I replaced my laptop several years ago but had never updated my Garmin Nuvi GPS. Unfortunately, I am unable to update or even install my GPS on this computer as there is no recognition of the interface. Any suggestions? Are there other ways I can update my maps without using my laptop?

You are using Garmin Express for the update - Correct?Download Garmin Express to your computer first - either laptop or desktopThen plug the GPS in using the USB cable - it doesn't have to be the one that came with the GPSExpress will recognize the GPS is plugged inClick on one or two spots and a way it will go***My last updates took over an hour per GPSIf your GPS is too old for Garmin Express to recognize it, it may be too old to be updated.I did several GPS last week. If you still have problem, call Garmin, their phone help is very good. If the general people can't do it, they'll transfer you to the computer people. Call 800.800.1020Bill

What Trackrig said.Garmin is very helpful..but install or reinstall Garmin Express. Free.and go from there.

This one may or may not be easy. First is the cord to your computer RS-232 with a 2nd interface to USB or is it USB direct?Which version of Windows you have makes a difference.There are two major makers of RS-232 to USB interface chips Prolific and FTDI if I recall correctly and there are some counterfitters doing FTDI chips as well.Now.. If you have a GENUINE FTDI chip, Skip to the "Fixing" part of this post.IF you have an Immititation (Counterfit) FTDI chip, and windows 10 (not sure about windows 8) it is a brick,and will never work again, Sorry but that's what you get for saving a few bucks.. NOTE: if the chip is in a bulge in the cord between the Garmin and the Computer (As it is with a piece of medical gear I have) a new cord may fix it, Make sure it is a GENUINE FTDI chip.If you have a prolific chip. Well then the chip is still good, Just no driver for Windows 10 (And I think 8) The medical hardware I had used one of these, They sent me a new cord, no questions ask other than "Wher do we send it?".Fixing:Windows will install the RS-232 port willy-nilly May be Com 1,2,3,4 27, 32 whatever.Open DEVICE MANAGER (On windows 10 right click on the windows icon (lower left corner) and choose device manager.. On older versions of windows pick control panel hardware device manager (if I recall the path correctly)Scroll to Ports (Com and LPT)Find your RS-232 adapterNow from here on the path varies but click on any "Details" or Setting option and find the PORT settingsk, Make it one the software can see (Generally 1,2,3 or 4 for the software) and see if that worksCheck the software first, Some programs do not have a problem with Com-15 Many do.Oh, one other item: How to tell what kind of chip is in the adapter...Follow the "Fixing" process, only change nothing, The Device manager should tell you the maker of the device.

Thank you both very much. Downloaded and installed Garmin Express but the computer still doesn't recognize the device. Nor do I get the little sound I usually get when plugging into a USB port. Since I know the port is viable, I am convinced the data cable is bad. I'll have to buy one and hope that works. Thanks again!

Try a different USB cable. Are you using one with the Garmin tag on it? I have a Nuvi 1450 and a 750, I have some cables that work and some that don't although it appears they should.

Laptop doesn't 'see' GPS | Good Sam Community

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Trackrig
Explorer II
Feb 24, 2016
You are using Garmin Express for the update - Correct?

Download Garmin Express to your computer first - either laptop or desktop
Then plug the GPS in using the USB cable - it doesn't have to be the one that came with the GPS
Express will recognize the GPS is plugged in
Click on one or two spots and a way it will go
***My last updates took over an hour per GPS

If your GPS is too old for Garmin Express to recognize it, it may be too old to be updated.

I did several GPS last week. If you still have problem, call Garmin, their phone help is very good. If the general people can't do it, they'll transfer you to the computer people. Call 800.800.1020

Bill

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Laptop doesn't 'see' GPS

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