Garmin Express Map Update Problems - A Cautionary Tale

[0pini0nated]

Last week, It tried to install the quarterly map update (I bought the "lifetime Map" version) on my Garmin GPS NÜVI 50 LM. After being prompted to download and install the latest version of Garmin Express 3.1.7.0 Windows version, it crashed several times and wouldn't complete the install.

I phoned Garmin support, and a nice lady walked me through the entire installation . . . three more times. It still didn't work. 2½ hours later, the 'nice lady' admitted that others are having similar problems, her shift was ending for the day, and I could call back tomorrow.

Since Garmin's support session was done for the day, I took my GPS out to my garage, and plugged it in to my trike. My map, and all the saved addresses had been erased!

I plugged my Garmin GPS back into my computer, to try to "detect" my NUVI 50 LM after downloading and installing the Dash Add-on for my FireFox browser. But it didn't detect anything!

I signed up for the Garmin Forum. There are numerous commenters with the same, or similar, problems. The forum moderator suggested, in EVERY case, to download / install the Garmin Map Updater v 3.3.3. NOT Garmin Express software.

So, I downloaded and installed their Map Updater on a *fresh* installation of Windows. (Yes, I have other computers ~ I build them for friends and small businesses.)

It installs .NET 4.08 first (much like the Garmin Express) that took up 30 Mb of space to install. Then, after a reboot, the main program installed.

Although it was a fresh Windows with 1) no previous Garmin software installed and 2) my GPS NÜVI 50 displaying "No map installed" the software said there wasn't enough space to install the 49-state map. It suggested I install a smaller map (NE corner of the United States) or install a SD memory card for more space!

Since I had 756 Gb (that's Gigabytes) of free hard drive space, I opted for the smaller map. After another 1½ hours, my Garmin GPS was up-to-date (and it restored my previous addresses too.)

A few other "features" -

* .NET 4 slowed down my computer - noticeably!

* Don't try to send e-mail through the support web site. It's blocked (on my FireFox browser, it refuses to enter my GPS NÜVI 50 LM model) With no model to enter, the model field is blank, and the site refuses to send any support e-mail with the blank field. Ingenious.

I'll take a wild guess here, that Garmin is having MAJOR problems with their Windows map update software. It's clearly buggy. Thankfully, I didn't need my GPS to take a trip ~ for a few days, I had a $130 paperweight.

[radarron]

Last week, It tried to install the quarterly map update (I bought the "lifetime Map" version) on my Garmin GPS NÜVI 50 LM. After being prompted to download and install the latest version of Garmin Express 3.1.7.0 Windows version, it crashed several times and wouldn't complete the install.

I phoned Garmin support, and a nice lady walked me through the entire installation . . . three more times. It still didn't work. 2½ hours later, the 'nice lady' admitted that others are having similar problems, her shift was ending for the day, and I could call back tomorrow.

Since Garmin's support session was done for the day, I took my GPS out to my garage, and plugged it in to my trike. My map, and all the saved addresses had been erased!

I plugged my Garmin GPS back into my computer, to try to "detect" my NUVI 50 LM after downloading and installing the Dash Add-on for my FireFox browser. But it didn't detect anything!

I signed up for the Garmin Forum. There are numerous commenters with the same, or similar, problems. The forum moderator suggested, in EVERY case, to download / install the Garmin Map Updater v 3.3.3. NOT Garmin Express software.

So, I downloaded and installed their Map Updater on a *fresh* installation of Windows. (Yes, I have other computers ~ I build them for friends and small businesses.)

It installs .NET 4.08 first (much like the Garmin Express) that took up 30 Mb of space to install. Then, after a reboot, the main program installed.

Although it was a fresh Windows with 1) no previous Garmin software installed and 2) my GPS NÜVI 50 displaying "No map installed" the software said there wasn't enough space to install the 49-state map. It suggested I install a smaller map (NE corner of the United States) or install a SD memory card for more space!

Since I had 756 Gb (that's Gigabytes) of free hard drive space, I opted for smaller map. After another 1½ hours, my Garmin GPS was up-to-date (and it restored my previous addresses too.)

A few other "features" -

* .NET 4 slowed down my computer - noticeably!

* Don't try to send e-mail through the support web site. It's blocked (on my FireFox browser, it refuses to enter my GPS NÜVI 50 LM model) With no model to enter, the model field is blank, and the site refuses to send any support e-mail with the blank field. Ingenious.

I'll take a wild guess here, that Garmin is having MAJOR problems with their Windows map update software. It's clearly buggy. Thankfully, I didn't need my GPS to take a trip ~ for a few days, I had a $130 paperweight.

I just updated my nuvi 1300 and was also given the choice of regions. With mine I was able to use a mini memory card and get the whole 48 states. Did not try the express. Sounds like I won't in the future either. Be Safe.

[0pini0nated]

Sorry ~ I made a spelling error ~ I spell-checked the main window, but forgot to re-read the header ~ It should've been "TALE' not 'TAIL'.

Also, on a (slightly) different subject, after 2 years of riding the Pennsylvania Turnpike West out of King Of Prussia, Exit# 320 - SR29 (EZ-Pass Only) isn't on my Garmin GPS! After 2 freakin' years!!

Every time I exit there, the Garmin screen puts me in the "gray (Twilight?) zone" until a arrive at the stop light at the intersection of Route 29. I *kept* thinking someone else would notice a new turnpike exit after 2 years

[skuuter]

THANKS for the Very Detailed Thread....this may help several TRIKE TALK.com Members some grief....NEVER too much knowledge.....

[FRR]

I've had problems downloading software and map updates also. I have 4.9 software but the last time I updated my maps I could only download the smaller version, which is understandable I guess, but it took 3 1/2 hrs.

Is that normal. I have a pretty quick MAC and high speed internet but it seems to take forever and it can never locate my own residence.

[msocko3]

I always hold my breath when I have to download a new update, I haven't since spring of last year. I always download to the computer then install the states and run them from the SD card in my 550 Zumo.