Thread: Transform a Nuvi 37xx in a Nuvi 34xx for dummies

Two days ago I converted a nuvi 3790 to 3490 as well and managed to enable all features that has the original 3490 firmware What I've done:

1. Before attempting any flash, I've cleared User Data and Non Volume data. Then set the device to connect as a Mass Storage device to the PC.
2. Using the RNG Tool I've made a RGN file to flash with Updater.exe. Using the method with the finger on top-left corner of the screen, I put the device in pre-boot mode and still holding the finger I've flashed the device.
3. Then rebooted the device, it started a little bit slower and without logo. Of course many features like Video player, 3D terrain and 3D buildings, etc. were missing at the first boot. Then cleared Non Volume data again and switched the device off.
4. In order to enable all features of the software, I prepared SD card with the files from the bottom of the first post and insert it in the nuvi. Then switched the device on without holding any finger anywhere on screen and waited the files to be flashed. Then switched the device off and removed the SD card. Rebooted the device, just in case to everything was right.
5. Plugged the device to the PC and started Garmin Express (does the same job as WebUpdater). Downloaded missing voices, themes, dashboards, keyboards, speech recognition data (.srd files in ASR folder, this is the Voice Command), etc. After that I uploaded fresh maps, 3D buildings, POIs, etc.
6. And that's it. Everything is working as it should. I even have made a test in real condition to see how was the accuracy compared to a brand new 3590LMT. The software shows 7-15 meters on the converted 3790, but this is not noticeable in real conditions for me.

To get Speech Recognition Data files via webupdater, you can try to delete ASR folder and check for updates again.

Originally Posted by catymag

You followed with care post 1 instructions, I hope you did NV backup too (just in case) . Updates can corrupt NV sometimes, if you have it you can restore your device as new. Do it.

No, I didn't back up the Non Volume data. Can I back it up now, after the transformation?

Thanks for the link, already found the thread. Backed up by using HWID 1376, as this is the new HWID of the nuvi after transformation, right? HWID of original 3790 is 1101, right?

I am back, and all is well!

This morning I was able to flash back to the 3790 system successfully. I downloaded the update, and then added the files necessary for Voice Recognition. I am please to say that my 3790 is finally back to where it was when new, plus I have updated all the maps as well to the newest version.

Now that all is back to normal, I would like to explore, with you experts, the process of doing the change of software from 3790 to 3490 successfully and easy. What eventually got me in trouble was trying to use the SD card to make the changes, after using the updater and flashing the files.

By what I am reading, many of you have gone from 3790 to 3490 using the SD Card system, and it all works perfectly when done. So the question is why did I get in so much trouble trying to follow that route. My guess is that something went wrong with the initial flash to 3490, or the subsequent flash of the Garmin Splash Screen.

My Micro SD card is a 32GB size and doing some research I find that Garmin recommends no larger than 16GB size for use in the 3790. Could that have possibly upset everything, causing my problems when trying to use the SD to load a different version?

I really do want to do the upgrade to 3490, love all of those new features, but not at the risk of going through what I have had to do this past 24 or so hours. I am so relieved to just have all back to the 3790 system, and all working!

So I am looking for suggestions and recommendations, as well as what file to download that will do a complete update to 3490 without all the thumb pressing, restarting, and frustration of using that system.

Again my sincere thanks for all the help and suggestion along the way, I could not have done it without your input.

George in Albion MI, U.S.A.

I am really scared off by the details and information in post #1. There are so many warnings, files to download, files to unzip, make changes, drop files, and of course the ever present Pre-Boot procedure that is so "maybe it will work if you try it enough time" I am afraid to even start trying to follow all of that, and then also, at the same time, follow your instructions, skipping around in the Post #1, and doing even more stuff as you direct as well.

So far my success has been due to the clear numbered step by step procedure that is on Page 19 of this posting. It was done there by Membre. Unfortunately, at my age and mentality, I need that kind of NUMBERED step by step procedure to follow. Even more important is that your posting last evening was very concise and I understood how to do it and it got me back to where I am now.

I have the Post #1 printed out, it is seven pages of bits and pieces, with all kinds of stuff interspersed between different parts of the procedure.

Post # 19 is a page and a half, with 25 concise steps to follow. Unfortunately, that is the kind of "hand holding" that I seem to need to move methodically through the process.

This is probably asking a lot, but would it be possible for you to review Post #19, and using your modified procedure inserted where appropriate, end up with a numbered final procedure that leads the user through the procedure step by step. Your notes about backups, etc... inserted at the appropriate place should be included. The links to programs and files needed along the way would keep the user on track, one step at a time.

Your post yesterday at 11:21, detailing how to touch, hold, prepare the program, and get to the pre-boot was exactly what I needed to get my nuvi back to working. It is that kind of detail that us who DON'T know what we are doing need to have to do the step by step procedure that is so necessary. If not for that procedure you outlined, I probably would not have gotten it back to working perfectly as a 3790.

Doing a lot of thinking about going any farther. It has been hell so far, but the nuvi has survived the journey.

George