How To Transfer TimeZero on a new computer

When moving TimeZero to a new computer, it is important to properly transfer your User Objects, optional settings, and your license, while reinstalling the software and charts correctly. This chapter explains the recommended procedure step by step:

Back up your User Objects (routes, marks, tracks, etc.)
Optionally save your interface and WorkSpace settings
Remove or transfer your license from the old computer
Install and activate TimeZero on the new computer
Reinstall charts
Restore your data and reconfigure instruments connections

Back Up Your User Objects

The first step is to back up your User Objects from the old computer. The most reliable way to transfer all your user data to another installation of TimeZero when using the same or a newer version, is to export a Backup Collection file.

A Collection is the recommended backup format because it conveniently groups all user objects into a single file. This includes routes, marks, boundaries, and tracks, as well as 3D data and layer configuration. It is essentially a complete snapshot of your data.

To create this backup, open TimeZero and select "Backup Collection" from the TIMEZERO menu. This will generate a file that can later be imported on the new computer to restore your data.

Note: It is important to understand that importing a Collection does not merge data. Instead, it overwrites all User Objects that may already exist on the new computer. In most cases, this is not a concern because the new computer typically contains no data yet. However, if the new computer already contains routes or marks, it is better to export objects from the old computer using the TZX format through the Import/Export Wizard, since this format allows merging rather than replacing existing data.

You should also keep in mind that charts and software settings are not stored inside a Collection. Charts must always be reinstalled separately, and settings require a different backup method described in the next step.

Optionally Save Your Settings

TimeZero can be highly customized to match your preferences, including toolbar organization, WorkSpace design, NavData configuration, and software Options. If you want to keep these settings when moving to a new computer, you can save them into a User Interface file.

To do so, select "Save UI As…" from the TIMEZERO menu. This will create a file containing your interface and customization settings.

It is important to note that instruments configuration is not included in this file, and it will need to be reconfigured on the new computer.

Remove TimeZero and Release the License

Before activating TimeZero on a new computer, you must release the license from the old one. The recommended approach is to completely uninstall the software from Windows on the old computer.

Start by exiting TimeZero, then open the Windows Add/Remove Programs control panel. Uninstall TimeZero and make sure to select the option for a full uninstallation. This removes the software, charts, user objects, and most importantly, it removes the license activation from the computer. This step is required because it returns a license token to the activation server, allowing the software to be activated again on the new system.

If you prefer to keep TimeZero installed on the old computer as a backup, you can remove only the license without uninstalling the program. This can be done from the Windows Start menu by locating the TimeZero program group and selecting Remove License from Computer.

If no Internet connection is available during license removal, TimeZero will display a removal evidence code and save a text file in the My Documents folder. This file must be sent to Technical Support so that the license token can be credited manually.

Install TimeZero on the New Computer

Once the license has been released, TimeZero can be installed on the new computer. The installer is available online through the MyTimeZero portal. Log in to mytimezero.com, and under "My TIMEZERO", click on My TimeZero Software, and locate your product information. From there you will be able to retrieve your license number and download the latest installer.

Run the installer on the new computer and complete the installation process. After installation, launch TimeZero and activate it using your license number. Once activation is complete, the software will be ready to receive your charts and user data.

Install Charts

Charts are not included in Collection backup and should not be transferred manually from the old computer. The recommended method is always to download and reinstall them properly.

If you are using TZ MAPS charts, they can be installed directly from within the software. If you are using older MM3D charts, the download links are available in the Charts section under My TimeZero Software.

For more information about installing charts, please refer to Installing Charts.

Restore Your User Objects

Once TimeZero and charts are installed, you can restore your user objects data.

If you created a Collection backup file, simply select "Open Collection" from the TIMEZERO menu and open the file you previously exported. This will restore your full database of User Objects.

Note: If you want to merge data instead of overwriting, import the user objects using the Import/Export Wizard and the TZX format.

Optionally Restore Your Settings

If you saved a User Interface settings file earlier, you may now restore it on the new computer. To do so, exit TimeZero completely and double-click the saved UI file. TimeZero will reopen automatically and apply your settings.

Reconfigure Input and Output Connections

The final step is to configure your input and output on the new computer. In most cases, I/O settings cannot be transferred directly because serial COM port assignments and network interfaces may differ from one computer to another.

For this reason, GPS, AIS, and other instruments (all NMEA connections) inputs and outputs should be configured again on the new computer. Please review the Connection Wizard chapter for more information. If your computer is connected to a Furuno Radar or Sounder, the IP address of the new computer will need to be adjusted. Simply refer to the instructions available under the "Installation" chapter for your Furuno device.