IMPORTANT! If you want HELP in case of a bricked Garmin device, please follow this

**Neil** · Today, 12:35 AM

At worst those symptoms could be indicative of a partially failed flash memory but let's assume it's a software rather than hardware problem until it's clear one way or the other.

'Soft-bricked' re-booting devices are hard to flash because there's a struggle with the program trying to initiate a flash during the short time it's in preboot before it starts loading again. Once a flash initiates properly the device should hold preboot to allow it to finish. You've been persistent in loading cure fw which is the key to success in such a case.

Although the reformat adds complexity I do fully understand why you did it in this case when you were unable to successfully delete any file manually.

Programs like Updater and G7ToWin use only preboot mode which you'd now have to manually enter preboot to access. Conversely, Garmin Express doesn't recognize preboot - only Mass Storage Mode is useful to it which is why it can now 'see' the dezl with Cure fw loaded on it. Those folders you mentioned as now present would have been added by GE after the initial connection to it post-formatting. It may be something about the dezl GE doesn't like in its present state - the Garmin servers may be suspecting it's not a real Garmin device and not allowing it to be added.

IMPORTANT: How did you reformat it? If you used anything other than RMPrepUSB then do it again using the recommended settings here: [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]. Other tools including the built-in Windows one might not give properly acceptable results in Garmin devices.

Look in this thread for different methods of entering preboot in case there's a screen hold position that works for you there: [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]. Some devices are related hardware (some nuvi models are like dezl and zumo devices around the same vintage for example). Look at Post #92 there for an alternate method to enter preboot too. You will have to enter preboot to flash original firmware once you get the file system properly restored.

**cookie** · Today, 03:03 AM

I did use RMPrepUSB and the recommended settings to reformat it. It shows up as a USB Drive in Windows. I've tried holding the screen in all the positions there, and it just won't go back to the "loader loading" screen. Just stays at a black screen with the Garmin logo for maybe 10 seconds, then it appears to reboot. Cycle repeats. I did apparently find the right spot to hold, as I can get it to say "SYSTEM" at the top of the logo, which then switches to "LOADING" a little while after. But then the unit appears to shut off (screen turns black, then shows the Garmin logo again after a short while.

After being persistent with trying to get it into pre boot and staying in pre boot, it finally flashed successfully. I have a working ancient GPS again! Thank you very much for the help.

~~Garmin Express still won't detect it though.~~ Now it's detected.

**Neil** · Today, 04:31 AM

When it shows "System" it is in preboot mode. However, it may only stay in that mode for mere seconds so you have to move VERY quickly to start the flash, after the flash initiates the device should hold preboot until it's been successfully flashed. Best to have Updater.exe already open with the RGN file loaded to it and its GUI visible on your desktop, "USB Device" radio button selected and the mouse cursor positioned over the "OK" button so that you can quickly initiate the process as below. When you have that ready just follow this:

Ensure the dezl is completely OFF, you may need to hold down the power button for up to 10 or even ~30 seconds to force it off.
Plug a 'known-good' USB cable directly into a REAR port of a desktop PC (USB2 only, not USB3 and don't use a hub or front port of the computer if possible).
Hold the appropriate spot on the dezl's screen then plug the cable into it while watching the panel next to "USB Device" in Updater's GUI.
IMMEDIATELY the dezl is recognized (indicated by its detail appearing) start the process by clicking "OK" button on the GUI or hit Enter key on your keyboard, keep holding the screen until the flash finishes.
If you miss it or it fails just re-start the process and be patient and persistent.

But first you need to remove whatever it's trying to load, so if you can't delete the folders that GE put on it just re-format it again with RMPrepUSB. Then try to boot it empty but if it won't boot with no files put an empty Garmin folder in the root - nothing else. If that doesn't work add a Voice folder with VPM files and some other such files from a 'known-good' backup. Read the first post again in Kunix's Cure3 thread, particularly the third point of his note 2 there.

Thread: IMPORTANT! If you want HELP in case of a bricked Garmin device, please follow this

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