Check Your Settings

Troubleshooting Your Scoreboard After a Software Reinstall

Has your scoreboard suddenly started acting weird? Maybe things aren’t working like they used to. If you’ve recently reinstalled your IST software (either from a USB or demo), chances are your settings got reset. Don’t panic it’s a common issue, and the good news is you can fix it.

When you reinstall MEETWARE or TIMEWARE, the program loads default settings. The problem? Those defaults may not match your pool. Below, we’ll walk you through how to restore your settings (either from a backup or manually).

Why Backups Matter

Every time you shut down MEETWARE or TIMEWARE, you’re asked if you want to back up your system. Always click YES.

Here’s why:

A backup ensures you won’t lose your settings if your computer crashes.

We recommend saving to a USB drive or network drive—someplace safe and accessible.

Your backup file will be named something like BACKUP_SYSTEM.zip. (The word SYSTEM is the folder name where your data lives, this becomes important later.)

Restoring Settings from a Backup

If you’ve got a backup, restoring your pool and scoreboard settings is quick and painless.

Step 1: Reinstall the software and license file, then open the program by right-clicking and selecting Run as Administrator.
Step 2: Go to Utilities → System and select the LITE (default) system.
Step 3: If your backup file is BACKUP_LITE.zip, skip to Step 5.
Step 4: Create a new system by clicking NEW. Name it, then enter the SYSTEM folder name from your backup (all caps, no spaces). Press Enter again. Password optional.
Step 5: Click EXIT to return to the main menu.
Step 6: Go to Utilities → Backup/Restore.
Step 7: Browse for your Backup_SYSTEM.zip and click Restore. When prompted, select YES to use Customer Settings.

That’s it! Your setup is restored!

Restoring Settings Manually

No backup? No worries. You can still reset everything manually.

Step 1: Reinstall the software and license file. Open it as Administrator.
Step 2: Go to Utilities → System and select LITE system.
Step 3: (Optional) Create a new system by clicking NEW, entering a name, and creating a folder (all caps, no spaces).
Step 4: Review and update your settings:

  • Lanes in your pool
  • Pool length & measurement
  • Scoreboard manufacturer
  • Scroll lines (usually 0 or 1)
  • Fixed lines (usually = lanes)
  • Characters per line (16 is standard; 32 for double wide or BOARDWARE)
  • Numeric checkbox (checked if numeric-only board, unchecked for alphanumeric/BOARDWARE)
  • Primary Input (default = Pads, but use Button if no touchpads)
  • Backup Input (default = 1 Button)
  • Alternate Scoreboard (set to BOARDWARE if using, otherwise NONE)

Don’t Forget Hardware Setup

Once your system settings are saved:

1. Go to Utilities → Setup Hardware.

2. Select your CTI Port (Timer Port and Main Scoreboard).

Using BOARDWARE? Set Secondary Scoreboard/BOARDWARE Timing Port to COM 11.

Not using BOARDWARE? Set it to NONE.

3. If you’re running GNET with HyTek, configure that here as well.

Test Before You Run Your Meet

Before race day, double-check that everything is working:

 

Deck Cable Test: Go to Meets → Diagnostics → Deck Cable to confirm CTI connection.

Scoreboard Test: Go to Meets → Diagnostics → Scoreboard to make sure the scoreboard displays correctly.

Once both tests pass, you’re ready to run your meet.

Final Tip: We’re Here to Help

If you hit a snag, remember that IST provides free 24/7 technical support. If you call after hours, just leave a message for Technical Support. 

1. Back up regularly.
2. Double-check your settings after reinstalling.
3. Run diagnostics before meet day.

Do those three things, and you’ll be set for a smooth meet every time.

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