Windows 7 and Garmin GPS

One thing that's missing from Garmin for Windows 7 is a new "Device Stage" module .... which Microsoft says is supposed to be "supplied by the manufacturer of the device."

The Device Stage module is supposed to display an icon of the actual device you've plugged into your computer (in our case, a nuvi) ... as well as a page consolidating all of the possible computer operations and device capabilities.

In our case, the DEVICE STAGE will probably contain an "update GPS" icon for the GPS ... maybe other icons to automatically add to vehicles and voices. Maybe icons to Mapsource, etc.

It will sure make it easier for new users if everything (you can do with a NUVI on a computer) is clearly icon'ed and displayed on one Device Stage screen.

Device Stage has lots of possibilities ... but it's all going to depend what GARMIN supplies to run on
Microsoft Windows 7.

I imagine the Device Stage will be something GARMIN will supply via a download ... or something that comes with the GPS drivers.

How were you chosen to run the Beta of Windows 7 and how did you get the software?

I've been a Windows beta tester since Windows 3.0.

Microsoft, however, just put Windows 7 into "open" beta ... and are allowing the first 2.5 million folks to download and install Windows 7.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/beta-download.asp...

The 2.5 million "keys" have already been issued ... so MS just "extended" the open beta test.

I gotta warn you, however ... there is no way to uninstall the current beta Windows 7 ... and it will expire on Aug 1.

BETA testing is best left to those with a dedicated machine, a lot of time, and a healthy expectation of causing, incurring, solving all kinds of software errors.

Please also don't "muck" up this thread with questions and comments and problems trying to download, install, etc the Windows 7 beta.

Let's keep this about how our Nuvi's run on Windows 7.

I'm not surprised - the download procedure issued me with five keys... it got itself into something of a knot! (It probably couldn't believe I was using Google Chrome).

So far, I have to say I'm exceedingly impressed with the speed of installation. I didn't time it, but it was far quicker than XP.

I agree Phil ... and the final release will be further optimized to run even faster.

I just hope GARMIN is onboard with the DEVICE STAGE feature.

Currently there are only a handful of MS recognized Device Stage compatible Devices ... a handful of printers and phones. Sandisk portable media player is the only MP3 player.

In my opinion, Garmin will be missing the boat if they aren't a DEVICE STAGE device.

As I said, it would make using a "hooked-up" GPS so much easier ... for new users as well as experienced users because everything you could do (computer and internet-wise)(sanctioned by the manufacturer, of course) would be right in front of you in a logical, icon'ed fashion.

Garmin has to know that it would eliminate a lot of newbie tech support calls about webupdater, adding vehicles, etc.

Thanks for the report, cbwatts!

That's good to know that Garmins are compatible with Win 7.

I just finished loading Windows 7 64 bit version and I'm posting this from Windows 7 using the new Internet Explorer 8. I installed Garmin WebUpdater and Garmin POI Loader and both work perfectly with my 760

CBWatts Says : Well, I'm running the Microsoft Windows 7 beta
You Mean Windows Explorer 8 Beta Windows Explorer 7 is not a Beta

Auggie>>not a beta

Windows 7 is an "operating system" that is currently undergoing Microsoft beta testing ...

Windows 7 will be a replacement for the bullet-riddled Vista operating system.

Part of the Windows 7 operating system is Windows Explorer 8 which is a browser. And Explorer 8 is also in Beta testing.

Sorry if I said something that was confusing.

The sole point of my original post was to assure folks that GARMIN GPS's are working flawlessly under Microsoft's new operating system.

Thanks for all your information. Good to know for the future.

Microsoft has removed the 2.5 limit for beta tester, just go to http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/beta-download.asp... and download a copy, not sure howlong it will last.

I found a new feature in Internet Explorer 8. It's called Accelerators. If you see a address you can highlight it and a little icon pops up, click on it and you can choose to see it in a window on a map and then you have more options like map it.

Link: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/beta/feat...

Video: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/beta-videos.aspx?...

I am not running the Win 7 beta, but I like what I am reading so far and what I have read and reviewed on the web. Hmm! The real Vista

A couple of reviews I have read call it Vista SP2. what Vista should have been in the first place.

I'm sure you beta testers have automatic updates turned on. But in case you don't, Microsoft just released an update for Windows 7.

Just installed maps and Mapsource software 6.14.1 and 6.15.3 both work with no problems including transfer from my 760 and too my 760.

Man for a beta operating system everything is working very smooth and fast. The only thing that has not worked for me is the Epson scanner software, the Epson 64 bit printer driver works fine.

The real question here is will the bullet-riddled Windows 7 have been riddled with bigger or smaller bullets than Vista? The question of bugs in new OS versions is a statistical given. The upgrade decision usually comes down to a comparison of calibers.

I am running the 64 bit Win 7 Beta and my Nuvi 205 works just perfect with it. As far as this being Vista SP2.... nope. I am also runnimg the beta of Vista SP2 and Win7 blows it out of the water. I would love to see Garmin get on the Device Staging boat, that would make things a lot more streamlined in operation. I installed all the Garmin tools on my machine and they all work great. Windows 7 is going to redefine what an OS should be if it works as well in final as it does in beta.

Since I started this thread, I really want to keep it about how Garmin GPSs and GPS programs work under Microsoft's new Windows 7 operating system ...

But I have to respond to the speculation that Windows 7 might be riddled with errors. VISTA was an embarassment for Microsoft. Many of us were burned and even rolled back to Windows XP.

I been testing Microsoft software for many years ... I've had hands-on experience with Windows 7 since the pre-beta. It is the most impressive operating system Windows has ever developed since PC-D0S (which written by Microsoft and marketed by IBM long before anybody ever heard of MS).

I'm not sure there will really be a GOOD upgrade path from XP to WINDOWS 7. There are too many driver issues that have to be solved.

But if you have a machine running VISTA ... please consider upgrading to WINDOWS 7 at the first possible minute.

And to those in the market for a new computer, I would suggest waiting a couple of months until Microsoft firms up the "free upgrade" path and timeframe.

Trust me, you won't be disappointed. In fact, I'll bet you will be impressed.

But enough said.

Like I said. This isn't a forum to discuss or bash operating systems.

Lets keep this thread on the topic we all know and love ... GPS stuff. And I can guarantee you at this point, your GPS stuff is going to run just fine.

And if GARMIN delivers a good DEVICE STAGE ... we won't have to answer so many questions from newbies about how you upload POI's, update software, show icons etc etc

I have been running Vista on the three computers in our home network since March 2007 and have never had any real issues come up with Vista but all the hardware is pretty up to date. I'm very surprised at the level of stability and operation of the Windows 7 beta and I'm running the 64 bit beta and have had almost zero hardware or driver related problems.

"The word on the blogosphere is that Windows 7 should be released to manufacturing in October 2009 with general availability by November."

http://www.pcworld.com/article/152638/windows.html?tk=rss_ne...

I for one have been pretty happy with Vista for an MS product. I install and uninstall a lot of software and Windows tends to get corrupted over time. I have gone much longer with Vista before having to format and reinstall then I did with XP.

running windows 7 RC candidate 7100.0.090421-1700_x86 evaluation copy and my garmin nuvi apps seems to be working all okay

yep also tested with with my c330 and works great here as well.

As an avid Vista hater, I am happy to say "about **** time Microsoft"... I even formatted the hard drive on my new laptop and have it set to dual boot W7 (RC 7100) and Ubuntu 9.04.
It is pretty bad that the beta of Windows 7 runs better, faster and fewer (zero) crashes when compared to Vista.

I see the posts indicating no problems with Win7 but I am using RC and 64 bit. I cannot get either my Garmin map software or WebUpdater software to find the device.
My PC can find my eTrex Legent-c.

Suggestions appreciated.

I fixed a Vista laptop by installing the 64-bit Win7RC over it. Does your Garmin mount when you connect the usb? Windows Explorer should show a device drive letter for the advanced GPS devices. Try a different usb cable and port. Does it load on another PC? The next step would be to uninstall the driver and reload them. Calling Garmin may help.

I'll be upgrading to Windows 7 by Turkey Day, so this is very good news.

This is great news. We all know all too well how Microsoft and their windows update can wreak havoc on the installed user base. I too have been an avid windows enthusiast since version 1.0, er-getting old.

can't wait...glad to know the GPS works fine with it

and have no problems with Garmin software, I did install garmin updater in XP compatibility mode, but it works great!

DId someone quoted Bill Gates recently when asked about Vista... "Vista, What is Vista?"

Those of you with Windows 7. Did the install go smoothly? I have XP Pro and it has worked flawlessly since day 1 . I might make the jump, if Win 7 is an improvement. Thanks for any info.

Been running Win 7 Ultimate for over a month. Haven't had any issues with my 255w. I'm using the x64 version on my laptop and desktop. Both without any issues.

Install was fine, though I did a fresh install as you can't do an upgrade from a 32bit OS to a 64bit OS.

Easiest and fastest Windows OS install ever. Very quick and no problems with any drivers.

When moving from XP you will have to do a fresh install, no upgrade install available from XP to Windows 7.

Thx for the quick replies. Fresh install noted.

it's GA today!

I'm waiting for the delivery van carrying my Windows 7 Family Pack to arrive today. Glad to hear all is going well.

Only have to do a 'clean install' on one PC but of course that's the one with the most programs to be reinstalled

Just bought new Laptop with Windows 7, still setting it up.

I got Win 7 Pro x86 and haven't had any problems. Good to know others are sharing the positive experience.

There is a roundabout way of upgrading in place. It is possible to upgrade XP to Vista in place (have to have a Vista disk), and then upgrade to Win 7 in place. Not something I am going to do, just pointing it out.

I will receive my upgrade tomorrow - All of the reviews I have read and feedback from our IT department at work were all very positive.

I am curious to see the performance improvements on my current Vista machine.

I should have it installed this weekend.

Do you have a link to where those procedures are? In my case update I'm looking for an update that would save me days of reinstalling software, if that's at all possible.

That's kind of a messy proposition, plus I'm not so sure you can go 32-bit to 64-bit (if you're upgrading to the 64-bit version). Personally, I bought a new hard drive and started with a fresh install.

Again, just pointing it out:

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Vista-SP1-to-Windows-7-Upgrad...

I received my pre-order upgrade for Win 7 Pro from NewEgg today (Oct. 23). I will be upgrading from Vista Home Premium 64. Let us know how your upgrade goes jrozsnaki and whether or not you did an in-place upgrade.

Now I hope SP3 for Windows Home Server gets released soon so it can fully support the new OS. WHS works with Win 7 now but apparently there are still improvements to be made.

BTW... if you have more than one PC at home, you should really look into WHS, it is one of Microsoft best kept secrets!

Do you have a likn to WHS that would save searching the web?

As is Windows 7 Family Pack which allows you to upgrade 3 machines to Win 7 Home Premium for the price of about 1 and half regular upgrades.

Had no problems with Garmin 760

good to know this since I am ordering a wind7 laptop. I also read, for anyone who has compatibility issues that Microsoft released a downloadable xp emulator for 7.

You can upgrade from XP to Windows 7 by using Laplinks PCmover.

PCmover is the ONLY software that allows an in-place upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7 on the same computer. In fact, with PCmover, you can go from almost any old version of Windows to Windows 7 – like from Vista Home Premium to Windows 7 Professional or a 32-bit operating system to 64-bit Windows 7.