Thread: Garmin GMA protection and the "Unauthenticated" status

Upgrading MapSource to a the latest Garmin original version will NOT remove any of your unlock keys. The problem is that all maps having a MapID >= 2200 will get the "Unauthenticated" status. That status means that they are unlocked correctly but lacks the new GMA digital certificate to authenticate your installation as a genuine licensed map installation.
On PC the solution is to use the patched versions of [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] and also [Only registered and activated users can see links. ].
Using the patched versions of MapSource and/or BaseCamp will solve the "Unauthenticated" problem on your PC.
The GPS might still need the GMA file for that unique unit if the GMA technology is implemented in the newer firmwares.
The solution is to remove the locking from your map completely with [Only registered and activated users can see links. ].

All unlock codes are stored in the Windows registry under the key "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Garmin\MapSource\Codes". It's easy to manually backup the registry key to a REG-file and use it later or in other accounts on the same computer. Unlock keys are just saved for the current user account, not for all users.

Actually some newer devices have protected firmware and unlockers fail: read notes in [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] thread.