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How to reboot Linux TouchTime clocks nightly

How to reboot Linux TouchTime clocks nightly

Owned by Knowledge Assistant
Last updated: Jan 16, 2025
2 min read
Description of Issue

Is there a way to reboot the Linux TouchTime clocks nightly?

Context

  • TouchTime

  • Linux

  • Crontab

  • Reboot

Cause

Informational

Resolution

*NOTE* - This process can be difficult. These changes should be made by someone familiar with managing TouchTime clocks. 

With Linux, crontab can be leveraged for an automated restart on the Linux TouchTime clocks. The below instructions calls up the crontab file in editing mode, but the editor will be vi. 

  1. Login as root with putty to the timeclock's IP address

    1. Don't have a record of the root password? Please contact Time & Attendance Support or log a case via the Online Support Client Portal and reference this article

  2. At # prompt, type crontab -e

    1. The screen will change, which is the crontab file

  3. Enter lowercase o

    1. This stands for 'open a line below' and the cursor will be positioned on the next line

  4. Type the following information followed by the ESC key:

    1. 0 23 * * * /sbin/shutdown -r now;

    2. Note: The second number determines the reboot time. Any number can be used from 0-23

      1. 23 is equivalent to 11pm

      2. 21 is 9pm, 22 is 10pm

      3. 0 is 12am, 1 is 1am, 2 is 2am, and so on

    3. ESC is not part of the command and just tells the editor to leave the insert mode

  5. The cursor should be positioned over the ; (semicolon) now. Press ENTER

  6. Type :wq

    1. (colon, w, q) - informs write the file and quit

  7. If a mistake was made, hit ESC a few times (usually beeps) followed by :q!

    1. (Colon,q,!) tells the editor to abandon changes and retry

  8. This will schedule the clock to reboot nightly at 11pm or at time of choosing

Additional Information

Additional references: