Garmin nuvi 250W no maps

Do the re-set and it should but everything back to the factory settings.

Reset doesn't help. When the unit goes thru it's nornal startup, it displays the "loading maps" at the bottom of the screen after which it then says it has no detailed maps and can't run.
I went to the Garmin site and looked up my account which provided the info about the originally installed MapSource product ie NT2008, deluxe all regions apr07 and listed my Unlock Code and orginal date of unlock when i first bought it (Nov22,2007)
The site talks about going to a MapSource file and using the unlock code. I have no idea where to find that MapSource file to try using my unlock code. I've plugged the unit into my PC and looked into the Garmin under the appropriate drive and don't find anything that says "MapSource". Any ideas?

Most units don't come with the map source disk.You have to call Garmin and have them send you one.It should not be a cost for it if you explain the problem or maybe they can tell you something else you may try.I would still try to get the map source disk for a future emergency if Garmin does give you a fix on the telephone.Have you tried to re-run poi loader and this time select delete pois in case it may be some kind of conflict with the pois?Just a guess for something to try.

Also try the map update and maybe you will get lucky. http://www8.garmin.com/unlock/update.jsp

As you surmised, no disc came with the 250w and now I find that that is where i would look for MapSource and a possible repair. I have deleted the new POI's but that didn't help..thanks for the suggestion though. The link you provided, I've already been to...no help either. I guess I'll be talking to Garmin begging for a disc. lol...thanks for all you suggetions Charlie. I'll post a resolution if I find one.

A lot of people including me have gotten the disk for free so I would not give up on the first try.It may be a little hard for you because according to your post you have had the unit more then a year.Garmin has been very good on support though so maybe they will come thru for you.Good luck and let us know how you make out.

Using Notepad or similar, create GMAPPROM.UNL in the \garmin directory of your Nüvi. Enter your 25 digit unlock code (without the hyphens) in this file and reboot. All being well, it should unlock the maps.

If it doesn't - it would because either a) the code's wrong or b) the map file is not called GMAPPROM.IMG (potentially it could be GMAPPROM1, or even GMAPSUPP - in which case the .UNL filename changes to match).

Try that and report back

With your nuvi connected to your computer with the USB cable, can you confirm the presence of the following files on your nuvi?

These are your map files.

gmapbmap.img - this is your basemap
gmapprom.img - this is your preloaded detail maps
gmapsupp.img - this is a supplemental map file

The simple act of loading POIs would not have deleted your maps.

Did you do something else?

This happened to me before as well with the c530, can't remember the details, but I fixed it by replacing all my files that I had backup'ed up. Did you backup when you got the GPSr?

Garmin used to ship units with the GMAPPROM.UNL file in situ and stopped doing it for some reason. (My original C510 came with one and its replacement didn't). This file only gets read once and can then be deleted...unless..the information 'gets lost' and needs to be re-read.

You could get the Streetpilot into that state, by doing a firmware downgrade, but the Nüvi's (up to now) seemed more resilient.

There's quite a few Nüvi 7xx owners complaining of the same symptoms as well

Hi All,

I used the WebUpdater to update my Nuvi750 from Ver2.50 to 2.60. When finished I couldn't boot up because it said SYSTEM FILES MISSING. I called Garmin Tech support and they asked if I had hi-speed internet ( I DO) they then had me go to a website , there they then gave me a code to put into my pc and connected my computer to theirs. I then plugged my Nuvi into my computer. The tech support then proceded to fix my Nuvi over the inernet. He took out some files added some files in my Nuvi and then updated my nuvi to 2.60 and every thing works great now.

My point is, call garmin tech support and see if they can help!!!! They have been great about all my calls over the last 4 years.

GIVE THE GARMIN TECH SUPPORT A CHANCE !!!!

They are the best tech support I have ever come across for anything. !!!!!!!

H Hannah
Nuvi750 and IQUE3600

WOW...talking about 'tech support', you folks are great! Shortly after I reported this issue online here, I also sent an email to Garmin tech support for ideas. They indicate an upto 3 day wait (no problem). Thanks everyone for all your great offers of assistance...much appreciated to know there is such a great community out there. I may have neglected to mention that the nuvi was purchased this past fall, Nov 22,2007 to be exact, so less than 4 months old, so hopefully tech support will look on that favourably too. H Hannah, I like the idea of 'remote tech' assistance from Garmin as you suggested. I have had Symantic Corp do the same thing while trouble shooting isssues with my PC's Norton..works great...the wave of the future I'm sure.
I'll keep you folks posted following return info from Garmin. Thanks again.

To annswer you files inquiry, Mama, these are the files still resident in the nuvi250w : fs image.ver ; gmapbmap.img ; gmapprom.sum ; gmapbmap.sum . There are of course other items such as " nuvi drive, and file folders with stuff like vehicle,text,help,Diag,gpx,POI,Voice and RemoteSW " and that's it. I'm guessing some crucial files are indeed gone. Unfortunately nothing was backed up into the PC (never guessed it would be an isssue...oops...lol. Something obviously went bad during the removal of the extra POI's which were inserted for a recent one time trip to Pheonix. Guess I'll hope Tech Support can reload those remotely as Hannah has suggested. Thanks for you info too.

Well, since you seem to be missing the gmapprom.img file which is the pre-installed detail map file and since you don't have a backup file, Tech Support is your only option. They will likely have to send you a disk with the maps for you to reload them. The maps are too large for downloading via the internet. (Hopefully, they won't ask you to send the unit to them.)

Note to all users:

1. Before doing anything on your unit, BACK UP the entire thing to your computer. It will take 30 - 45 minutes or so, but as you can see, it's worth it.

2. Before deleting or otherwise manipulating ANY files on your Garmin unit, BE SURE that you know exactly what those files are.

Simply loading and unloading Custom POIs with POI Loader will not delete the map files on your GPS unit. This is something that the user does, albeit most likely inadvertently. Having a backup is your extra protection, but still users should be sure that that they know which files are which.

I think the wisdom of one user stated it very clear from another thread.When you start playing with the files sooner or later you will have a problem.Using poi loader for the Garmin seems to be the safest way to go unless you have backed up the unit or have the disk.

Not sure what happen in this case but hope Garmin will shed some light on this for other users.

Might be missing a few files. These are in my root directory (nuvi 260)

fs_image.ver          14 bytes
GarminDevice.xml   22.8 kb
gmapbmap.img         5.91 mb
gmapbmap.sum        4 bytes
gmapprom.img      993 mb
gmapprom.sum         4 bytes
nuvi_drive.ico         24.6 kb

I have a Nuvi 260 and am a new user. I have been reading posts and have discovered the importance of backing up my system. But, how do I do this. I have a 1 gb SD card I purchased so I could increase the memory etc. so how do I backup my preloaded maps?

Through windows explorer (if you are using windows), just go to the device and copy and paste the contents into a folder on your computer.

Make sure that you have your folder settings so that you can see all files and all extensions (that will ensure that you get all the files and be able to know which is which)

Well, so far all Garmin tech support has done is offer the procedure to unlock the unit. My followup email to them, indicated that the maps were no longer there and after a month and 2 more emails, they have not even replied. Guessing it might be time for the dumpster...and buy a new one.

Try calling them. They will help you out. They've done it with others before.

Did you read H Hannah's post where he said, "My point is, call garmin tech support"?

I don't know why some people email rather than call. Things can be easier solved with a live conversation. My first impulse with a serious problem is always to call....even instead of bringing it up in a forum.

I agree with those who say to call. I've called Garmin several times and gotten fantastic assistance. They are friendly and extremely helpful.

It's a free call...........

1-800-800-1020

If you have the gmapprom.img file on your NUVI, and you also know your unlock code, a 25 character code, you can fix this easily. Create a text file called gmapprom.unl and enter your code in the file. Save it and copy it to the NUVI, then disconnect and turn the NUVI off. Turn it back on and things should be ok. The unlock codes are now stored with the map images for reasons I won't try to explain. There are some software programs that can read the img file and get your code, though Mapsource can do this as well.

Please try - I've seen lots of evidence for that not being the case and none that supports it...

Thanks for all the suggestions folks. I usually go the route of email first, because the work schedule does not permit me the luxury of waiting on hold for extended periods of time, even given Garmin's 7pm closing time. Soooo, I actually had a down day at work and so called Garmin. They indeed are very friendly and try to help. The person I talked to told me I needed a certain file and would mail out a copy of it on CD, expect it in 2-3wks. After 5 wks and still no show, I called again and explained my sad tale. That person was ending his day (nearly 7pm ) but offered to do a download to me and wait to see if successful (very generous of his time). The download failed after 95mins. I gave up that night. More downtime this wk from work so called. Chap was very friendly and offered to mail out the disc. It FINALLY arrived yesterday and I installed it and works perfectly. Moral of story...make a backup of all files in my system.
Thanks again everyone.

i have gps garmin nuvi250w all software delite no boot system not os plese help me not connect to pc

You need to call Garmin Customer Support for assistance.

Well I just wanted to pop back on here and thank all you folks for your suggestions and kind support with my issue (above) a year ago. The Garmin is now making it's second trip south from Canada and across USA and going strong. Every body that "borrows" it loves it, but nobody wants to buy their own...LOL.
PS ..my backup disc is in a safe place...lol.

how do i format my garmin nuwi 250w and install all new software ?==

You do not reformat the GPS to install software.

What is your problem? It's probably a setting that got changed.

If you want to check and make sure you have the latest updates.Hook gps to computer and run webupater http://www8.garmin.com/products/webupdater/ .If you want to put gps back to factory settings.Hold finger on bottom right of screen and turn the gps unit on at the same time.Keep finger pressed until screen comes up.

I have a nuvi 200 i bought 08 thanksgiving sale... didnt use it for a few months... knew all the routes in my previous city... now when moving to a new city i needed it badly but crappy thing would say NO DETAILS MAPS message... tried everything you all had suggested like resetting, updating software and registering the dam thing... but to no avail...

Finally i sent an email to Garmin Customer Support... I couldnt have called them as i am at work 7-6 weekdays and Garmin guys work 8-5 Eastern...

My email to Garmin:

Their Reply:

I did as they had told and voila it worked... thanks for all your help guys...

so anybody having this infamous error on their GPS just email or call Garmin or register and look for the unlock code... this should set things right...

Go to Tools/settings/map/map info and make sure all boxes are checked, especially the one that ends with [1}.

Spent a better part of this weekend dealing with this issues and voila at 11:00pm on Superbowl weekend I read your thread and your right it worked. Thank God for you!!!! saved me a aganozing phone call!