[ SOLVED] HELP... Format accident !! What files come on a garmin 255W from the factory ?

 

I´m new here and new to the gps world. I bought a Garmin Nuvi 255W a few months ago and my son in law was going to put a new map onto a SD card for me and acccidently formatted the Nuvi instead of the SD card. I had downloaded a update of the USA map that came with the Nuvi so I was able to reinstall that map but I know that the basemap is missing. Does anyone know what files come with the Nuvi from the factory.I'm not sure but the Nuvi doesn't seem to work as smoothly as it did first not talking about the picture isn't the same with the missing basemap. Thanks foe any and all help.

Page 1>>

255w

not sure what your looking for but this is the backup image that was on my 255w when i got it.
these are the folders debug / garmin / reports and one autorun file . backing the nuvi up was one of the first things i read about joining this forum.
mike

Hi Mike Thx for the reply.

Hi Mike

Thx for the reply. Wish I had joined this forum sooner and did as you and backed everything up...But sometimes I sit and think and sometimes I just sit. Probably what I'm looking for is what files are in the Garmin directory. I found a page on the internet that leads me to beleive I'm missing the default base map (gmapbmap.img)at least it's not on my device. I'm just wondering if there are any others files that I must have...not voices or files like that. Thx again Mike and have a good one.

gmapbmap.img

That's a big file to move across the Inet, and most people don't have the file server space to upload it. It can be done peer to peer, as in 'bit torrent', or via any of the messenger programs like MSN, Yahoo! etc.

--
nüvi 3790T | Those who make peaceful revolution impossible, will make violent revolution inevitable ~ JFK

.

I've sent you an email, look for it in your spam folder.

--
nüvi 3790T | Those who make peaceful revolution impossible, will make violent revolution inevitable ~ JFK

205w original files

Juggernaut wrote:

That's a big file to move across the Inet, and most people don't have the file server space to upload it. It can be done peer to peer, as in 'bit torrent', or via any of the messenger programs like MSN, Yahoo! etc.

I backed up mine on a dvd and letting people know if anyone needs the original files for a 205w through a bit torrent (msn or yahoo messenger), let me know smile

--
nüvi 205w

.

Tarpy67, she's from Iceland, and may have the Euro maps as well?

--
nüvi 3790T | Those who make peaceful revolution impossible, will make violent revolution inevitable ~ JFK

Gmapbmap.img

Hi Juggernaut and Thx for the help. Last night I put a SD card in my laptop to use for Memory Boost which I had intended to use on my Nuvi but it didn't seem to work well enough (I used another high speed one) and on it I found some Garmin files and one of the files is Gmapbmap.img 104.024 kb in size and made before the format accident and in another folder is the European map...I'm thinking there can only be 1 Gmapbmap.img so it can´t hurt to copy the file onto the Nuvi I can always delete it if I see no change. Thx again and have a good one.

Missing Files

Juggernaut one thing more. Are there any other importent files I might be needing. Thx again

since you have recovered

IceJoki wrote:

Juggernaut one thing more. Are there any other importent files I might be needing. Thx again

Since you have recovered the map files, drop a note to Garmin's Tech Support and ask them which files you should see on your unit. They may be able to tell you what files are missing and provide you a link to download replacements. From our experience, it is mainly map files they won't replace.

Some of the files may be available through web updater. Have you tried connecting and doing an update? I did recover a couple of files for my unit that were deleted in error using just the web updater.

--
ɐ‾nsǝɹ Just one click away from the end of the Internet

+1 on contacting Garmin Tech

+1 on contacting Garmin Tech Support. They may be able to upload the files you need via your computer and the web. You won't know unless you ask.

--
OK.....so where the heck am I?

Garmin Tech Support

Hi pkdmslf
I did contact their tech support by email and the guy was very willful to help me and was going to email me the file until he was told that the file was to big to email. I did try an install the BaseMap I found on the SD card and the Nuvi is much quicker now but the picture still sucks.I´m now trying to find the map on torrent if all else fails I´ll be visiting the USA later this year and I´ll take it in for repair.
Thx again and have a good one.

the easiest way:

go buy another unit, copy the files and return the unit. That's for sure you won't miss a things. Walmart doesn't charge restocking fees but other does so make sure before you buy.

.

I'll email you the link to the basemap I've uploaded to my website. It includes the basemaps for NA and Europe. It may be worth a shot!

--
nüvi 3790T | Those who make peaceful revolution impossible, will make violent revolution inevitable ~ JFK

Problem Fixed

Problem fixed with the help from this forum. I got a new base map from a great guy here and now the Nuvi is working like it should. And I´ve made 2 backups of everything on it... I´ve learned my lesson. Everyone have a good one.

a helping hand

it's great to see people helping people. kudos to Juggernaut!!

Next time, try unformat and

Next time, try unformat and undelete first. It's almost guaranteed recovery since it's not the main drive on your computer.

Nice Gesture Juggernaut

Thats what this is all about.

cool

--
Nüvi 255WT with nüMaps Lifetime North America born on 602117815 / Nüvi 3597LMTHD born on 805972514 / I love Friday’s except when I’m on holidays ~ canuk

help also

I have the same problem, I left my Nuvi 255W on my childrens computers after I uploaded some maps and my 5 years old deleted everything from the main memory. Any help would be appreciated.
I 'm just trying to get the original USA Map that came with the unit.

Thanks for any help.

gmapbmap.img

huifes, I'll send you the link via the contact form for the gmapbmap.img file.

--
nüvi 3790T | Those who make peaceful revolution impossible, will make violent revolution inevitable ~ JFK

My Understanding is

huifes wrote:

I have the same problem, I left my Nuvi 255W on my childrens computers after I uploaded some maps and my 5 years old deleted everything from the main memory. Any help would be appreciated.
I 'm just trying to get the original USA Map that came with the unit.

Thanks for any help.

My understanding is that every map has a lock code written in it. Every unit has an unlock (.unl) file with your unlock code in the same folder where detailed map is located. Lock code is generated using your unit's ID and map's FID. Even if somebody gives you the map it wouldn't work on your unit, because the code wouldn't match your unit's ID. On the same way if you simple copy a newer map version to your unit it wouldn't work because the unlock code, already present on your GPS, wouldn't match the new map's FID.

Base Map

That should be the same, though. He should be able to use the webupdater to get some other files. Hopefully, he has a copy of his last map update!

--
nüvi 3790T | Those who make peaceful revolution impossible, will make violent revolution inevitable ~ JFK

You are right

What I posted is regarding the detailed maps. Base map should be OK.

Hi Huife Hope you got my

Hi Huife

Hope you got my email. If you need it I do have a unlock program that you can use to unlock a map on your Nuvi. As I said in my email if you don't have a baseMap (Gmapbmap.img) your Nuvi will have poor picture quality and works very slowly like in redrawing your map. After connecting your Nuvi you can see what files are in your Garmin folder on the Nuvi using My Computer.

Same Problem (ish)

Hi Guys,

So this is where all us numpty's hang out, eh?!

I unfortunately cant blame anyone else for formatting my Nuvi except my dog, but nevertheless it has left me in a bit of a situation.

I have a Nuvi 265WT, luckily I had backed everything up as I do with just about everything that touches the computer. But unfortunately instead of formatting the SD Card (which I had cleverly called GARMIN - the same as the unit) I formatted the Unit.

Panicking a little, I tried to connect the unit to the Mac and it wont connect, I guess I must of deleted the bit that makes the Mac recognise the Garmin.

I transferred all the files the SD card, and I have a map, etc but no voices or vehicles. I spoke to Garmin and they said thet voices & vehicles need to be on the main unit not sd card, and that I would need to send it off to them to fix.

Is this right - or is there some software I can download? Bearing in mind it will need to be placed on the SD card first, as I cant mount the unit to the Mac. Also I have parallels so tried it on windows and it wont mount there either - but it does give me access to windows possibilities.

Any help would be appreciated, as I guess that everyone must have come across the same problem if they formatted their units.

Thanks.

Dear Juggernaut, thank you

Dear Juggernaut,

thank you in advance for your post.
I did unfortunately the same mistake and formatted the memory of my Garmin 255W, without making a backup before! I tought as I updated its map a few times, there are waste data on it and it will work better when i format it first! So crazy am I sometimes!smile
Since afew days I am looking for the original files. May I kindly ask you to let me have these original files to let at least my Navigation work.
Thank you.
Best regards
Bajnes:-)

Garmin Worldwide Autoroute DEM Basemap NR 5.01

@bajnes: Check your email, including your spam filter. I just sent you a message.

--
"Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job." --Douglas Adams

Uh...I formatted my 255w, too...

Hi Strephon and Juggernaut,

I just formatted my 255w for the same reason. I guess I should blame M$ for the bad habit. I need the original files except the detailed map image, which I can re-install it from my CD. Would you please send me those files? Thanks for your help. I really appreciate it.

tictic

Check your email.

Check your email.

--
"Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job." --Douglas Adams

Same Here!

WiiBarts wrote:

Hi Guys,

So this is where all us numpty's hang out, eh?!

I unfortunately cant blame anyone else for formatting my Nuvi except my dog, but nevertheless it has left me in a bit of a situation.

I have a Nuvi 265WT, luckily I had backed everything up as I do with just about everything that touches the computer. But unfortunately instead of formatting the SD Card (which I had cleverly called GARMIN - the same as the unit) I formatted the Unit.

Panicking a little, I tried to connect the unit to the Mac and it wont connect, I guess I must of deleted the bit that makes the Mac recognise the Garmin.

I transferred all the files the SD card, and I have a map, etc but no voices or vehicles. I spoke to Garmin and they said thet voices & vehicles need to be on the main unit not sd card, and that I would need to send it off to them to fix.

Is this right - or is there some software I can download? Bearing in mind it will need to be placed on the SD card first, as I cant mount the unit to the Mac. Also I have parallels so tried it on windows and it wont mount there either - but it does give me access to windows possibilities.

Any help would be appreciated, as I guess that everyone must have come across the same problem if they formatted their units.

Thanks.

right so... I have the EXACT same problem and tomorrow I'm leaving for Scotland and I need maps! I have a MAC and my garmin 250W won't mount on it, and everytime I plug it in the screen it goes on forever blinking.

Also I just spent 90 € buying a LifetimeMapUpdater that I can't even use now since the device can't be turned on...
I also have maps on a SD card, but they are from 2008 and pretty much useless without voice and vehicles...

Am I totally screwed or is there any way I can be saved? Would it be better to use it on the windows partition? HELP please!
thanks!

can anyone send me the original files for the nuvi 255w

I have yahoo messanger and i need the original files for the nuvi 255w. I can't hear any voice instructions for some reason. I have updated maps for garmin. i put it in my nuvi 1390 and 255w. I have gmapbmap, gmapprom, gmptz and gmap3d.....2011.30.....2012.10...gmapbmap is just the world map, the one really needed is the gmapprom.img........ mambrake1@yahoo.com

Won't work

Discussion of illegal map copying is not allowed in this forum. And even if it was, what you are asking for would not work. Maps are locked to a specific nuvi serial number, so you can not copy them from one unit to another. Your best option is to restore the map files that were originally on your 255.

--
Alan - Android Auto, DriveLuxe 51LMT-S, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, Nuvi 3597LMTHD, Oregon 550T, Nuvi 855, Nuvi 755T, Lowrance Endura Sierra, Bosch Nyon

Same problem

I have made the same mistake as icejoki and others, by formatting my nüvi 205 instead of the sd card. My Macintosh does not recognize the device, and I panic because we were planning to go on holidays in two days! Thank you in advance and yes, juggernaut, I hope you read this because I am really desperate!

Formatted Nuvi 255w

Well, judging by all the comments here, I see this happens to others as well. I could use a copy (hopefully via torrent) of the files. I do not need the map set as I have the 2012 set here. Help please?
Thanks in advance!

Sorry...

WiiBarts wrote:

Hi Guys,

So this is where all us numpty's hang out, eh?!

I unfortunately cant blame anyone else for formatting my Nuvi except my dog, but nevertheless it has left me in a bit of a situation.

I have a Nuvi 265WT, luckily I had backed everything up as I do with just about everything that touches the computer. But unfortunately instead of formatting the SD Card (which I had cleverly called GARMIN - the same as the unit) I formatted the Unit.

Panicking a little, I tried to connect the unit to the Mac and it wont connect, I guess I must of deleted the bit that makes the Mac recognise the Garmin.

I transferred all the files the SD card, and I have a map, etc but no voices or vehicles. I spoke to Garmin and they said thet voices & vehicles need to be on the main unit not sd card, and that I would need to send it off to them to fix.

Is this right - or is there some software I can download? Bearing in mind it will need to be placed on the SD card first, as I cant mount the unit to the Mac. Also I have parallels so tried it on windows and it wont mount there either - but it does give me access to windows possibilities.

Any help would be appreciated, as I guess that everyone must have come across the same problem if they formatted their units.

Thanks.

...to re-open this old thred, but it seems this is the only forum that solved this "issue"!
My friend formatted his nuvi 255w and ask me to help him. My pc don't see any storage in My Computer. Whit updater.exe i can update the nuvi in pre-boot mode, but this is the thing i can do. How can i solve this problem?
Thanks!!!

Was it formatted in NTFS?

Was it formatted in NTFS?

--
"Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job." --Douglas Adams

Yes...

...i think!

Read this thread

You can recover from this. Read the thread below.

GarminCure 3

--
"Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job." --Douglas Adams

I will try! Thank you!!!

I will try! Thank you!!!

Got it!!!!

Yeahhhh!!!! My pc now can see the nuvi again! It is empty, now google to find an "clean" image of the file system! Thank you again!!!

Because

Webupdater can't see it anymore!

You didn't read the thread

You didn't read the thread completely. You stay in pre-boot mode and flash the firmware using Garmin's UPDATER.EXE program, not WebUpdater.

However, it's good to know that you got things partly fixed.

--
"Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job." --Douglas Adams

Sorry..

updater.exe did the trick, now i can see a "mass storage" that is the garmin disk, but it is empty. updater.exe tells me that the firmware 7.50 is correctly installed (in fact my pc now see the nuvi) but it won't boot because (i think!) it is empty!
I think i need the files to make him boot correctly. Do you know where i can find those files?

Most of the files should be

Most of the files should be able to be restored using WebUpdater. Detail maps though have to be downloaded from Garmin and installed again. The base map and time zone maps I believe also have to be downloaded from Garmin, but those maps you'll have to find using their search engine.

If however that doesn't work, let me know and I'll provide a link to a copy of my 255w files, except for the detail map.

--
"Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job." --Douglas Adams

The map..

... is not a problem (life time map update was purchased!), but if you can link me the system files i will thank you forever!!! I try to copy all the root files from my nuvi 250 but without success!
Thank you again!

Wait patiently please.

It will be an hour or two before I can send you the link. And, the 250 files wouldn't have worked because the firmware is completely different.

--
"Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job." --Douglas Adams

Thank you!

Do you think it will be possible to recover the nuvi?
I will waith patiently!

OK...

...sorry but it's veeeeery late here in Italy! I will return here tomorrow! Thanks in advance!!!!

Here.

http://www.mediafire.com/?pkxz0b049pctky1

The zip above should be sufficient to get you up and running since it contains the base map, time zone map and other accessory files. However, you'll need an Italian voice and Italian help files. The voice and help files included are in English and my master backup of the 255W, which had all the languages is long gone.

Italian Silvia is available for download from Garmin at the following link if WebUpdater still does not work:
http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=1051

Italian help files are simply not available. I don't have them and neither does Garmin apparently.

--
"Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job." --Douglas Adams

Thank you...

... but still keep on booting on Garmin logo....
I think I have to trash this unit and tell my friend to buy another one!

Are you sure you replaced

Are you sure you replaced the modified firmware (cure firmware) with an unmodified version when you were done?

--
"Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job." --Douglas Adams
Page 1>>