Got a new computer (how to keep POI's and settings?)

On my 855 the installation of an update will not affect any of the POIs or data that I have installed.

The only problem that I can foresee is that you may have a problem getting your device recognized by the Garmin site. I don't know where the necessary data are stored. Try and see. Worst is that you will have to repeat all your original registration data. will not harm your unit, btw, what model do you have?

You will of course have load all the installation s/w etc. from Garmin, into your new comp.

You will need Garmin Express, POI Loader and the Communicator plug-in for your browser at a minimum. Your POI were loaded from a folder on your old omputer, so you will need that folder to reload POI. Some optional software will include Extra POI Editor if you are using Windows and a spreadsheet program for viewing/editing CSV files.

I keep all the programs necessary to maintain my GPSr’s on both my desktop PC and laptop.

Garmin Express: http://software.garmin.com/en-US/express.html

Webupdater: http://www8.garmin.com/products/webupdater/howtoinstall.jsp

Garmin Communicator Plugin: http://software.garmin.com/en-US/gcp.html

Mapinstall: http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=3291

POI Loader: http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=927

Basecamp: http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=4435

Mapsource: http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=209

Extra POI Loader: http://turboccc.wikispaces.com/Extra_POI_Editor

MAC versions are also available.

Obviously, not all this software is necessary to do a basic map install. Garmin Express is all that is required.

I also keep my GPSr’s backed up on both computers which is something I highly recommend you do as well. An excellent “how to” post on the subject by jgermann is available here: http://www.poi-factory.com/node/30394

To date, I have had no issues using any of this software with all my GPS units on either computer.

Installing map updates does not usually affect POI’s and favorites stored on a GPSr but I suggest you do the above mentioned backup just in case.

The factory maintains links to the packages which bdhsfz6 recommends at the following

A Glossary of Terms and Links

A quick way to find the Glossary is through the "Learn" tab in the upper right hand corner of this page.

Why do You need to reload the POI when updating. I've never had to do that with my 855.

Perhaps a poor sentence construction, but if the OP wants to update POI as well, then the original source file will be required.

Thanks guys! I have a 2597. And I don't need all of that, I was just worried if something went wrong how do I get it back to how it should be.

I also only ever had Garmin Express and POI loader. What is all that other stuff used for?

I keep my GPS backup and POIs on a thumb drive. No matter what happen to my PC or when I buy a now one they are always available.

I really like this idea! I'll have to start doing this myself!

Haha! keep it in your glovebox! That's where I keep the data cable to my GPS since I only use it once or twice a year and I can never remember where I put the darn thing!

I can't imagine keeping a data cable in my glovebox! Of course I have other devices that can use the same cable for charging (bluetooth for instance). I have a USB cable permanently stuck in one of the (4) front USB ports on my desktop computer. Why in the world would I want the thing in my car since it is never used there?

well i only hook up my GPS like once or twice a year, and I have no other devices that use that type of cable so it stays in my glovebox until I need it. It's not exactly like my glovebox is prime real estate

Put the folder on Dropbox, CloudDrive or some other cloud service of your choice. I have kept mine in the cloud so they are available from whatever computer I log in on.

thats a really good idea! I often forget about the cloud!