Garmin 255W need help

Did GE offer to re-install detail maps?

I know what's going on with the lack of file name - you have your PC's File Explorer options set to hide extensions for known file types. For example, it's showing Current.gpx in full because that's not a very 'common' windows file. XML is a common file type. To see common file names, use windows search to look for and open Control Panel, then follow the steps shown in the pic below to uncheck the option. Afterwards that file which you previously saw as just "GarminDevice" will show as "GarminDevice.xml".

Spoiler: Click for Image

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Hey Neil:

I finally have the GarminDevice.xml but, the GPX folder is still there. UGH


Map updates available for a fee with with GE.

nuMaps Onetime City Navigator North America NT (A single update to replace your existing map with the most current version)
and
nuMaps North America (Pay once and update your map anytime a new version is available)

I followed your instructions as noted, now Garmin (D) has
Garmin and System Volume Information

In the Garmin folder is:

GarminDevice.xml (MS Edge HTML Document)
in addition to the files I mentioned in my previous post

System Volume has:

IndexerVolumeGuid (File)
WPSetting.dat (DAT File)

Hope this is helping somewhat.

Cheers :)

Jack

Don't worry about the GPX folder, it's part of the plethora of stuff the device uses.

Your device clearly doesn't have a Lifetime Maps entitlement however, so you'd certainly expect to have to pay to update the detail map thru Garmin. There are sites where you can get 'unofficial' map updates but not here as it breaches the forum rules.

GE however should have offered to let you download the last version to which the device is entitled, i.e. the last paid-for version, or if no updates have been previously bought then at least re-offered the original factory-loaded one. That's what i was asking about in Post #11:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Neil [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]

Did GE offer to re-install detail maps? .....

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If you've already replaced the detail map entitlement, then that would've been reflected in the GarminDevice.xml and so when it's read by GE the paid-for options are the only offers you can expect. Every time you boot the device fully the XML is re-written to reflect the current status of many items, including info about the current detail map loaded. GE should also have optionally offered other files like VPM voice files, SRF Vehicle files and others.

If you haven't already let the device get an effective GPS fix after it's got a detail map and basemap onboard you should get a fix now then drive around for a bit to test that it's routing correctly.

Hi Neil:

Well looks like we've come to the end of the road with this unit, as I don't see the value in spending $70.00 CDN on an old outdated unit. GE doesn't seem to offer the original factory-loaded one either which would have been great had it did.

I'd like to thank you once again for all the help you've provided to get me to this point, it was quite the learning experience. Amazing what you can do with computers now a days.

With navigation now on phones I don't imagine GPS's are as common, though if not in cell service I can see where a GPS could prove beneficial. Should I have issues in the future I know where I can come and get help.

Cheers :)

Jack

As cost-free effort you could try a manual hard-reset. With it fully OFF [not in standby], hold the lower right corner of the screen and move the power button to the left then back to the middle (not the right locked position). Hold the screen until you see "Do you really want to erase all user data?" then select the "Yes" button. That will factory-reset it again. If still not offered the OEM detail maps by GE you could ring Garmin support .... but i think i'd rather gargle broken glass than subject myself to those guys.

Otherwise, you can put OSM mapping data on it also without any cost. Quite frankly for any older 'frill-free' devices like nuvi 2 series, they're more than adequate and some pre-compiled mapsets as IMG files are available for users who don't want the hassle of compiling their own. If interested, go here for starters or google for more:

Code:

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https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/OSM_Map_On_Garmin/Download#North_America

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Hello again:

Thanks for sending the alternatives to load OSM mapping data. I'll look into that as an option, seems likes it could be more reading now on how thats all set up.

On another note all this talk about the Garmin has triggered my memory of an old Garmin of mine that had a defective screen that I thought I'd thrown out. I was surprised that I had squirreled it away in a junk drawer.

Its the same vintage, a Garmin 265W. I attached it to the PC and GE also detected and updated it. Is there any chance that the mapset from that unit could be used in the 255? If not I'll go the route of the OSM you mentioned in your last post. Thanks.

Cheers :)

Jack

Short answer: Yes ... but ...[cough] ...

Long answer: It's quite possible to do that, although questionably legal because you must manipulate the map IMG file so it can then be used in a different device, i.e. it must first be 'unlocked' because its GMA protection binds the map exclusively to the device for which it's been licensed. Bypassing that protection by stripping out the mapping data's GMA code is a breach of Garmin's EULA and accordingly we can't help you 'hands-on' in this forum. BTW, unless your busted 265W has an LM entitlement the detail map on it is going it be very out of date anyway so hardly worth the effort. However, there are several easy-to-find sources where you can obtain current maps and a tool to unlock locked maps - look for the file gimgunlock.exe - "Garmin Image Unlocker" along with a locked map, or even easier you can just search for an already unlocked version of the NA map you need. However, as i've already mentioned, we can't help you with that any further than just talking very generally about it like this. Of course, Google is certainly your friend and should point you in the right direction.