Nuvi 760 - Best Software

You don't need to update the unit software to register the device. To avoid updating the device to what Garmin thinks it should be, go ahead with the registration process at my.Garmin.com and let it "install" the update. All the update install does is transfer the update file named GUPDATE.GCD to the nuvi drive in the x:/Garmin folder.

*As long as you delete this file on the nuvi before it is powered back on, NO update will take place.* This is the file that actually causes the nuvi to perform the update, not running WebUpdater or completing the registration process.

You can then update the unit to the version *you* want on the unit by downloading the direct file update from http://www.gpsinformation.org/perry/nuvi

I would recommend v3.0 or v3.1

In the future, you can avoid updating the unit software via WebUpdater in this same way...by deleting the GUPDATE.GCD file from the nuvi after WebUpdater has completed. This will still allow you to update the other aspects of the unit such as GPS chipset, traffic receiver, Bluetooth, etc.

CN NA NT 2009 maps are the newest version and you NEED to register the unit to get the free maps update since you just purchased your 760.

After I did as you said, I deleted GUPDATE.GCD, then went to next it says I still have 2.3 software and must update before I can register.

Any other ideas? I don't really want to go to 4.xx.

Daniel

Yes, one other idea...hold tight for an hour or so for me to get home and tell you exactly what to modify for this to work. It's the file named grmdevice.xml (or somthing similar) in the x:/Garmin folder. You need to make a change to it while connected to the PC. WebUpdater & the registration process looks at this file and compares the reported installed firmware version contained within it to the newest version on the Garmin website. If the version reported from this file is older than the current Garmin update, the update/registration process will also fail. This file is also regenerated upon every boot so you have to make the change while it's still connected to the PC, then run the update/registration process again.

Be back in an hour or so.

I can wait till tonight.

Daniel

How do I know which file to download from http://www.gpsinformation.org/perry/nuvi for bluetooth, chipset etc.

Why do you not want to go to 4.XX. Are there problems with it. I have a 760 and have updated it without problems.

The latest maps are 2009. I have my 760 running 4.20 firmware and the only problem I have found is when you have a route with a lot of waypoints and optimize it in the 760 it can cause a problem where the final waypoint is gone. Garmin is aware of the problem and has duplicated it and is working on a firmware fix now and they expect around mid December to roll it out.

I had the most problems with firmware 3.00 and 3.10 with random lock ups and random shutting off in the middle of a route that are no longer a problem since I went to 4.20. So if you do not want to take any chances just leave it where it is at.

List of changes in the firmware updates since your units firmware:

Change History

Changes made from version 4.10 to 4.20:
Corrected a shutdown when European users change traffic providers
Resolved Text To Speech stuttering issue
Corrected issue with saving your location by touching the vehicle icon.

Changes made from version 3.10 to 4.10:
Improvement in MAD Maps performance.
Added Australian traffic support.
Corrected reboot issue while installing language guide at power up.
Corrected shutdown issue associated with an active proximity alert or tour guide alert.
Support for more GPI files.
Fixed an error in MSN news reports where a report could be lost.

Changes made from version 3.00 to 3.10:
Improve handling of the situation where overlapping map data is present on the device.
Fixed fleet management interface route calculation issue.
Changes made from version 2.90 to 3.00:
Corrected issues with GPI files causing unit crashes
Corrected the expiring MSN Direct stocks after 5 days instead of 3
Corrected clipping at the beginning of voice instructions
Corrected compatibility issue with some MSN Direct receivers
Corrected issue with web favorites category display other types of points in MSN v2
Corrected local events not removing some dates correctly in MSN v2
Corrected GPI route display issues
Corrected Text language disappearing when changing modes
Corrected issue with Asian language support
Corrected issue with not being able to access additional information about GPI point
Corrected shutdown during postal code lookup

Changes made from version 2.70 to 2.90:
Corrected issue with Retail Map Update compatibility
Correct routing issue when using City Navigator Europe 2008 with certain MPC maps.
Correct issue on trip computer that could cause invalid speed/distance to be displayed. Trip computer will be reset.
Changes made from version 2.60 to 2.70:
Correct issue that could cause MadMaps route calculations to stall.
Correct Eniwetok timezone.
On the Where Am I page, disable buttons that will not yield appropriate search results.

Changes made from version 2.50 to 2.60:
Correct street suffix entry handling in address searcher
Correct display of MadMaps Routes names
Correct issue that prevented some MadMaps routes from displaying properly on the unit.
Correct issue with proximity alarm points in MadMaps
Add Compliance warning pages for FM transmitter
Add support for Canadian traffic from MSN.

Changes made from version 2.30 to 2.50:
Added support for Madmaps.
Added support for enhanced circular routes. The unit will detect when routes are circular and adjust the start and stop point to the point where you actually enter the route. (Existing routes will be cleared.)
Added support for TTN Canada Traffic provider.
Update position and address information on the Where Am I display.
Corrected issue that could prevent the unit from receiving traffic data after power interruption.
Corrected issue that prevented the legend from being seen in 2D maps
Corrected issue that could cause some route point names to be lost after power cycle.
Corrected issue when using the Traditional Chinese pre-recorded voice that caused it to say two twice.
Corrected issue where some letters were not drawn after entry on the keyboard.
Corrected issue when searching by spell name that would cause double letters not to be matched.
Corrected issue that could cause repetitive guidance when driving through a u-turn via combination.
Corrected issue searching for cities with Cyrillic maps.
Corrected issue that could show speed limit sign in inappropriate locations.
Corrected issue that occasionally caused the incorrect Country prefix to be added to phone numbers.
Required 1st and 2nd new PIN values to be entered the same in order to change Garmin Lock PIN code.
Corrected issue when searching for specific long street names in Spain.
Resolved issue with city search when MPC maps and City Navigator maps were loaded for the same area.
Corrected intermittent problem when searching for items Near the current destination.
Allow usage of the cursor and delete keys on the enter coordinates keyboard.

Right-click on the file named GarminDevice.xml on the nuvi drive located in x:/Garmin and select "Open With" and choose Notepad. Look for the following line approx 6 lines down from the top:

< SoftwareVersion >320< /SoftwareVersion >

The current software version on the unit is listed here. Mine says 320 but yours will be likely be 230 since you stated that your unit came with that version. Change the 230 (or whatever other version number it is) to 420 (this is the current Garmin version available). Make no other changes.

*Note that I had to add spaces in the example line above so the forum would not interpret the line as valid html code. Don't add the spaces that I added above.

After doing so, save the file (file/save). Don't unplug or power off the unit...keep it connected to the PC. Run the registration process again which should now let you register the unit. After doing so, be sure and delete GUPDATE.GCD if it gets installed on the nuvi again somewhere in the process.

Don't worry if you somehow mess up on the file editing as this file is regenerated at every nuvi power cycle.

From here on afterwards, you will have to delete GUPDATE.GCD from the nuvi every time after running WebUpdater since each time you do, it will find the newest update and reinstall GUPDATE.GCD again since you will still have an older version on the unit.

If you haven't yet done so, you can now install the version of your choice from the Perry archive site I mentioned above.

Editing the GarminDevice.xml file simply fools WebUpdater and/or the registration process into thinking that the most current software verison is already installed on the unit. After the nuvi is power cycled & GarminDevice.xml is regenerated, the software version listed in the file will again list the older version that is currently on the unit.

Only the unit software/firmware is downloadable/available from the Perry Archive. The other hardware on the unit (Bluetooth/GPS chipset, etc.) can only be updated using WebUpdater.

I will be downloading my new maps tonight:)

Thanks

Daniel

If you are going to load POIs as tourguides I would not recommend v3.1, as the POI alert will cause the unit to lock up. v4.2 is working great in my unit, as it has resolved this issue.

I have 2 760's with the 4.2 version and have had no problems what so ever.

I just purchased this device over Black Friday, and I'm pleased with the features. However there is a noticeable delay when the device plays voice alerts before each turn. In other words, by the time I pull up to an intersection I need to turn on, I usually have already turned before the 760 alerts me. It's like a 2-4 second delay that should not be there.

I've used the WebUpdater to upgrade the firmware for Bluetooth, GPS chipset M, and the software to version 4.3 out now. It seems to work the same as before, and I still noticed the delay with the voice alerts.

Do I need to update the maps? I don't even know if there are updated maps released by Garmin. I went to https://my.garmin.com/maps/updates.htm and typed in my Serial number, and it said there are no new map updates available. My 760 says it came pre-installed with City Navigator North America NT 2009.

For now, I have NOT updated the Traffic firmware which seems to be used only for the paid MSN direct subscription service, which I haven't looked at.

I have several questions about this GPS, but the first one is:
How do you guys like the POI maps for traffic cameras from this site? Any good? Or are there others you like better?

No, my maps were last years - so I am getting a free upgrade on the nu maps program.

We are biased on the cameras here. I think they are fine as they are user submitted and Miss Poi does an excellent job of researching.

Daniel

If you are following this you will also need to edit the xml file before you install the maps. It will try and update you to the latest software at that time as well.

Daniel

Glad it worked for you. What firmware version did you decide to use? It seems that each version has it's own issues.

Thanks for the additional update re: the repeated firmware update attempt when installing the maps.

Snail,

Where did you find a firmware V4.3 update for the 760? Your post sent me scurrying to Garmin's site and I only see 4.20 listed.

Like you, I've noticed the 760 doesn't seem to alert as quickly as the 660 did. The older model (depending on speed) would alert more than a mile from a turn at highway speeds and usually several hundred feet at city speeds. The 760 seems to wait a little longer at both speeds and yes, the turn does seem to be there by the time Karen gets around to telling me it's coming.

Poi Factory is, without a doubt, THE best place you'll find for downloading accurate POI files and, frankly, for discussion on just about anything related to the GPS world.

Cheers

I seem to be having trouble since I got 2009 maps and updated software. Anyone else having the same.

We hosted the company Christmas party last night, so I didn't get time to read much. Will probably leave it alone till I get used to it and see if I have any issues.

I drove with it for about 25 miles and do like it so far. The tracks feature is nice to see where you have been (or someone else if they borrow it).

Daniel

Yes I do have trouble with the 2009 maps as well. It got me lost a few times in California. It showed to the end of the street.

My apologies for the confusion. I just looked at the current version listed in the Settings of the 760, and it shows 4.2 installed. I thought I saw something listed as 4.3 in the WebUpdater, but maybe I got something mixed up.

Either way, I seem to be running 4.2.

So, if I want to update my maps to something more current than what was pre-installed (City Navigator 2009), what's the first thing I have to do? Edit the XML file? Do I download new maps from here? (separate from the Red Light POIs?)

You don't have to do that. The way the automatic download works is that it tries to update your nuvi to the latest firmware. I was not wanting to do that yet, but wanted the map upgrade. I edited the xml so I could register the unit and download the map without upgrading the firmware. If things aren't broke - I try and leave them alone.

Daniel

To my knowledge, 2009 is the latest map version available from Garmin. I don't know of another source for the maps. POIFactory does not host map updates.

As far as I know, Garmin only releases annual updates for their maps, but firmware updates come out more often.

I see...thanks for the clarification. Can you point me to how to do this?

I see your point. It would be nice if they were as quick as Google (or Navteq I guess...) in updating.

I think someone said there is a way to load Google Maps onto the Garmin. I was really confused by that...any ideas?

You can edit an XML file by doing a right click with your mouse and then Open with - Notepad. This is not something you want to mess with if you don't know what you are doing. It is very easy to brick a unit (make it into an expensive paper weight).

Google maps - There is a way to send the coordinates or address from a place you have looked up directly to your favorites on your Garmin. That way when you look something up on your computer you do not have to enter the information again on your gpsr, it is already there waiting.

Daniel

The google plugin and a walkthru of how to use it can be found on the garmin site @ http://my.garmin.com/locate/google-sendtoGPSHelp.htm

Thanks for that link!

Well, "we" have taken the unit on a long test drive. It shows 3100 miles with a max speed of 74. However the moving average is 155....

I think we have been about 500 miles or so. I updated the software to 2.6. It has worked very well for me. A couple things that changed I like:
- map scale now appears on the screen
- get a sat fix in 20 sec or less, even from cold boot, it had been sometimes a couple minutes before using 2.3.

I have not found any problems with 2.6, so I am planning on leaving it for a while. I have noticed the mileage is off - but that is a documented problem I can easily live with.

Daniel

I would like to do the same for my 255W even though I've had it for several months and have not yet registered or updated it. Is the process identical ?

If I understand correctly, I should plug in my unit to the computer and then proceed with "Right-click on the file named GarminDevice.xml"

Is the 255W latest software 5.30? I will then save the file and complete the registration process with Garmin.

Where do I find GUPDATE.GCD in order to delete it ? Is there a button to reboot the unit while doing the registration process or does it reboot after you unplug the usb cable because I want to be 100% sure I delete the GUPDATE.GCD before it starts rebooting itself.

By doing this everything except my software will be upgraded correct ?

Thanking you in advance for your expertise !

The process is exactly the same.

Yes, begin with "Right-click on the file named GarminDevice.xml"

Yes, the latest 255W firmware is indeed v5.30. See:
http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=4105

The location of GUPDATE.GCD is right there in the first paragraph of the instructions...it's located in the x:/Garmin folder on the nuvi drive.

There is no "button" to reboot the unit. Unplugging the unit or safely disconnecting it via the task bar "eject" icon reboots it.

If done properly, everything except for the firmware will be updated.

Thanks DorkusNimrod, I appreciate your prompt response.

I'll give you feedback in the days to come on how everything went.

Cheers !

Thanks Dorkus

I did exactly what you said and everything went perfectly.

The only thing different was that when I disconnected the unit via the taskbar and unplugged the usb cable, the GPS didn't boot up by itself. I had to manually put it back on. Do you have any idea why? Did I do something I shouldn't have done?

After turning it on I saw that the firmware was the same and the voices updated so it did what it was supposed to do and very happy with the outcome.

If I understand correctly in the futur:

1- After a regular update I delete GUPDATE.GCD before rebooting.

2- Before doing a map update, I will have to modify my GarminDevice.xml

3- Where did you find on the Garmin site my latest firmware (v530)? I went on the site and clicked everywhere and never located the link you found.

Once again Dorkus Thank-you, your knowledge and expertise is greatly appreciated.

No problem, I'm happy to help.

1. Yes

2. Yes

3. You won't find that link simply browsing Garmin's website. The link is provided when using WebUpdater which provides the link during a firmware update as a means for the user to check the changelog. You can check my full nuvi changelog link list here: http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=125920

If I use the webUpdater will I beable to access the link ?

It's just I don't want to be a pain the the a.. asking what my most recent firmware my unit has in order to change my Garmindevice.xml

If all you want to do is check what the current firmware version is, just check by clicking on the link below as it's updated whenever a firmware update is released. The link below is the same one that will be supplied to you through WebUpdater.

http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=4105

If you want to use WebUpdater to check the link, you can. Just run it where it will proceed to check for updates for itself first, then will check for updates for your unit. If a new update is found, it will tell you the update size, time to download, the software version that was found along with a link to the page (same one I provided above). You can cancel out of WebUpdater at this point and do nothing else since nothing will be downloaded until you click on the "Next" button.

But there's a much easier way to avoid a firmware update while still installing the other updates...

Connect the unit & run WebUpdater (don't change GarminDevice.xml). Let WebUpdater run fully, check for the update & download it, then let it check for additional updates and let it install those.

Then, while the unit is still connected to the PC, delete GUPDATE.GCD from the unit *before* disconnecting and rebooting. This is very important. If the nuvi finds GUPDATE.GCD on the unit and the firmware contained in the file is newer than what is currently on the unit, the update will proceed. If GUPDATE.GCD is not on the unit or if the firmware contained in the file is the same as or older than what is currently flashed on the unit, no update will occur.

You would only use the multiple modification of GarminDevice.xml to avoid the forced update when registering the unit or checking for map updates.

If you're simply running WebUpdater and checking for updates, all you have to do is delete GUPDATE.GCD after running it but before rebooting the unit.

and noted.

I have a 760 and I am quite pleased with the performance of FW v4.8

The latest map version is v2010.20

You may also want to consider the lifetime traffic and purchasing the lifetime nuMaps. I purchased these because I plan on keeping my unit for a couple of years, as I am not quite happy with the features of the new products being released form Garmin. They appear to be removing features to keep the prices down.

That's exactly what I'm struggling with. I'm leaning towards getting traffic and maps for my 760 as well. But I just know as soon as I do the coolest Nuvi yet will be announced, and it will be at a great price at Costco, and..........

or at Sam's Club! They also carry Garmin & TomToms!

That's what I did and I think that I'll stay with the 760. It does everything that I want.