Windows Settings
Basic computer setup and Windows settings
DO NOT just open your show file
ALWAYS open Spikemark through the Start Menu or Task Bar and then use File>Open to open your show
This will ensure that your show and machinery load properly in the software.
Windows Security Settings
Allow Spikemark to communicate through Windows Defender Firewall
Add an app from the list of allowed apps
Select the Start menu
, type , and select
Windows+R -->
firewall.cpl
--> Allow an App through Windows Firewall
Select
. You might be asked for an administrator password or to confirm your choice.
Scroll down to Spikemark and Spikemark_Pendant_Port.
Check any boxes that are blank and select
to save.
-- if Spikemark is not on the list --
Select
and Browse or enter the path for the app. Select SpikeMark.exe and click
then
Default location is
C:\Program Files\Spikemark
Return to Step 3 above to allow Spikemark through.
Open a port
Select the Start menu
, type
Windows Defender Firewall
, and selectWindows+R -->
firewall.cpl
Select
on the side navigation menu. You might be asked for an administrator password or to confirm your choice.
Select
.
To open a port, select
and complete the instructions.
then select
Browse for the path to where you installed Spikemark. If you used the default location, copy this into the window:
%ProgramFiles%\Spikemark\SpikeMark.exe
then selectSelect
then select
Check all boxes for When does this rule apply? then select
Name the rule
Spikemark
and select
Allow UDP in Spikemark
Select the Start menu
, type
Windows Defender Firewall
, and selectWindows+R -->
firewall.cpl
Select
on the side navigation menu. You might be asked for an administrator password or to confirm your choice
Select
Scroll to Spikemark left click to select it. It wil highlight blue
Copy and past the rule using CTRL+C then CTRL+V
Click
in the header 2x (not double click) to refresh the list
Select either Spikemark rule then select
from the right hand Actions menu
Select the Protocols and Ports menu at the top, then change the Protocol type: to UDP using the dropdown menu and select
to save
Open Port for Spikemark Pendant
Select the Start menu
, type
Windows Defender Firewall
, and selectWindows+R -->
firewall.cpl
Select
on the side navigation menu. You might be asked for an administrator password or to confirm your choice
Select
To open a port, select
and complete the instructions.
then select
Select
then type
8080
intothen select
Select
then select
Check all boxes for When does this rule apply? then select
Name the rule
Spikemark_Pendant_Port
and select
Windows Update
Even though we turn it off so that it does not interfere with our network or running a show, it is best practice to keep Windows up to date.
Turn off Windows Update through the Services App
Select the Start menu, type services, and select it from the list of results
Scroll down the list of Services to Windows Update and select it
Select the option to Stop the service
Windows Power Settings
It is best practice to make sure that your computer is as responsive as possible:
Window+R -->
control.exe powercfg.cpl,,3
Change the following settings for each power plan from the drop down menu
Windows Network Adapters
We recommend turning off any network adapters that are not being used by Spikemark to avoid network interference
Windows+R -->
ncpa.cpl
Right click on each unused network adapter and select

If you use a VPN, this must also be disabled to connect in Spikemark
Last updated
Was this helpful?