Database fails to initialize
If you are installing the Image Competition Manager (ICM) program on a new computer, you must first install the Microsoft SQL Server Express LocalDB program. This program is a database that manages the competition data on your computer.
Sometimes the LocalDB program does not install properly or cannot start. Be sure to follow the instructions on installing the LocalDB program. You find these using your website menu "Help", "Install the Image Competition Manager".
If you still have trouble, start a "command prompt" and enter "sqllocaldb create MSSQLLocalDB". This should help resolve the issue.
A different issue can occur when placing the ICM data folder on a drive with a sector size larger than 4096 bytes. There is a known issue where Windows 11 mis-reports the sector size on some SSD drives. The issue only really shows up when upgrading from Win10 to Win11. You could search for a command that shows the correct sector size to see if this is your problem.
The safest place to store your ICM data without encountering problems is to use C:\ICMData. Other drives might have incompatibilities.
To reset where your ICM database and folder are located you need to delete the ICM configuration file. Delete C:\Users\Public\Software Pursuits\Image Competition Manager3.ICM3.config. When you start the ICM program again it will prompt you for your data folder location.