Thread: WARNING: don't brick your nüvi 14xx / 1490

Just a word of advice to prevent people from bricking their nüvi 1490.

I received a nüvi 1490, HWID 0972, from a friend. When updating via WebUpdater, it was offered WW AUTOROUTE DEM BMAP WEATHER:

Spoiler: image

However, when trying to install the update, an error message pops up, saying the update file is corrupt:

Spoiler: image

Then, WebUpdater shows that the transfer is aborted:

Spoiler: image

Interestingly, GarminExpress does not offer this update. However, the file can also be found online here:

Code:

Please Login or Register to see the links

and the installation of it can be forced via WebUpdater as follows:

Spoiler: image

Apparently, either this file indeed is corrupt, or it is not intended for nüvi 14xx (possibly being the reason GarminExpress does not offer this update?), as it bricks the device. When powering up, it hangs on the bare Garmin splash screen, even before "Loading maps" comes into view, because the GUPDATE.GCD file has become corrupt. The way to fix it, is to use kunix' Cure and to delete the file GUPDATE.GCD from the folder X:\.System. For instructions how to do so, see here: [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] and follow steps 1 and 3 only.

Note: X:\.System is a hidden folder. Make sure your computer is set to show hidden files and folders, or you may not be able to find it.

Originally Posted by SanFrancisco

Apparently, either this file indeed is corrupt, or it is not intended for nüvi 14xx (possibly being the reason GarminExpress does not offer this update?), as it bricks the device.

Have you tried just copying this *.img to the .System folder renaming it to gmapbmap.img ?

From the Garmin link:
WARNING: If this software is uploaded to a device other than that for which it is designed, you will not be able to operate that device.
•If attempts to upload software fail, you may need to return the device to Garmin® for service.

Originally Posted by Cnfhbr

Have you tried just copying this *.img to the .System folder renaming it to gmapbmap.img ?

Thanks for the suggestion. That works a lot better! The base map now got updated from version 5.00 to version 6.00:

Spoiler: pic1

Old gmapbmap.img file

Spoiler: pic2

New gmapbmap.img file

Originally Posted by Bushwalker8

From the Garmin link:
WARNING: If this software is uploaded to a device other than that for which it is designed, you will not be able to operate that device.
•If attempts to upload software fail, you may need to return the device to Garmin® for service.

Yes, obviously I have read that. If this file was not intended for my device, then why did WebUpdater offer it in the first place?
The workaround suggested by Cnfhbr works fine, proving the file is compatible with my device.


Please, use spoilers for large pictures. Read carefully:
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
and
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

I also got the error message when trying to install the update, the file is corrupt.