Nuvi 660 System Software Missing error

On another thread, someone noted that after a pained individual figures out how to fix the problem, they often do not report back with the fix so those who come after with the same problem are flummoxed as to what to do. Here is a problem simular to mine (corrput map file) and I hope it helps someone. If you can help with a 660 that hangs up at the 'loading map' message, let me know!

Hello All,

I recently downloaded the Nuvi 660 firmware upgrade from the Garmin site to upgrade to v2.70. I did this as I read some other comments that the Garmin webupdater application has (in some cases) caused corruption.

I ran the firmware update as per the instructions from the Garmin website and two .bin files copied to the unit but the third file (I can't recall the extension) failed to copy with a file in use error. I could not work out a way to recover from this as the upgrade failed (not fully complete) and the only option was to reset the unit via the power button.

When the unit came back up again the following error came up on the screen:

"system software missing"

The Nuvi would not boot!

I contacted the local Garmin support rep and I was given the following sequence to recover from this condition:

1. Power off the unit.

2. HOLD down the power button and you will see "Pre Boot Mode" appear on the lower part of the display. KEEP HOLDING the power button down and the display will flicker, do this until the pre boot mode message disappears. This seems to take a long time (60 seconds at least).

3. Once the pre boot mode message disappears release the power button and your device will perform some activites to recover from the above problem.

Apparently this sequence will only work with the above error. I hope this assists other if they encounter this problem.

I still don't know why the firmware upgrade process failed BUT after performing the above sequence I found that the firmware upgrade had actually worked (strange).

Regards,

Nick.