Keeping Garmin Express In Check

I hate the program honestly

Start, Run: (type) msconfig
Click on Startup tab
then "uncheck" anything you don't want to run on startup Like: Garmin lifetime, jusched, Adobe's readers etc.

(that's the way we used to do it [and still do] on XP machines. Works just as well on Win 7)

On Win8 you can use MSconfig to control some items but it redirects you to Task Manager for StartUp Items.

I disable it, thanks, real easy to do.

I have 4 different Garmins I maintain. The map updates were partially OK but still had to use MapUpdater to get the maps on the PC for Basecamp/MapSource as everyone else did.

The part I like is that I have had notices to update firmware and different system files 3 of the Garmins at different times. All these updates were quick and easy. So I'll keep it running.

and use this board to know when a new update is out, and then I turn it back on to grab it.

MSCONFIG will let you turn off startup items, no need to install anything else. Easy to turn back on if you change your mind later.

Have not had a problem with Garmin Express yet

I agree with using MSconfig and have been doing so since WinXP.

Why go through all the installing another program when it is already built into Windows.

Seeing that I have read so many negative comments about GE I have gone one step further. I just never installed it and check this site for any updates that have been released! Then do the installations and other tasks the old school way.

I am unclear on what the problems are. I just got downloading and updating my 1450 and, honestly, it went very smoothly and faster than previously.

As far as automatically starting up and checking for updates, just set it not to do that or use MSCONFIG as discussed earlier.

I'll keep it for now.

This is not limited to Garmin software. Every software available today (Adobe Reader, Flash player, Java, Yahoo messenger, Skype etc) includes some kind of automatic update feature to check for updates (or auto-start feature) and it's enabled by default. I find it annoying.

I only allow a number of software (for example: antivirus) to automatically start when Windows starts and to auto update as well.

I don't like the idea of using additional software to accomplish something (in this case, to disable auto start). I also don't like using (additional) software to uninstall unwanted bloatware/trialware.

You can manually delete entries in the registry (for example: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run). There may be multiple locations in the registry. Check user's Startup folders and Services too.

About Turbotax... they offer web version that doesn't require any installation on your computer. All you need is a web browser. I don't know if there's any difference between Turbotax software installed on our computers and the web version.

When my monitor program (Winpatrol) alerted me that GE wanted to make such mods to my system, I aborted the install. While I think Garmin has good intentions, I know that they can be sloppy in the execution. I'll continue to use myGarmin to check for updates when I'm updating my poi files.

Why install something on your computer that take disk space, RAM, and CPU processing power while you really need 4 times a year?

You need to know what you are doing in the registry. This is not for the average person. Those not knowing what to do can destroy the computer and keep it from working.

What's making me crazy is that I am no longer in control of what and where things are installed. My older Nuvi doesn't have the space for the lifetime updates I get from NA and Europe. I put Europe on an SD card and NA on the Garmin. To get Europe on an SD I've used the process of downloading to PC and use MapSource to put Europe on the SD. Gone. No longer an option. I tried to explain this on Garmin's support site, and after typing three messages that all failed, got one through that just said "Call Me!!!".
I'm all for making things easier for some folks but let those that want and can, control things to do so.

@dgrace: You could use this method "Garmin Maps | Cloning Method: Install a Map Update Directly to the SD Card" to install the Europe map to the SD card. Then just use one of the stanadard Garmin methods (Express or MapUpdater) to install the US map to the internal storage.

I despise Garmin Express. I accidentally installed it once (couldn't find the "regular" way to simply download the maps to my new computer) but I uninstalled it immediately.

Isn't it about time for yet another software update for Garmin Express to replace Version 2.1.12, which is only a few days old?

More Crapola from our friends at Garmin.

I guess we should just learn to expect Crapola from Garmin. Just look at how many years (decades even - maybe generations) it takes to add new roads (even major Interstate highways) to their maps.

You are disparaging the wrong company.

No, not at all! You may blame some other company for Garmin's devices not having up-to-date maps, but I expect better myself...thus I put the blame squarely on Garmin. My device (and the maps it uses) has the name 'Garmin' on it. How 'bout yours?

It is not user friendly at all.

I use windows 8 on a laptop, and have problems with all types of programs. Not sure if the problems are windows 8 or the software maker?

Garmin Express 2.1.13 now available for download on Garmin site ... no word on what was changed/fixed.

The name on the outside of my GPS is indeed "GARMIN Nuvi". However, when my 765T boots, I get a copyright notice from both Garmin and Navteq.

Wikipedia says:

@koot, I am not trying to change your mind. If you want to bash Garmin that is your right. I am sure you already knew that Navteq was the map provider. I was pointing out who is responsible for Maps so that others reading this thread would be aware the facts. And, once they find problems (as they likely will), know where to go to pass on that information.

I wonder what the NT in "2013.40 NT" stands for?

Are you aware of any other provider of maps whose maps are better (more up-to-date or accurate) than Navteq's?

I think NT stands for "New Technology". As I recall that designation was added to City Navigator maps 4 or 5 years ago when Garmin changed the format of their map files to incorporate a new data compression method.

I had no idea and obviously I was hoping that NT stood for NavTeq.

I'll add that abbreviation to the
A Glossary of Terms and Links

https://forums.garmin.com/showthread.php?35690-Garmin-Expres...

This POS isn't worth the aggravation it causes. Let me know when v6.0 is ready.

It may be Navteq's data Garmin starts with, but then Garmin's crew heavily massages the data to get it to where it can be loaded into your evice.

True, but if something is left out, I think you would agree that Garmin is not adding it.

Garmin Express does not give you the option as to which maps you want to install... Don't like it and don't use it...

Unless you have access to Garmin's requirements, you are only guessing. You (and I) have no clue what Garmin does with the data they purchase from Navteq. The only thing we know for certain is that Garmin modifies the data received from Navteq.

I do not have any access to Garmin's requirements so I am indeed making a supposition. I am doing so because when I first got my 765T I was playing around learning what the unit would do and had a situation where the map was obviously not aware of a particular intersection which had a stop light with two left turn lanes into a nearby Walmart. So, it would route me a half mile past the Walmart, have me make a U-turn and then go back a half mile and turn right into the Walmart.

I called Garmin to see if I could help by pointing out the obvious lack of information about that intersection. The representative was very nice but said that they did not, themselves, make changes to the base maps and directed me to the Navteq site. Thus my supposition.

I actually talked to a Navteq rep who looked with me at a Google map showing the intersection.

Since that was over three years ago, I checked to see if the routing had improved. It has not. The 765T still wants me to make a U-turn at the cessation of the divided highway (as opposed to turning left at the intersection purpose built in the divided highway for Walmart). Interestingly, if I set the Route Preference (only avoidance set is unpaved roads) to Faster Time, the estimates are 12 miles and arrive in 17:40 minutes. If the Route Preference is Shorter Distance, the estimates are 10 miles (with the U-Turn) and 16:27 minutes. Go figure!

msconfig is the best way to prevent startup items for hogging valuable time and resources.

If you own a Chrysler Sebring that has a Mitsubishi engine and encounter problems with the motor who will you blame and hold responsable, Chrysler of course. That same reasoning holds true for the above.

I am not sure that your analogy about Chrysler and Mitsubishi applies. There are so many combinations about whether the purchaser knew that the engine in the Chrysler Sebring was a Mitsubishi or not.

I thought that I remembered that the Garmin I bought had Navteq maps, so I checked the box that my 765T came in; it is clear on the outside of that box that the maps and traffic were from Navteq.

I understand that most people do not really investigate the details of the electronic devices that they buy. However, they should not blame the device maker for their failure to research adequately.

John take a step back and think, if you had problems with your transmission would you do a google search to see who manufactured it or would you complain to the dealer you bought it from ? The transmission was manufactured by Mercendes-Benz but your car is a Chrysler Crossfire. Do you know how many parts in the Crossfire are manufactured by other companies ? If you have problems with your car who would you complain to and hold responsable ?

If the speech engine in the GPS unit comes from company x and you encounter problems with it who are you going to blame ? By the way the average Joe has no idea that Navteq supplies the mapping to Garmin.

One thing though is certain, we don't think nor reason the same.

Cheers

jgermann - Try as you might - your view does not make any sense to logically thinking people. Give it up!

@koot and canuk, I am not trying to convince either of you who you should blame. If it helps you to bash Garmin, then so be it.

I was interested in setting the record straight that the maps are not Garmin's to fix. The fix must come from Navteq.

I do agree that Garmin is responsible for whatever their units do. However, for a couple of hundred bucks, I did not expect perfection - I expected for my 765 to get me close to a destination.

In a post above, I indicated that I did complain to Garmin when I had a problem with routing - even though I knew that my unit was using Navteq maps because it said so on the box. The Garmin rep was sympathetic but she said that to have any chance of the problem being corrected, I would need to contact Navteq - which I did.

Complaining is one thing. Using words like "Crapola" is another. @canuk, since you and koot have stayed with Garmin for years (assuming you both still have your 255's), I would assume that you have not found that TomTom or Magellan have superior products.

@koot, can we just agree to disagree. You blame Garmin for the map problem and I will blame Navteq (while recognizing that Garmin is responsible for their choice of Navteq).

I asked the question before but no one has answered. Do you know of a better source of maps than Navteq that Garmin might use?

In response to many of the comments, I tried msconfig before finding this article. I was able to deactivate "Garmin Core Update Service" but "GarminExpressTrayApp" was not present on the list hence Garmin Express loaded every time the PC booted. I tried Autoruns as described above and found it in seconds and deactivated it. Maybe its a Win7 thing.

Thank for the advice!

I had not heard of it - but seems all you are doing is disabling and then re-enabling the startup program - that can also be accomplished with Advanced Systems Care - along with a lot of other tools and utilities (startup manager in toolbox).

I still prefer the old Map Updater program. It may take anywhere between 1 1/2 to 5 hours, but I can let it run and do so.

If I was at my trailer or elsewhere and using a cell based internet, with my laptop, I also didn't like the idea of loading large uncontrolled data downloads. This could significantly boost my internet usage on an expensive internet link and drive 2 or 3 levels up on the monthly charge.

If I'm patient and wait a few weeks or more to get the latest map, it seems that the download speed is generally fairly good. If I do it too soon, there are too many others downloading at the same time and stretching Garmin's server. At least that's the way that it seems.

As far as Express is concerned, it is true that all you are doing is disabling the registry entries that let Express boot and run whenever the computer is started.

There are a number of other ways to do this, as you point out.

However, I have found that looking around in Autoruns for programs, services and add-ons that I did not expect (or want) to be running has been very helpful in keeping my computer running well (as I illustrated by my experience with Intuit/TutboTax).

You would be surprised at how many packages - think Google and Adobe - are checking whether or not any new updates are available for download right now. You may or may not want this to happen with the frequency it does.

Autoruns makes it easy to check out entries that you find and wonder what is going on.

Since Autoruns is free and portable (ie. it does not install itself), it might be interesting to try it and see what might be running.

Right now, I have disabled
(In Logon)
AdobeAAMUpdater
Adobe ARM
SunJavaUpdateScheduler
RealnetworksScheduler
swg (Google ToolbarNotifier)
(In Scheduled Tasks)
Adobe Flash Player Updater
AppleSoftwareUpdate
Microsoft Windows Media Sharing
RealUpgrade Launcher
(In Services)
AdobeARMService
AdobeFlashPlayerUpdateSvc
AppleMobileDevice
IntuitUpdateServiceV4
IPod Service
WMPNetworkSvc

I found these just by looking around.

Consider that I do not have an Apple device. Why would I want AppleMobileDevice and IPod Service running. These were installed on my machine because I got a copy of ITunes in order to download free copies of Garrison Keilor's Prairie Home Companion - News from Lake Wobegon (which I put on CD to listen to in my car when I am on trips). Apple just assumed that I needed these services and installed them. Indeed, when I run Itunes, Apple tells me that I have not installed them and wants to know if I want to repair the installation.

I find that my computer boots more quickly and runs faster.

If you already have a good package to solve such problems, then check it from time to time to see if anything has changed in the last month.

Autoruns is great! Thanks for pointing it out.

Garmin express is slow...

Autoruns will slow computers to a crawl.