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How to Re-image and Factory Reset a WATCHPAX

How to Re-image and Factory Reset a WATCHPAX Overview

This article covers the procedure to update the system image and perform a factory reset on WATCHPAX hardware (models 20, 30, 40, 60, 62, 64).

This is needed when:

  • The unit is unresponsive or stuck on boot

  • You need to update to a newer image revision (e.g. R30)

  • You want to restore the unit to a clean factory state

Prerequisites

  • A USB flash drive (8 GB or larger recommended)

  • The correct image file (ISO or IMG) for your WATCHPAX model

  • Rufus — free tool to create bootable USB drives

  • A USB keyboard

  • A display connected to one of the DisplayPort outputs

Important: Re-imaging will clear ALL data on the unit. Back up your show/content before proceeding.

Image files by model

Model Image Notes
WATCHPAX 62 R30 (UPDATE_WP62_r30_20250923.iso Current recommended image
WATCHPAX 30 R30 Same update procedure
WATCHPAX 2  R33 (cz-woc-r33-181011.img) Legacy model, uses .img format
WATCHPAX 40/60/64 Contact Dataton Support Model-specific images available on request

Contact Dataton Support for download links — images are not publicly distributed.

Step 1: Create a Bootable USB Stick

  1. Download and open Rufus.

  2. Click SELECT and browse to the downloaded image file (ISO or IMG).

  3. Rufus will auto-detect the correct parameters.

  4. Click START. Click OK when prompted that Rufus will format the USB drive.

  5. Wait for the process to complete (may take up to 30 minutes depending on USB speed).

  6. Close Rufus when done. 

The USB stick name should match the image file name.

Step 2: Apply the Image to the WATCHPAX

  1. Insert the bootable USB flash drive into one of the USB ports on the back of the WATCHPAX.

  2. Insert a USB keyboard into the second USB port.

  3. Connect a display to one of the DisplayPort outputs.

  4. Power up the WATCHPAX unit. Press F11 immediately after startup to open the boot menu.

  5. Select the USB device from the boot menu and press Enter.

  6. If any prompt menus appear, confirm the first/default options.

  7. Wait for the process to complete — do NOT interrupt it.

  8. The screen may change multiple times. When finished, the WATCHPAX will automatically power off.

  9. Common mistake: Forgetting to press F11.

  10. Without F11, the unit boots normally from the internal drive and the USB image is never applied. This is the #1 reported issue.

Step 3: Factory Reset

After the image has been written to the recovery drive, perform a factory reset:

  1. Power on the WATCHPAX (without the USB stick).

  2. During boot, watch for the countdown timer in the top-left corner.

  3. Press ESC during the countdown to access the reset menu.

  4. Choose one of:

    1. Reset to factory settings — full wipe, clean state

    2. Reset and keep user data — preserves show data where possible

  5. Wait for the reset to complete.

Troubleshooting

USB boot option not appearing

  • Try a different USB port (rear ports are more reliable).

  • Ensure the USB stick was created correctly with Rufus.

  • Some units may need a BIOS boot order correction — contact Support if F11 doesn't show the USB option.

ESC key doesn't open reset menu

  • The boot order may have been changed by a Windows update or BIOS change.

  • Try F11 to manually select the correct boot entry (look for "Watchout" or the M.2 drive).

  • If the issue persists, contact Support — a boot order repair ISO may be needed.

Unit boots to Windows desktop instead of WATCHOUT

Perform a factory reset (Step 3 above) to restore the WATCHOUT boot configuration.

After Re-imaging:

  • Install the latest WATCHOUT version (currently 7.7.1).

  • Re-upload your show content via the Asset Manager.

  • Verify all outputs and network connectivity.

Last updated: 30 March 2026 · Dataton Support