Thread: aera 795 stuck on 'Loader' after fw update (could getting Unit ID from GMA or UNL files help?)

@MY58002
If your Aera is otherwise healthy with no physical flash damage, then the symptom of "LOADING" constantly on the screen means that it's trying to load an update. Probably that update file is corrupt or incomplete which is why it can't load. In other words, the device is soft 'bricked'.

I'm not sure why you feel it's necessary to obtain the UID, but if you have a backup you can look at the file named GarminDevice.xml contained in the Garmin folder. If the device can attain pre-boot then you can get the UID from [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]. Look here for more info on 3 methods to find HWID: [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]. You can see the UID by the same methods. You'll likely going to need to 'cure' the device by loading a modified software in any case so that you can re-enable Mass Storage Mode (MSM) to delete likely offending files. See Cure3 link below for how to make a cure firmware which can only be loaded via Updater.exe with the device in pre-boot mode, another reason to hope pre-boot's available. You should also check it's HWID so as to be sure you get the right firmware to modify. Links to read:
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (I think preboot screen hold position is likely upper left corner, if not it's lower left corner).

It's worth checking if MSM is actually still available. It's unlikely but to see, ensure the device is fully off and then plug it into a PC. If 'loader' starts up on the screen before you see a computer tower symbol on it then it's not going to work. If MSM is there, you can delete any software files - look for files with extension of .GCD and .BIN in particular.

Thank you so much for your support!

I read all of the links you listed and I have a feeling that entering pre-boot mode is a crucial step to continue further. I understand it usually requires pressing down on a specific touch screen area while plugging the USB cable in.
Well I tried all the corners, above G and G letter in "Garmin" but no success so far. There are 4 touch keys below the screen so I will try to play with it a little more but it seems the combinations are endless.

Thanks again! I really appreciate your help.

BTW. I wanted to get the UID in order to see if one can download the fimware from Garmin website instead of the WebUpdater package. Reading through the Cure tool thread I discovered there actually is a way to do this easilly without UID. Awesome!