Thread: Garmin GMA protection and the "Unauthenticated" status

all new Garmin devices use .gma :
37xx
24xx
23xx
22xx
169x
14xx
13xx
12xx
then all the firmwares updated recently in every devices, probably since jan 2010.

In attempting to install the 2012.10 maps on my device I encountered the GMA authentication error. I however read this thread late at night and it just didn't read right to me. It wasn't clear as to which way to go. In my reading of it, it appeared that using Map Reverse Converter and the Garmin Unlocker would remove GMA authentication. This apparently is not the case, if my experience with 2012.10 is any indicator.

Now, why did I go through all the trouble? Why didn't I just wait for someone else to post their Mapsource files? Well, someone did post the Mapsource files, but I went through all this trouble because my current Nuvi has lifetime map updates and to me it was critical to be able to use the map set I downloaded from Garmin. This way I didn't have to rely on someone at Noeman GSM to post it. The only thing I have to wait for, and not very long for that matter, is the JCV file. This is because my download from Garmin doesn't include JCV files, being an "ordinary" 1300LM to them and not a model with Junction View, Lane Assist and the Speed Limit indicator (see tutorial [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]).

My solution is below, and eliminates the need to use the Jetmouse Keygen, does not require patched Mapsource executables, and strips out GMA authentication. This tutorial assumes use of an unpatched Mapinstall, which limits transfers to the GPS or SD cards. There is a patch for MapInstall (see notes below) that removes this limitation.

1. Install [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]. This is a legal method of getting Mapsource on to the computer without buying a map set.
2. Install [Only registered and activated users can see links. ].
3. Install [Only registered and activated users can see links. ].
4. Download the latest Garmin map set from Garmin, but set it to install to computer only.
5. Download this [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]. Copy it into the map set directory (e.g C:\ProgramData\GARMIN\Maps\City Navigator North America 2012.10.gmap) and run it. NOTE: Thanks Catymag.
6. Run MapInstall and transfer the maps to the GPS. NOTE: SD card is faster.
7. Copy the maps from the GPS to a directory on the hard drive, e.g. C:\Garmin\IMG\
8. Download [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] and run it.
9. Select the .img file to be converted.
10. Let Fast IMG Unlocker do its work.
11. Transfer the maps to the GPS.

NOTES:

• The links to the appropriate threads have been given rather than direct links to the files. Direct file links go dead on occasion, so linking to the appropriate threads is more useful.
• Installing the patch for MapInstall [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] removes the limitation of transferring files to only the GPS or SD card. Using this will consolidate steps 6 and 7 and will save some time.
• This tutorial does not mention copying the MapSource map directory then uninstalling the map set because I am unsure this is necessary. The maps have the GMA authentication within them and not in the registry.
• The possibility exists that the first time MapSource is run after unlocking the maps it may not find them. To fix this, simply select "View" in MapSource, then "Select Map Set". The map set should appear in the list.
• This tutorial assumes a lifetime map subscription from Garmin, as noted in the introductory paragraphs. Maps can be downloaded from [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] instead of Garmin if desired.

all great thanks, but if you run this
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
you dont need anything else, your Mapsource map will be unlocked and you'll send an unlocked .img to any gps unit

I didn't see that one. LOL.

I'll have to try it the next time around. Like I mentioned, it was late at night when I read the thread. It simply surprised me that the combination of map reverse converter and garmin unlocker, which I used to unlock 2011.40 without a problem, would give me a problem with 2012.10.

If you have problems with the installer try this:
install Mapsource last version,patch it, transfer from the other pc ,where your map is installed properly ,the CNE gmap folder you find in :
(in XP - C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\GARMIN\Maps) or
(in Vista, Windows 7 - C:\ProgramData\Garmin\Maps)
run in it this tool
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
the map is big it will need some minutes-
I think it will solve your problems