3490LMT Hidden System Folder - Not Displayed

What OS?

Try hitting the F5 button to refresh the folder. If that doesn't work, reboot the computer and try again.

I'm certain you are, but are you sure you are signed in Windows as Adinistrator?

Since your Nuvi is being regognized, but not the .System folder, I'm not sure this is a cure but it's an intersting post.

Read Post #2 since your 3490 is one of the newer units.

https://forums.garmin.com/showthread.php?p=118431

This was the answer. I'm using Win XP Pro SP3 as an Admin with all the correct folder settings but the blog you pointed to was in fact the answer. The Nuvi's are now MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) devices and I had to go into the Developer's Screen and change it to Mass Storage so I could see it as a drive. Then I could see the .system hidden folder. I will back that folder up soon in case I make a mistake.

Thanks again for the help!

Nice to hear that was the problem and it's resolved.
Although it is wise to backup before any changes not after.

I'm sure Garmin has a reason for the MTP protocol which is beyond my knowledge.

What I don't understand is why there is no mention of this in the manual. I briefly scanned the 3490 manual and there was no mention of this under "File Types".

Wihtout forums like this many of us would be in the dark.

I just did a full backup. The whole reason for this relates to my other post whereby I wanted to find the files that contained all previous Instasearch results so I can clear them but the removing of the searches.txt file under Logs didn't do it and another post on another site indicates that they're in the SID folder but that's 1GB worth of stuff that I don't want to erase since it supposedly works with Traffic Trends, Fast Routing, POI's etc.

Why Garmin didn't add a clear button in the UI for the Instasearch is beyond me. Anyway, that's another topic.

Thanks again.

I was going to tell you to try that but As I read, u answered it already. I was having simular issues due to this setting and had to change it. Both EPE and Mapsource could not "find" my device until I changed the setting.

I would love to know what it is used for?

Be administrator.

Start--Control Panel--Folder options--View--Hidden Files and Folders--Check Hidden Files and Folders.

Also, uncheck Hide protected operating system files.

Then they magically appear when you click on the Garmin system folder.