gmapprom confusion

From the Garmin website, the nuvi 255W does not come with a SD card so the City Navigator map data must be in the nuvi's internal storage on a stock 255W.

Did you buy the nuvi new or is it possible you have a used unit where the original owner moved the built-in map from internal memory to the SD card? Did you upgrade your map to a newer version--if so, where was the new map installed?

In any case, as you will find mentioned a lot at this site, it's always a good idea to backup your functioning nuvi's data to a computer hard drive to allow for possible restoration of missing files.

For help here, can you describe what happens as your turn on the nuvi now? What have you done to date with the nuvi when it was USBed to a computer? Is there any chance that you disconnected the USB cable to the nuvi while data was being transferred between the GPS and computer? What did you store on the SD card or why did you install the card in the nuvi?

Good luck. If Garmin's not able to help you online, you may need to return the nuvi to them for repair.

Thank you for your response and questions.

You are correct. The unit did not come with an SD card. I inserted my own.

The unit was purchased new.

The only upgrades were done automatically by the Garmin WEBUPDATER program. I have not purchased any new maps. (This does bring up a question. Could I just purchased the latest map and download it?

When I turn it on I get the message "No detailed maps found that support routing. The nuvi cannot be used without them." I have gone through the unlock scenario and updated the gmapprom.unl file.

I never disconnected the USB cable while data was being transferred.

I never physically stored any data on the card. I just put one in, in case the unit needed the extra space.

I think Garmin should provide a CD in order to restore the unit to its factory settings. I do not like to send items back to the factory. In fact I will not send it back. I have a TomTom now and just wanted to see if I could get the Garmin up and running.

With the nuvi USBed to your computer, go to Garmin's web site and go to myGarmin:

https://my.garmin.com/mygarmin/customers/myGarminHome.faces

Sign in (or if you haven't registered yet, register and sign in) to myGarmin and see if your unit is still new enough to warrant a free map update (to the current City Navigator 2010.40). You will need to install Garmin Communicator on your computer during this process if not already done. If you're due a free map update, try downloading and installing it and see if that puts a detailed map on your unit to restore its function.

Personally, I'd be afraid to buy any map update in case there's more messed up with your device than just missing a map file. But if you're due a free map upgrade, go for it.

One other thing you could try (although I doubt that this will help if your issue is really a missing map file) is to do a hard reset of your nuvi. Search for hard reset on this site for details.

Note that even with a broadband internet connection, a map update can take up to 2-3 hours since both the 2GB download and the installation process will take time.

Note also that when launching the downloaded map update file, it may take tens of seconds to several minutes for the process to look like something's happening. Don't try to relaunch or cancel the process--your computer isn't frozen--patiece is needed here. One benefit of a map upgrade beyong putting a new map into your GPS is that Mapsource and the map will be installed on your computer as well as on your GPS device.

I logged on and saw that they say that I have two maps installed on the unit. They are both the same
"City Navigator America NT 2009 Limited. Deluxe all regions, Mar 08". When, in fact, I have no maps.

It appears that I am not eligible for a free download as they want $70 for a new map. I would like care to spend that kind of money and then find out that it does not work because another file is missing or something like that.

Once again I say that they should issue a CD with every new unit just in case something like this occurs. I know that I did not delete any records.

I will call them and see what they say. If it is to be returned I will continue to use my TomTom and forget about the Garmin unit.

I just placed my call and they have a 15 to 20 minute waiting time. I guess that takes care of my problem. I will trash the unit unless I can find somewhere to download the map file.

Thank you for your response.

Maybe others today will have suggestions for you.

I was hoping that your unit was less than 60 days old so it'd be entitled to a free map update:

https://my.garmin.com/maps/nuMaps.htm

but your unit must be beyond its 60-day update window.

I understand your frustration but still think it's worth the effort of returning your 255W for warranty repair if the problem can't be solved online or by phone.

And just for the sake of completeness, a Restore CD isn't an option due to the large amount of data. It'd require a DVD.

Have you looked for the Map Info on your 255W?

If not, go to Tools – Settings – Map – Map Info and see what maps are listed. If there are any listed, make sure a check mark is in the box beside the map name of one of them.

Also have you looked at the list of files on your 255W and the SD card using your computer?

Thank you for your very informative replies. It does appear that the only option I have is to return the unit. I will not do this as I am certain the restoring process would not be free and I would still have to find a box, wrapping paper, drive to the PO... Way too much trouble for what it is worth.

As I mentioned previously I recently picked up a TomTom and I do like it much better. So I will put the Garmin with the outdated PDA's, iPods and computer in my garage.

Thank you once again for your assistance.

The "Map" area is grayed out. I believe this indicates that there are no maps present.

I do not have any map files listed when viewing the unit with Windows.

The SD card, I removed, has since been formatted.

I search the Garmin faq and this is what I got.

The "No Detailed Maps Found That Support Routing" message may appear on your device for the following reasons:

The GPS device is missing it's unlock code
The maps on the GPS device have been disabled
To determine the cause of the message, touch the screen until the message "No Detailed Maps Found That Support Routing" disappears.

If you see a "Can't Unlock Maps" message following this error, remove any microSD / SD cards in the device and follow the instructions below for Retrieving your unlock codes followed by the instructions for Creating an unlock file
If you do not get the Can't Unlock Maps message then skip to the instructions for Enabling maps on the GPS device
Retrieving your unlock codes:

Log into your myGarmin account
Select myMaps
Select Manage Maps
Select the device from the drop down menu
The unlock code is located under the "Maps installed on this device" section
Creating an unlock code file:

Plug your Garmin device into the USB port
Double-Click on My Computer or Computer located on the desktop
Right-Click on the Garmin or nuvi drive
Click Explore
Double-Click on the Garmin folder
Right-Click in a blank space in this window
Move your mouse over the word New
Select Text Document
Press Enter / Return on your keyboard
Double-Click on the New Text Document. This will open the New Text Document in a window called Notepad
Type the unlock code that is listed in the Manage Maps section of your myGarmin account in all upper-case letters with no spaces
Select File
Select Save As
Change the Save As Type to All Files
Type gmapprom.unl in all lower-case letters for the File name
Select Save
Close the Notepad window
Delete the New Text Document file
Disconnect the GPS device from your computer
*nuvi x70 owners with transatlantic mapping will need to follow the Creating an unlock code file instructions above for their U.S. mapping and then create another unlock file for their European maps:

Plug your Garmin device into the USB port
Double-Click on My Computer or Computer located on the desktop
Right-Click on the Garmin or nuvi drive
Click Explore
Double-Click on the Garmin folder
Right-Click in a blank space in this window
Move your mouse over the word New
Select Text Document
Press Enter / Return on your keyboard
Double-Click on the New Text Document. This will open the New Text Document in a window called Notepad
Type the European unlock code that is listed in the Manage Maps section of your myGarmin account. This will need to be typed in all upper-case letters with no spaces
Select File
Select Save As
Change the Save As Type to All Files
Type gmapprom1.unl in all lower-case letters for the File name
Select Save
Close the Notepad window
Delete the New Text Document file
Disconnect the GPS device from your computer
Enabling maps on the GPS device:

Touch the wrench icon on the Where to/View map screen
Touch Settings
Touch Map
Touch Map Info
Select the checkbox next to the maps to be enabled on the device
If you continue to receive the "No Detailed Maps Found That Support Routing" message after completing these steps please contact Garmin Support

Thank you so very much for your complete response. I have completed those steps approximately six(6) times. I do not see a file gmapprom.img and I believe that I should have one. I do have the gmapprom.unl file with the unlock code in it.The map (City Navigation America...)may have been on my SD card that I removed and formatted. I do not recall having sent it to the card or having placed any data on the card. If I could only get the gmapprom.img file I think all would be well.

I have a 205w and have all the original files on a dvd, it should work. If we can think of a way for me to get them to you (upload somewhere, messenger service, etc) I will so you have a working unit and not a paper weight. If you like the tomtom you can sell the Garmin to a friend or give it away, but at least it will work.

Edit - I just looked and DO in fact have the gmapprom.img file. 0.99gb on the DVD. The only difference is my 205w is lower 48 + Hawaii and Puerto Rico where I think the 255w is North America (Canada etc).

This is an interesting idea. I have not heard of anyone putting a file someplace where others have access to it besides S/W manufacturers.

Snail Mail would be a solution.

Yes it would. I would pay for any expenses you incur. It is just that I would hate to see anything happen to the DVD in transit. I know we receive many DVD's via snail mail but from a company is one thing and from an individual, with only one copy, is another.

I'll just burn another one real quick and keep my copy and send you another one (after testing it). I have an extra dvd That way you'll have all the files from factory instead of just the one. Just click my name and send an email to me with where its to go and ill have it off today or tomorrow.

Sounds good to me. And tell me the expenses you incur including the DVD. Do you have an e-mail address? I will send my snail mail address via e-mail.

sent you an email via the account thingy, look for an email.

I sent you my address via the POI e-mail. Let me know if you received it.

yep, I did.

I don’t want to be a wet blanket, but I don’t think that is going to work.

The way I understand it a Garmin unlock code is tied to both a unit serial number and to a specific map including name and update level.

Tarpy’s unlock code will work with his map but only if used with his 205, and jmsfmtex’s unlock code is for his 255W but will not work with Tarpy's map.

Well then I just made a lovely coaster! I'll send it anyway to eliminate this possibility

Each map is keyed for the unit it comes with. If it were not one could buy a map and share it with everyone.

I wonder if the procedure to set an unlock code posted by charlesd45, above, would correct this after the files were restored.

At this point, with the OP about to relegate the GPS to paperweight status, the minimal expense of a DVD and S&H makes it worth a try unless someone can confirm that it won't work. Oops, the more I think about this, the more I may agree with you--unless the map file Tarpy67 has backed up is the same version (the March 08 2009 map version) as supposedly on jmsfmtex's nuvi, the unlock code for the map will fail. In that case, only Garmin will be able to help, either through a download to the nuvi or by a return of the nuvi for repairs. If the nuvi is still under warranty, I'd not expect there to be a charge other than maybe S&H for the repair.

Two last suggestions: as much as I trust folks here, be sure to virus scan the DVD before transferring files from it to the GPS or computer. If this works and the 255W is functional again, please consider backing up the 255W's files to your computer. [OK, three suggestions: also, as I'm sure you'll do anyway, mind the directory status and be sure files are installed to the 255W in the directory where the GPS expects them to be.]

[OK, four: jmsfmtex, please consider repairing the nuvi. You have found the web site here where you will obtain great advice, but note that the vast majority of us here are familiar with Garmin products. If you posted an issue like this with your TomTom, you'd have fewer responses to issues with the non-Garmin unit.]

The one I have is

‎Friday, ‎March ‎20, ‎2009, ‏‎4:38:54 AM

on backup, so it's 12 days off but same map? I've since updated the gps itself.

Tarpy67, if you have a map update from March 2009, it'll be the 2009.10 map according to DorkUsNimrod who wrote:

Previous Garmin nuMaps Lifetime release dates (approximate):

City Navigator North America NT 2009.10: Jan 22, 2009
City Navigator North America NT 2010.10: Apr 9, 2009
City Navigator North America NT 2010.20: Jul 30, 2009
City Navigator North America NT 2010.30: Nov 19, 2009

I may have misled you on the OP's map. I believe his lost map is the original 2009 map, from March 2008, but called a 2009 map, the first of the 2009s. If true, your 2009.1 map (this is your map, right?--from touching Tools/Settings/Map/MapInfo) is not the same as his map from 2008, the first "2009" map. If ever a case were needed to suggest that Garmin revise their numbering system, here it is. As stated by DorkUsNimrod, three of the 2010.x0 maps were issued in 2009--and now that it's early 2010, the next expected map release by Garmin will be 2011.10.

Given this old map version on the broken nuvi, I now fear that the OP's nuvi may be out of warranty, in which case his thought of scrap-heaping the nuvi if a return for repair is the only fix, is a fair assessment. It still seems possible that a compassionate Garmin tech could offer a download or a DVD shipment to the OP to fix his issue without a GPS return for repairs.

And poor jmsfmtex, if you're still following this thread--I'm not sure how TomToms work, but if there's any way you can now back up the files on the TomTom to your computer hard drive or recordable DVD, doing it now while the TomTom is working may be wise

I have the City Navigator North America NT 2010.10: Apr 9, 2009 backed up, that's what it said in tools, map, etc when I bought it. So I guess we can say we tried!

The name has to match too: "City Navigator America NT 2009 Limited. Deluxe all regions"

EDIT
OOPs did not see your post Tarpy.

Yes you did try and I think it was a very kind offer you made to help by sending a disk.

I had to laugh.

There are other third party maps that can be used with the 255W.

For example there are several at http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/state/tx

After writing the OP that I would not be able to send the DVD because it would not work, I was informed he got a hold of "the right tech" at Garmin that supplied him with a link to download the missing map file and is up and running again.

I think that is a perfect example of average customer service from Garmin. They have their "moments" but overall they are great

Nothing beats success like success.

Any bets on how many backup copies he makes after this?I am sure a big sigh of relief.

Good thing I buy in stacks and the dvd's are cheap. But it still is a backup of old data for my gps I could use and hide it at a different location lol. Guess I'm super duper backed up??

Live and learn

Great news, in less than one hour after I write:

"It still seems possible that a compassionate Garmin tech could offer a download or a DVD shipment to the OP to fix his issue without a GPS return for repairs."

we hear from Tarpy with the great news.

I thought of incorporating your quote into my reply but it was too much work at the time. But that's the first thing that went through my brain is what you wrote

Also when you said it would be a good time for them to change the way they name they're maps lol. I get it NOW haha

As Tarpy67 mentioned I finally was able to get a hold of the gmapprom.img file. I downloaded it and everything appears to be running smoothly. I will do a test run tomorrow.

I want to thank everyone for their responses. All were beneficial.

Hi jmsfmtex.... If you can't unlock Tarpy67´s map I can send you an unlock program that works

Offering illegal unlocking of maps is against the principles of many here plus could get the site into trouble with Garmin.

Anyway, he does not need it since he was able to get a legal copy directly from Garmin.

Very True Evert BUT he wouldn't be stealing anything he hadn't already bought and paid for. I live in Iceland and accidently formatted my Nuvi (Bought in the US)and the only available help I could get from Garmin (Garmin Reps here said they could do nothing for me) was to send my devive to the UK and have them reinstall the basemap which I lost (I had already updated the US map and had a copy I was able to reinstall myself)so sometimes we have to help ourselves. It wasn't my intention to tell anyone to pirate any maps to each his own in those matters and I shall not mention it here again. Have a good one.

The map you offered to help him unlock was newer than the one he had a license to use, so it would indeed have been illegal for him to use the software you proposed to unlock it.

That is very different from helping someone get a copy of a map for which they already have an unlock code.

So be it Evert...My mistake and I apoligize. As I stated before If you choose to pirate software that is your choice. I have bought programs that stated 1 program to 1 computer but I could not install it on 1 computer under 2 different operating systems...how I´m suppose to use 2 operating systems on 1 computer at the same time...well maybe you can tell me how..then I´ll look at other methods. My motto is ...If I use it I buy it...Thx for your comments and this is the last I´ll comment on this issue. Hope you have a good day