Does Garmin have to remain connected to Computer during download?

It does not have to remain connected during the download of the package. Be certain to save the download. Also, save the product id code in the event it is requested in the installation step. (see mygarmin)

The map installation package can be started anytime, and the installation to the Garmin unit can then be completed.

Thanks....

So just to be Absolutely clear.... Once the Map Updater 'Sees' the Garmin and starts downloading the map file.... I can eject the Garmin and walk away......

Windows 7 64 bit Ultimate

I've never tried removing it from my computer when I download the updates. Does it take you that long for that to get done for you to remove the unit?

It takes a little over an hour to do the download...

I just wanted to multi-task....

So it's OK to disconnect the Garmin once the download starts, right?

I don't think it's worth the risk. You're trying to multi-task (in other words trying to save time) if it doesn't work then you've just created a lot more work and hassle and will spend a lot more time getting everything fixed.

I could be wrong but frankly experience has told me just don't risk it because it can create more work on the back end.

My recommendation, follow Garmin's recommendation and leave it at that.

Once the little java window/downloader application is doing the download, you can do whatever you do to safely disconnect your device. When you want to update, reconnect, and navigate to the location you saved the update file in the earlier process - and start up again.

I would leave connected during the process. Better to be safe!

I download one copy to my macintosh and one copy to windows for multiple GPS Map installations, and enter a correct product code to install on a target unit. Running an installation on windows updates mapsource, and running an update on the macintosh updates roadtrip. You have to manually enter unlock codes (found in my garmin) for mapsource and for roadtrip for each updated unit.

Note: You MUST connect each target unit to begin a download in order to generate a product code for each unit eligible for the update. These codes appear in my garmin for each registered and eligible unit after initiating a download. Map unlock codes for each eligible unit are also found in my garmin after the map is installed on the unit.

The term "download" is being used two ways here:

1. Downloading the map update file from Garmin's servers to the PC.

2. Downloading the generated mapset file from your PC to the nuvi.

For #1: The nuvi must be connected to the PC for Garmin's servers to authenticate the unit as being valid for the file download to begin. Once this is done and the file is in the process of downloading to your PC, the nuvi can be safely disconnected from your PC. It's just like downloading any other file from the internet to your PC.

For #2: The downloaded file is run which begins the map installation process. The nuvi must again be connected to the PC to validate the unit (a second time) and must remain connected during the map compilation and actual map file transfer to the nuvi. The nuvi must NOT be disconnected in this case.

And to add to that ...
#3. If you are updating the maps in MapSource on a second computer, you need to connect the GPS unit to the computer to validate the installation, but once it beginning copying the map files to the computer, you can disconnect the GPS unit.

You will get a message at then that the update of the maps on the GPS unit has failed, but you will have already updated the maps on the GPS unit when you updated MapSource on the first computer (presumably), so you can just cancel that message.

I think you can disconnect, but I have never have and would not do it.

I make sure my garmin is fully charged and just go through the process. I just installed the latest map update and all went well from start to finish.

Good luck and enjoy.