Thread: nuvi 1690 with 'system software missing' message

Originally Posted by fracessco10

..... the method 4 with modded boot.bin RGN file, I believe I didn't do it correctly.

Very importantly, if you've not yet done it correctly as you've said above you should make several attempts of the SD card flash with the modded boot.bin [method #4]. To be 100% clear, you should do this:

Originally Posted by Neil

...... Method 4: Extract Garmin.rar directly onto a clean microSD. Insert into the nuvi. Extract 113201000390.rar somewhere convenient, Desktop is fine. Inside that rar folder is 113201000390.rgn and Updater.exe, drag the rgn file onto Updater.exe to open the GUI, enable the Radio button for 'USB Device'. Put the nuvi into pre-boot normally connecting to PC and press 'OK' on the GUI when the unit's details show in the window and wait. The unit should then reboot automatically and 'Loader' should appear on the screen if the firmware update flash starts.

Note: Each attempt of that SD flash will generate a file 'last_id.bin' on the card in 1131 folder which must be removed before attempting the same flash again [or it will not be even initiated]. Don't remove update.log however.


Please try not to get too far ahead of the game yet:

I did not expect the issue could be so complicated and involves a lot of technical stuff. but I will keep on reading.

The thread by Alexander2010 "Nuvi 12xx,13xx,14xx,16xx with "software missing" on first step of flashing process" leads me to think that the issues mentioned by him could be related to mine. Most probably I will order some tools for the operation.

As i've said previously, system software message is more commonly associated with an incomplete [or wrong] firmware flashing/update. Before you try such a radical hardware fix [which is usually less likely the cause] you should completely eliminate any possibility of a firmware cause. That includes getting further advice from kunix once all 'easy' firmware fixes are tried.

In the meantime, I will try the QuickCure from the cure3 thread and if no luck, I will go for QuickCure with flasher & further.

Yes, you should try both the QuickCure flashes and the SD card method 4, also the flash i suggested you make yourself with RGN_Tool in Post #22. Please try all of the suggestions one-by-one and several times each, before moving to the next method. Take it slowly and a step at a time, eliminating each one progressively. QuickCure; QuickCure with flasher; SD Method 4; and the 'fw_all.bin & fw1_resources.bin only' flash P#22.

Post if not sure at any stage before proceeding.