Quote Originally Posted by kunix View Post
Just to be sure, have you installed Garmin USB drivers?
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
[Slaps forehead with open hand]. Oh wow, do I feel stupid. I assumed that the drivers had been automatically installed because the first time I connected the unit to my computer the "device sucessfully installed" dialogue box had popped up and I was able to connect and transfer data without any problem dozens of times in the week preceding the bricking of my device. However, after I clicked on the link you provided and installed the drivers, the updater was able to recognize the device and the forced upgrade worked exactly as it should have.

That being said, I'm really sorry I didn't try out kunix's tool - I would have but the forced upgrade did the trick and I didn't want to push my luck. Thanks so much to everyone for their help - I'm grateful beyond my ability to express the sentiment.