Garmin Mobile PC

According to the second paragraph of the link you referenced;

Navigate with Your Laptop

[snip a little] With Garmin Mobile PC, you can upload custom points of interest, such as safety cameras, and conveniently navigate to Outlook® Contacts.

None of the online manuals have any information on installing POI files. What are the instructions that are given in your help files? Since you are running the program on your laptop, it shouldn't be much more than placing POI files in a designated folder. Do you have POI loader installed? That is where the link in that paragraph "custom points of interest" leads to.

POI Loader should load custom POIs to the Garmin Mobile PC if Mobile PC has been installed and running with no problems.

1. Exit Garmin Mobile PC if it's running
2. Launch POI Loader
3. Click Next
4. Choose Save Options: Garmin Device
5. Click Next
6. Garmin Moble PC should appear in the Device dropdown box.
7. Click Next and proceed as you would with a GPS device

If the POI Loader Finishes successfully, Launch MobilePC. The custom POIs should appear under Where To...Extras

POI Loader installs poi.GPI in the poi folder under the C:\GarminMobilePC folder.

AJ

Thank you PHRANC and AJ500 for taking your time to assist me. I appreciate it immensely. Would you be willing to give more time? Still, I cannot load POIs into my software.

From what I’ve read, it seems that the Garmin Mobile PC software possesses the capability to incorporate new POIs. Two areas indicate this: Under TOOLS, MANAGE MY DATA, there is a Custom POI Set tab. Secondly, within the HELP FILES under MANAGING DATA, appears this statement, “The Manage My Data page allows you to edit Favorites; work with tracks, saved routes, and contacts; and review the map sets and custom POI sets loaded on your computer.” Factory installed POIs appear just fine (fuel stations, restaurants attractions, entertainment, etc.) when clicked upon.
I would assume the Mobile PC software installed correctly. Examples to indicate this include: (1) The Route Simulation works well; (2) Anna Speak English; (3) It performs all functions accurately while driving and recalculates immediately when I make a different turn; (4) Accurate data appear in odometer, time, speed sections.

I have downloaded many POIs in the CSV format. They are on my hard drive waiting to be detected.

I have installed the Garmin POI Loader for Windows_253, http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=927 for Windows Vista. This may be the source of my problem.

Arriving at the final installation screen, “Setup of Garmin POI Loader complete! You can now load POIs to your Garmin GPS using POI Loader.”

Then, I check the box, “Launch POI Loader now,” and I click DONE. The program does not open. No response. I saved the program to my desktop and when I click on the icon, the program merely re-installs and gives the same messages.

The POI Loader icon appears in the in my start menu . I click on the icon (upward arrow) and there is a problem with the shortcut. I get the message, “The drive or network connection that the shortcut ‘POI Loader.Ink’ refers to is unavailable. Make sure that the disk is properly inserted or the network resource is available, and then try again.” POI Loader will not start.
What must I do at this juncture? Perhaps, the POI Loader does not work for Mobile PC?
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I have copied some writings so that you know I have read just about everything and followed every instruction but go nowhere.

Finding Custom POIs
Custom POIs are customized points on the map. They can contain alerts that let you know if you are near a designated point or if you are traveling faster than a specified speed.
You can create or download Custom POI lists and install them on your computer using Garmin POI Loader software available at www.garmin.com/extras. See the POI Loader Help file for more information. I go to www.garmin.com/extras and I see a link to the downloader,
http://www8.garmin.com/products/poiloader/

How Does POI Loader Work?
Simply download and install POI Loader software on your computer and you're ready to find and load new POIs. You can find new POIs from both Garmin and third parties through our Custom POI Sources page. Once you've downloaded the POI files (GPX or CSV format), use POI Loader to find the files on your computer and upload the data to your compatible Garmin GPS or third-party SD card.

To find Custom POIs:
1. Use POI Loader to load Custom POIs on your computer.
2. Select Where to? > Extras > Custom POIs.
3. Select a Custom POI.
4. Select Go to create a route, or select More to view other options. See Using "Where to?" for more information.

When I click Where to? > Extras, it’s a dead end at this point. I cannot go to Custom POIs. This message appears: “No extras loaded. For details, please visit www.garmin.com/extras.” I want to say that I have downloaded many POI files in the CSV format, so they are on my hard drive.

The only way to load custom POIs is by using POI Loader. First, you need to get POI Loader running.

Start by clicking Start and find the Icon to start POI loader. Right click it and choose "Run as Administrator". What happens?

If it does the same thing, right click the task bar and choose task manager. Look in the processes tab and see if POI Loader is running.

I think the POI Loader installs to the C:\Garmin folder. Look for files in that folder like PoiLoader... Among other files, there should be one named PoiLoader.exe (the .exe may not show if your folder view options are set to hide extensions of known file types). That's the one that the POI Loader icon under All Programs...Garmin in the Start menu should point to. You can right-click on the POI Loader icon in the Start menu to see what it's pointing to.

Thanks, again, PHRANC and AJ500 for your replies. How can I ever repay? So far, some luck. I think we have partially solved my problem. First, a summary of what I have accomplished based on your suggestions.

(1) “Start by clicking Start and find the Icon to start POI loader. Right click it and choose "Run as Administrator". What happens?”

It does the same thing. When I right-click on the POI Loader (upward blue arrow) using
(a) OPEN, (b) OPEN FILE LOCATION, or (c) RUN AS ADMINISTRATOR, I see the same message: “The drive or network connection that the shortcut ‘POI Loader.Ink’ refers to is unavailable. Make sure that the disk is properly inserted or the network resource is available, and then try again.”

The POI Loader will not start.

(2) “If it does the same thing, right click the task bar and choose task manager. Look in the processes tab and see if POI Loader is running.”

I’ll take this in stages. I click on Windows Task Manager and nothing is running. I click on Garmin Mobile PC Icon on my desktop and immediately it appears in the Task Manager, Status: Running. Only the Garmin Mobile PC software runs, the POI Loader does not run automatically with Garmin Mobile PC software.

Next, I click on the POI Loader Icon, and same message as above.

Since I saved the POI software to my desktop, I click on the POILoaderforWindows_253 Icon and the software goes through the reinstallation process, again. I see this process occurring in the Task Manager. While installing, the Task Manager shows: POI Loader Update as Running.

After clicking NEXT and accepting the license agreement for the POI software, I finally reach this window: “Setup of Garmin POI Loader Complete! You can now load POIs to your Garmin GPS using POI Loader. Launch POI Loader now. Press ‘Done’ to run the selected additional actions and exit this program.”

I click DONE and it really is DONE. I go nowhere. The POI Loader disappears from the Task Manager. It is not running.

I go into the Garmin Mobile PC software to see if the loader has been installed and maybe running covertly. I click MANAGE MY DATA and CUSTOM POI SETS, and the message is: NONE FOUND. The loader is not present.

I tried to install the POI Loader with the Garmin Mobile PC software open. Same result – nothing. The Loader disappears from the Task Manager. I cannot launch the program.

(3) “I think the POI Loader installs to the C:\Garmin folder. Look for files in that folder like PoiLoader... Among other files, there should be one named PoiLoader.exe (the .exe may not show if your folder view options are set to hide extensions of known file types). “

In the C:\Garmin folder the only entry that appears is: POILoaderforWindows (Application, 9,870 KB). Since it is an application, when I click on it, the software merely reinstalls, the program does not oepn.

(4) “That's the one that the POI Loader icon under All Programs...Garmin in the Start menu should point to.”

Under ALL PROGRAMS is the GARMIN folder. Clicking on the folder shows subcategories and the POILoader (blue arrow icon) does appear. However, both right-and left-clicking on this icon brings up the same message as before: “The drive or network connection that the shortcut ‘‘POI Loader.Ink’’ refers to is unavailable. Make sure that the disk is properly inserted or the network resource is available, and then try again.”

(5) “You can right-click on the POI Loader icon in the Start menu to see what it's pointing to.”

I right-click on the icon and select the PROPERTIES tab. I think this may be the problem.

Target location is GARMIN.
Target is: E:\Garmin\PoiLoader.exe
Start in: E:\Garmin

I don’t have an E:\ drive connected, never did when I downloaded this software. Don’t know why it does not point to C:\ drive. So, I tried to change E:\ to C:\Garmin\PloiLoader.exe and clicked APPLY. Message: The name ‘C:\Garmin\PoiLoader.exe’ specified in the Target box is not valid. Make sure the path and file name are correct. I cannot change the drive.

I click on OPEN FILE LOCATION and get a similar message: “The drive or network connection that the shortcut ‘POILoader.Ink’ refers to is unavailable. Make sure that the disk is properly inserted or the network resource is available, and then try again.”

Since it was calling for an E:\ drive, I decided to give it one. I inserted a flash drive into my USB port. Then, I went to http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=927 and saved the POI Loader to the E:\ drive. Eurica! The software downloaded and took me through the setup process, that is, it asked me the location of my POI files, etc.. I thought I had finally solved my problem. However, at the end, I got this screen:

There is a problem with this GARMIN Application. Please press the button below to copy the log file to the clipboard, then paste it into an e-mail. Send the e-mail to GARMIN Technical Support at techsupp@garmin.com or call (800) 800 1020 or (913) 397-8200:
Your help will be greatly appreciated.

Error Information:
App: POI Loader
At: 11/23/2008 4:44:20 PM (UTC)
OS: Windows Service Pack 1
Processor: x86, Processor Level: 6, Processors: 2, Model: 15 Stepping: 2, RAM: 2097151
WIN_UTILITIES: CPP-359-2.5.3.0
Windows Error Code: 5
Access is denied
Path: C:/Program Files/Garmin/GarminMobilePC/poi/

Today, the good news is that when I click on the POI Loader Icon, the program opens but falters, somewhat.

Attempt #1
(a) Find Device screen – it detects Garmin Mobile PC (click next);
(b) Install new custom POI’s onto your device (click next);
(c) Please select the directory where the data files can be found (I did; I selected EXPRESS MODE; and clicked next);
(d) I get the the above error message – it does not load POIs.

Attempt #2
(a) Find Device screen – (I chose Removable Disk E:\ - not Garmin Mobile PC as before) (click next);
(b) Install new custom POI’s onto your device (click next);
(c) Please select the directory where the data files can be found (I did; I selected EXPRESS MODE; and clicked next);
(d) Congratulations! You have successfully installed 29793 Points of Interest on your device.

I thought it had worked, until I opened Garmin Mobile PC and navigated to MANAGE MY DATA, CUSTOM POI SETS. When I clicked on the CUSTOM POI SETS tab, I got......NONE FOUND.

Where are they?

The PoiLoader.exe does exit on drive E:\ as AJ500 stated. I copied it to drive C:\ in the Garmin folder. Since PoiLoader.exe is now in drive C:\, I returned to the properties tab of POI Loader and successfully changed the target to C:\Garmin\PoiLoader.exe.

Why on earth did it not load into C:\ in the first place?

Now, what must I do next to get these custom POIs into my device?

I did mail GARMIN tech support.

Thanks everyone.

docrvb

Well, you're getting closer!

I don't know why it chose the E: drive to install the POI Loader. Unfortunately, the install package doesn't let you browse to the folder of your choice. But, copying the folder to where you want it seems to work for launching the app.

The reason you're getting the access denied when POI Loader tries to save your POI file in C:/Program Files/Garmin/GarminMobilePC/poi/ is probably a security setting in Vista that preventing the save.

Try running POI Loader as Administator:
i.e., from the Window Start icon, navigate to the Garmin folder, right-click on POI Loader and select "Run as Administrator".

I think the POI Loader puts the POI files for the Mobile PC in the folder: C:\GarminMobilePC\poi
The MobilePC app should be in the C:\GarminMobilePC folder.

AJ

Dear AJ et al.,

Thanks, pal. I think you have solved the problem -–well, almost.

As per your suggestion, I ran the POI Loader as Administrator and followed the prompts.

Then, I loaded Mobile PC and clicked on CUSTOM POI SETS. Guess what, AJ? For the first time, I was taken to a new screen: C:\ProgramFiles\Garmin\GarminMobile PC\poi\poi.GPI

Clicking on the above screen, a second screen appeared: C:\ProgramFiles\Garmin\GarminMobile PC\poi\poi.GPI 4811.1 KB.

I guess the number of KB is dependent upon the number of POIs loaded. I do know that there is a limit, either in KB or in entries, as to the amount of data that can be loaded. If I load more than 36 POIs, I get an error message to contact tech support, same as I have indicated earlier.

Must I must take it on blind faith that my POIs have been loaded? Specific POIs are not identifiable or viewable, only the number of KB.

Is driving the only way to be sure that the POIs have been added?

Do you have suggestions for fine tuning?

My next accomplishment is to associate an .mp3 file with its corresponding CSV file, such as WALMART. Do you have any succinct directions you wish to share?

Thanks, thanks, and more thanks. Since this topic has not previously been addressed in this discussion group, I am sure others will benefit.

As a side note: Even though I have copied the loader .exe file from E:\ drive to C:\drive, I cannot open the POI Loader if I have disconnected my E:\ flash drive. Another malfunction that occurs is that if the E:\ drive is disconnected, the HELP files do not open when clicking on the loader icon.

When I click on the POI Loader from the E:\ drive, it functions well. Why? It sill loves that damn E:\ drive.

Do you have Mobile PC software? Do you witness my exact dilemas?

Do you think there is a flaw in the POI software as related to Mobile PC software?

In any event, this software is NOT user friendly with Garmin Mobile PC. Garmin should give you, PHRANC, and me a free device for our troubleshooting.

When you click on "Where to?" then "Extras", you should see a list of the custom POIs you've loaded.

If you have placed the custom POIs in sub-folders under the folder that you loaded the POI csvs from, the custom POIs will listed under their respective folders. I have my original csv files in:
C:\POICollection\Transportation
C:\POICollection\Stores
etc.
In the Stores sub-folder, I have Wal-Mart.csv, etc.

I point POILoader to C:\POICollection so it will load all the custom POI files. There are other ways to manage the POIs but this works for me.

Try copying all the POILoader... files from the E: to the C: -- not just POILoader.exe -- to see if you can run without the E: being inserted.

AJ

Thanks, AJ..."When you click on "Where to?" then "Extras", you should see a list of the custom POIs you've loaded."

Your suggestion worked.

Now, another SNAFU...
I wanted to delete the POIs that I had installed. I used the POI Loader software to do that.... it did not.

Then, I used the delete function in CUSTOM POI SETS, it did not delete my POIs.

Two different attempts with two different software....and nothing.

Readers: Please refer to all of the above commentary and you will recognize that this Mobile PC software is, truly, user unfriendly. I dislike saying that because I researched before I purchased. My decision was wrong.

So, I reinstalled Mobile PC. Now, I have pharmacies appearing under BANKS, restaurants under PARKS.... on and on.

I think GARMIN should read this discussion and give the three of us a free Garmin gift for having troubleshooted its software.

I'm sure I'll be back with more SNAFUs. Please stay with me. Thanks.

I didn't have any of the problems loading a new POI
but it did take some deciphering. I am documenting this in case someone else wants the simple version.

1)Installed POI Loader

2)Put a folder with the bmp, mp3, and csv into a My Garmin/POI/

3)With Mobile PC closed clked POI LOADER
a)leave Garmin divice selected
b)clk next (It finds the device)
c)next
d)Install
e)browse to my folder choose ie: "aldi" folder
f)I have left it on express and it will make a file with the name poi.gpi in the POI folder in c:\Program Files\Garmin\GarminMobilePC\POI

I CHANGED the NAME to match exactly the name of the files inside my saved backup POI folder in MyGarmin
aldi.BMP
aldi.csv
aldi.mp3
===========
So now there are 2 gpi files in the POI folder in
c:\Program Files\Garmin\GarminMobilePC\POI

aldi.GPI
SPEEDWAY.gpi

If I didn't change the name when I went to "Extras" the data was listed twice. Once I changed the name to aldi.GPI it was right. I notice that the speedway BMP shows fine while the Aldi does not so I will have to determine what the difference is there. (Though I haven't navigated with it yet maybe it will display later) I also don't know if the mp3 works. If anyone has any other details I'd appreciate the info like how to change the ding alert to something else. There seems to be much info on this site about other products but not Garmin MobilePC. TIA

Yeah i have the same problem too, i could not get the MP3/WAV files to play when i reach a POI. Instead it would display "ALERT: POI NAME" above the interface and the default 'ding-ding' sound. Anyone have a solution to this or Garmin Mobile PC doesn't support custom sounds/icons?.....

Thanks

EDIT: I Just found a fix on icons showing black. I was looking at the other icons that where showing up on the map and notice that the file size are 1.56kb size at 22x22 dimensions. So i tried changing the others to the same dimension and used a Shareware BMP File Reducer Program (google it) to bring down the file size and it worked. For some odd reason a lot of the icons were reduced from 1.9KB to 1.56KB. some were reduced to 1.51KB although tehe icons that were 1.51KB showed up black on the map.. I guess this program is very picky. Can anyone else try this and confirm ?

As for the sounds...I will now try to use MP3 format instead of WAV and see if that works..