192.168.1.201


Q. How do I communicate with an XLS 21 located in a different location (by IP address)?
A. If the clock and software are in different locations and on different networks, port forwarding is likely the required setup. You will define the clock in CompuTime101 using the public IP address of the clock location. The clock IP address should be set according the the local area network it is connected to. A port forward must be configured in the router at the clock location to direct UDP port 4370 to the clock IP address on that LAN. Consult your router manual or network admin for instructions on creating a port forward in the router.

Q. How do I troubleshoot communication errors?
A. Communication errors can occur for many reasons. Here are a few things to check based on the communication method used:
RS232 Serial (direct to the 9 pin port on the computer) - Verify the cables are plugged in securely on both the clock and computer. Make sure the correct clock type and com port are set in the software. A port conflict may exist with another software product on your computer so a serial to USB adapter may be required.
Ethernet (TCPIP, IP address) - Verify the correct clock type and communication method is selected in the software. Verify the network settings programmed in the clock. The IP address should not have leading zeros in the software (i.e. 192.168.001.010 will not work, it should be entered as 192.168.1.10).


Q. I'm using serial (RS232) communication but I do not have a 9 pin serial port on my computer, what do I do?
A. You need to purchase a serial to USB adapter. It is a common computer adapter available in many office/computer supply stores. You should also contact your dealer for competitive prices.