Garmin NUVI update.

[realter]

Trying to download an update for the NUVI 255W, that I purchased a number of years ago.

Not having any luck getting through Step1 of 2. " preparing device for map update." Anybody have any suggestions, factory emails haven't been very helpful.
Garmin Express seems to have downloaded to my PC ok.
Sorry I spent $$ on the upgrade.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[realter]

Thanks for all your help and suggestions. Just before I was going to call Garmin, I restarted the computer, unplug the GPS , and what do you know, it started downloading properly. Took about an hour and a half with "high speed internet". Now I can be a happy camper again.

[whjco]

Is there enough room on your Garmin device for the map update? You may need to install a micro-sd memory card in your GPS and install tne new map to the SD Card.

[Wadcutter]

Did you format the memory card before putting it in the Garmin?
When I do the updates on my 260W I put the memory card in the computer, do the updating to the card while it's in the computer, then reinsert it in the 260W.
Call Garmin if you're still having trouble. You actually talk to a real person who speaks American English. They'll walk you thru the process.

[realter]

I went to Best Buy and got 16MB memory chip and slid it into the slot on the Garmin. Now I get some message blaming Microsoft for screwing up the drivers for Garmin, with a page of instructions on how to change Windows 10

I'm really po'd, first I spent $52 for the update, then $10 for the memory chip, and could have bought a new GPS for about a hundred$$.


I'm really computer illiterate. Guessing I will call Garmin as recommended by some of the above replies.

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

[GordonThree]

schlep1967 wrote:
I have the 255W and it does update. As for the memory issue, you can choose the download you want. Going from memory here but I think there is eastern US, Western US, and US with or without Canada/Mexico.

Good point. If your travels are limited to a smaller area, the smaller map will save memory, and may also speed up the device, giving it less data to sift through for searches.

[schlep1967]

I have the 255W and it does update. As for the memory issue, you can choose the download you want. Going from memory here but I think there is eastern US, Western US, and US with or without Canada/Mexico.

[GordonThree]

My Nuvi from the early 2000s wouldn't update without adding a memory chip to it. The new maps were too big and the update would get stuck just like you describe.

Bought a $5 8gb memory chip from Amazon (micro SD card), plugged it into the Nuvi and presto problem solved.

[scrubjaysnest]

1. Takes about 6 hours or so to complete an update.
2. Don't try over wifi, you need to use hard wire connection to your modem per Garmin.
3. Goto http://forums.gpsreview.net/categories/garmin-auto-forum-garmin-nuvi-forum
and review their procedures.

[Trackrig]

Call them, they're very helpful. Depending on model, they can sign into your GPS through your computer for you and fix the problem.

Bill

[2chiefsRus]

agree with deleting garmin downloader and reloading it. also it can take up to 5-6 hours to update depending upon the speed of your internet connection.

[donn0128]

Delete and reload the garmin downloader. Had problems with one of mine and that fixed the issue.

[Wadcutter]

Call Garmin. I've needed assistance a couple of times and when I called got a very helpful person.
Just FYI on your 255W. If it's been a while since you updated it the internal memory won't hold the updates. It requires loading the updates on a removable disc. Before loading to the disc the disc has to be formatted. Then do the updates and insert the disc into the 255. I've got a 260W on my bike and that's the process I go thru every 4 mo updates. The updating actually goes quicker loading to memory card than it did when it went directly to the GPS.

[Dick_B]

My suggestion would be to go to the Garmin website and ask the question. Has the unit been registered? I'm wondering if it is too old maybe the Garmin Express will not work.

[BobsYourUncle]

I have found from experience that it will sometimes take a very lonnnnnnnnnnnnnng time for it to prepare device for upgrade. I have even set it up to go and then go about my business for a few hours to let it work.

How long do you wait before cancelling the process?