Might need operating system, garmin drivesmart 55

**Keith** · 6th April 2025, 08:53 AM

Hi to all,
My nephew borrowed my garmin drivesmart 55 to take a trip, he said he was updating it but got a message along the lines of "not enough disk space" to the fool deleted some files from the device instead of freeing space on his computer.

The device now doesn't work correctly. It won't speak directions, it won't accept addresses, it won't complete updates, that's what I have found so far, so I no longer have confidence in the device.

I have reset the device several times, I have followed the advice on the Garmin web site.

Do I need to reinstall the operating system, if so, where can I get it and how to do it?

Kind Regards,
Keith

**Neil** · 6th April 2025, 09:07 AM

The operating system is still there, he's only deleted some folders/files it's not possible for him to have removed the actual OS.

Provided the device is capable of booting up, it would have re-written the file in the device's Garmin folder named GarminDevice.xml which tells GarminExpress which files are needed to restore it. So just download GE if you haven't already and try updating your DriveSmart:

Code:

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If you need more help post again with specifics, however first go over to Members Presentation Section and introduce yourself (it's a requirement of this forum): [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

Thread moved to Garmin Discussion Section.

**Keith** · 6th April 2025, 10:47 AM

Thank for you reply Neil,
Yes I have downloaded GE and as mentioned above I have reset the device several times. I have just reset again and was able to update, but it still won't allow me to "find Address" and there is still no voice on directions although the device is set correctly and has sound on clicking buttons, so the volume is high enough.

Kind Regards,
Keith

**Neil** · 6th April 2025, 01:10 PM

Try again but this time use WebUpdater instead of GarminExpress, it maybe will offer things that GE didn't:

Code:

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It's probably missing VPM voice files and other essentials, like Text and Keyboards maybe. If still not sorted after trying WU advise which files and folders it has got. Post a fully expanded view of the internal memory in File Explorer for example.

Has it been allowed to get an effective GPS fix after reset? Multiple resets won't help with this problem, it just needs to have the correct files available to work properly.

**Keith** · 6th April 2025, 03:34 PM

Hi Neil,
I have followed your instruction above and the device seems to be working fine at the moment. I will try on several short trips this week to see how it goes before a long trip on the 16th April.

Thank you very much for your help & advice.

Kind Regards,
Keith

**Garman_Nuvi** · 7th April 2025, 04:59 AM

Originally Posted by Keith

Hi Neil,
I have followed your instruction above and the device seems to be working fine at the moment

Files & Folder layout to check if you are missing anything.

Code:

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**Keith** · 7th April 2025, 06:56 AM

Hi Garman_Nuvi,

I seem to have a slight difference to the files shown in your list. I hope you can see the attachment!

Spoiler: images

Kind Regards,
Keith

**Neil** · 7th April 2025, 08:41 AM

@Keith
Your device is in MTP mode so some folders aren't shown. Importantly, .System folder is missing but will show in Mass Storage Mode with the proper Windows File Exporer settings. Read the following 2 posts to understand: [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] and [Only registered and activated users can see links. ].

If you are missing anything when you have compared your files and folders to Garman_Nuvi's Snap2HTML expandable file 'DS 55.html' he will surely accommodate you.

**Keith** · 7th April 2025, 08:51 AM

Hi Neil,
Thanks again for another reply, I did click on the link and read the contents but I did not understand it at all, I think (with my age) its probably beyond me to understand it with all the terminology etc. I have struggled to get to where I am now

Kind Regards,
Keith

**Neil** · 7th April 2025, 09:16 AM

Well, just so you and anyone else doesn't think i'm being "ageist", i'll let you know upfront that i'm almost 80, have absolutely no formal IT or electronics education nor related work experience but i still manage to get by at a 'hobbiest' level.

Say exactly what bits you don't understand and we will gently walk you thru it step-by-step Mate. I'm an Aussie and i strongly suspect G_N is too, as a nation we've always specialised in linking arms with and getting Pomms outta da sh!t. Also we only beat 'em up at sports so you're safe here to ask for whatever help you need.