Tried to register my new nuvi...garmin says it's already been registered??

Yes, I have ran into that before. I doubt that you can get around this problem without contacting tech support. The only possible way that I can think of is to go back to Circuit City and try another unit, but there is no guarantee that you won't have the same issue with a replacement unit.

Double check the serial number that you entered to ensure you didn't mistype it. I have seen this when you enter it wrong and it matches someone else's unit.

To be clear, it is the tiny number below the mount connection.

heh. your advice was spot on--I had been using the number to the right of the actual serial number. My mistake. It's weird, though, that the number to the right of the actual serial # is also recognized as a serial number...not an invalid serial.

So now, I just need to figure out how to upgrade my maps for free...

You will probably have to wait for Garmin's computers to catch up to your registration. Once that is done, you will see the upgrade information in your "My Garmin" account under the unit information.

I have heard of this taking up to 3 days, but it could happen sooner. The free upgrade will be a download of the file. This is a large file and there is a "for fee" DVD available for $10.00.

Good luck to you.

Thanks for that. So, I can't do anything at this point to download the software? When I go into myProducts page and click the nuvi, on the right side there is a link that says "Activate/unlock or update your mapping product(s)."

When I click on that, it sends me to a page that would allow me to download/buy the map update--but pay the full price. How will I know when I am able to download the map for free?

Thanks.

When your update is available, it will show below the unit information on the left with a link to the page.

Calling Garmin support sometimes speeds this process up.

NOTE: The upgrade is only available for 30 days, so try not to miss it.

Thanks. I leave on monday to work a summer camp till August. SO...if the update isn't available to me by then, I may not be able to download it within 30 days. But, I should have access to the internet and so I could order the DVD and pay S/H and install it when I get back?

Also, on the registration page, it says that the first satellite acquired date was Jan 27, 2008. Does that mean anything? Will it affect the 30 day window in which I can download the software?

Oh, and another question, as you seem to be pretty knowledgeable(if you don't have an answer, that's alright). I picked up some universal screen protectors from Fellows yesterday. I looked on the packaging, and it says "do not use in extreme heat." I called them up, and they classified extreme heat as 120F, and explained that the adhesive used in the screen protector gets sticky at that temperature, and can be hard to get off of the screen. Does it make sense to use them? I'm used to using screen protectors for my IPOD, because it's so prone to scratching...but the nuvi's screen doesn't seem to scratch, just get thumbprints. Anyway, I'll probably end up having to leave the unit in my car on fairly hot days during the summer, so I don't want to cause damage instead of protecting the unit. Do you use a screen protector? Do you think that they're necessary? I tend to be rough on products I own...so I try to be careful.

Wow, that was a mouthful. Thanks...any advice will be useful.

The free update (either download or ordering the dvd) is available for 30 days. If you can get to the internet during that time and order, you are golden. Otherwise, you will have to give Garmin support a call and plead your case.

You can search this site for screen cover information. I know it was discussed at length at some time with recommendations on which one is best. I personally do not use one and have had no trouble.

Thanks for the reply. I added the following to the middle of the post, probably after you had viewed it:

Also, on the registration page, it says that the first satellite acquired date was Jan 27, 2008. Does that mean anything? Will it affect the 30 day window in which I can download the software?

If so, you will probably not get the free update. If not, you will have to contact support and get it straightened out first.

No, it's not when I first used it--I first used it yesterday.

Is there any way to get in touch with tech support over the weekend?

No, it's not when I first used it--I first used it yesterday.

Is there any way to get in touch with tech support over the weekend?

They are open during the week only. It would be nice to have them open on the weekend also. But then someone would have to pay for it. I've seen where some companies tech support open 24/7 and it was the pits. Garmin is only open Monday through Friday and their tech support is the best. They always seem very helpful. I would almost bet if you called their tech people Monday morning, they will not only get it all straightened out, but will probably ship the DVD to your house for free. Good luck either way... Oh when I registered my Zumo the maps were available the next day.

Ive sent them e mails on the weekend and had a reply by early monday morning.

I think that you should order the DVD. I down loaded the 2009 Maps and I still have them on my hard drive. I don't have a DVD burner, so I have to keep them there. I may buy a two gig memory stick so I can transfer the maps to a computer that has a DVD burner. Plus, you may have to reinstall them some day so having the DVD is a plus.

I tried many screen protectors and have settled on NuShield there is no adhesive to get gooey. After I installed it I can't even tell its there.

There is a known issue with the "satellites first acquired" date - or whatever it's termed on the My Garmin page. A lot of folks have had to contact Garmin and tell them that they just bought the unit brand new and the date listed is WRONG. Until you get that fixed you will NOT be eligible for the free map update.

The date listed for my nüvi was many months before the date that I bought it new. I contacted Garmin and they fixed it for me and the maps were available for update the next day. Don't mess around - call them and get it fixed.

Any one Please can help????
I bought Nuvi 760 from Dubai and I travelled now to Kuwait I tried connecting it to PC to make registration but I got message that The serial number you have entered has already been registered.

I went to Garmin dealer in Kuwait and checked my Nuvi and found that the device was registered for one man in April 2008.but he can do nothing to help me.
I contacted garmin UK and they asked me to scan and send the proof of purchase so they can help me.
I sent today the invoice to garmin but i dont think they will help me because I dont have the serial number mentioned on the Invoice.

DO I have to book a return ticket to go back to Dubai to solve this problem or I have to trash this Nuvi (

Appreciate you advise , this is very hard

Thanks
Wissam

I don't know why your invoice would have the wrong s/n, but I guess that could be a long story. Since most invoices do not show the serial number of electronic merchandise, why didn't you just delete the number from the invoice before sending it to Garmin, to avoid confusion????

Please make SURE you are entering the proper number online. A VERY common mistake is to enter the wrong number from the unit and the message returned is the one you have listed above.

The serial number is EXTREMELY small and hard to see. (I had to use a magnifying glass to read the dang thing.) It's directly above the electronic connection on the bottom of the unit. If you enter any other number it will give you a bogus error message stating that the serial number you have entered has already been registered.

Hi

I have the same silly problem , could you solve you problem or no?
What can we do?????????????
please someone help us!

J.Ekrami

I was using the unit number and not the S/N. I agree, the S/N is the smaller number located next to location where the unit docks with the adapter.

Don't panic. CALL GARMIN. They will be HAPPY to help you out.

We had the same problem with our 260 and fixed everything with a quick phone call to Garmin tech support. Even got the 2009 map update for free.

so I was not surprised when it told me the number was already registered. I called Garmin tech support, and they asked me to send them a copy of my receipt. I scanned it and emailed it to Joe (very helpful) and I was all dialed in, updates and all.

They did have a problem resetting one of the dates for me, and when I emailed them about it, they told me it was a hassle to change that date, and only affected warranty coverage, and if that became an issue, they would honor the date on my reciept as the start of the warranty period.

I tried entering my serial for the first time on the my.garmin.com website after creating my login and faced this problem where the site said that the serial entered is already registered...

turns out i was enetering a number which was not actually the serial although it fit the serial's description.. 8-9 digits without dashes or spaces.

Its NOT one of the three numbers under the battery of which one is FC ID, second is some other ID and the third is an 8 digit number without a caption.

Its actually a tiny number written on a white bar code like sticker stuck somewhere in the same area under the battery.

It stars with a numeric digit followed by two alphabets and 6 numerics again. The same number is stuck on the box on one side too away from the Bar Code which is on the bottom.

Hope this helps someone in need.

I bought a newly overhauled (refurbished) 765T from a seller under the Amazon.com banner which arrived today. Upon registering, I found the first time satellites were acquired was October 2008 so I was offered an opportunity to buy new maps. I tried calling Garmin tech support but was told there was a 30 minute wait. I then wrote them an email explaining the situation. Afterwards, I called again and waited for a half hour while doing other stuff on the computer. Once, connected with a Garmin rep, I had no problem getting them to say that I qualified for a new map update for free. I just sent them an email with my Amazon receipt. Since it was a half hour before they closed, I was told it would take until they reopened on Monday before a supervisor could reset my first satellite acquisition date. Later, my email was answered by another tech who told me the same thing. So on Monday, I will log on again and be able to download the new 2010 maps.

Have someone in the family or a friend call Garmin on Monday and explain the situation and ask that the date be preserved until the time you return and can call them yourself.