Garmin Nuvi 42 update problem, not recognized by Garmin Express or Windows

**popac86** · 2nd September 2023, 09:24 PM

I have a Nuvi 42 navigation device, software version 4.0. The Garmin USB cable is original, and I have Garmin drivers installed on my laptop. The cable is in good condition, and I've tried changing USB ports, but Garmin Express doesn't recognize the navigation device. Additionally, my laptop doesn't detect anything when I plug in the USB cable. There's no specific Windows sound indicating that something is connected to the USB. The navigation device functions normally otherwise, but it has outdated maps from 2014, so I wanted to update them. Could the USB port on the navigation device be faulty? Charging works perfectly fine. Is it possible to update the maps using a MicroSD card, or is there any guidance on how to activate the USB port? I'm seeking assistance, and thank you to everyone.

**Garman_Nuvi** · 2nd September 2023, 09:52 PM

Originally Posted by popac86

my laptop doesn't detect anything when I plug in the USB cable

Your cable is not a device ,but if you mean plug in another USB device like a thumb drive, this would suggest a problem with your laptop , have you tried another cable, reinstalling the Garmin USB drivers or attaching your nuvi 42 to another PC ?

Assuming your nuvi 42 has Lifetime map updates you can update the device by using the clone method on an SD card.

**popac86** · 2nd September 2023, 10:18 PM

My laptop is working fine. I was referring to connecting the USB cable with the Garmin device on the other end. I've tried reinstalling drivers and also tested it on another computer with Windows 7, 10, and 11. None of the computers recognize the navigation or Garmin Express. I even tried with a different cable. It's frustrating... Where can I find the content of the microSD card that I could clone onto my empty card? Thank you for your response Garman_Nuvi

**Garman_Nuvi** · 2nd September 2023, 11:17 PM

Often the USB socket gets damaged or the contacts on the PCB break away which [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] ,if that is the case it can be worth trying to plug the device in to your laptop and manipulate the micro USB plug gently while it is in the socket of the device to make connection.
Please confirm this device has Lifetime map updates & currently has old maps for the region you want on it or else it is going to be a waste of time.

Substitute your device ID in the garmindevice.xml

Spoiler: Put your device ID into garmindevice.xml

Then place on a clean/empty FAT 32 formatted SD card in a folder called Garmin.
Use Garmin Express to update the maps on this clone of your device.(I used the example of Central Europe )

Spoiler: Arrange & rename the files as shown.

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

Edit: popac86 posted it was successful and included a picture.

**Y2G** · 8th September 2023, 04:08 PM

Try this

Code:

Please Login or Register to see the links

**finalmatrixx** · 22nd December 2023, 03:12 PM

I have the same problem with Nuvi 50 purchased in 2015 with lifetime map.
After the 2024.10 update, it's no longer detected by computer or Garmin Express. I tried different OS: win7, win 10, win 11. None detected it.
The USB cable is fine. I tried transfering data on a flash drive using the same USB cable.
I went to the testing page by long pressing battery icon. It shows USB DC current but USB connection not detected.
I suspect Garmin update bricked the GPS from last update.
But navigation still works.

**Garman_Nuvi** · 22nd December 2023, 11:20 PM

Originally Posted by finalmatrixx

it's no longer detected by computer or Garmin Express.
But navigation still works.

Still working would mean its not bricked, you've eliminated the USB cable, USB drivers & PC.
I guess it is still able to use the Vehicle power cable.

These nuvi 4x 5x suffer from the USB port breaking away from the PCB. The first thing I would do is see if the whole USB socket has any movement
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
If it is loose repair is the best solution, but there are ways to update your device via SD card

Spoiler: YT video

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