Map Won't Unlock when Downloaded to Computer Via GE

 

I posted on this several years ago and apparently, at the time, I was the only one with this issue.

When I download the latest mapset using GE to both GPS and computer, the map works fine on the GPS. The problem is, the map won't unlock when trying to use it with Basecamp or Mapsource on the computer.

I've had this issue with my last 3 desktop computers running Win XP and more recently, Win 7 Pro. The strange thing is, everything works perfectly when downloading to both my laptops which run Win 7 Pro.

With each map update, I have to call Garmin support. They take control of my computer remotely and make adjustments to fix the issue. They won't tell me how to do it myself claiming the information is proprietary. They also can't tell me why I'm having the problem to begin with.

It's been a couple of years since my last post on this and I'm hoping someone may now have a solution.

look at this thread

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/46945

I cannot say this solves the problem but there are a few pieces of info here to think about.

Having the GPS connected to the computer should help unlock the map that is on the computer.

Both your issue and the issue in the thread involve an old installation of BaseCamp, Mapsource, or an old web browser that may have remnants of Garmin Communicator. In my opinion, a clean install of Windows and Garmin software will solve the problem.

dobs108 smile

info for pirating?

We know that Bdhsfz6 is a legitimate customer of Garmin who is entitled to have unlocked maps, but the thought occurred to me that if we successfully solve his problem, that information could assist those who are pirating maps.

That must be Garmin's motivation for not telling him how they solved the problem in the past.

dobs108 smile

The pirates don't need that

The pirates don't need that information, as the tools for unlocking the maps on both the PC and the device have been present for years now.

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"Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job." --Douglas Adams

Pirates !

I agree with what Strephon Alkhalikoi says.
In the large city where I live you can buy the just released map set for TT and Garmin very shortly after the official release, meaning the pirates do not need info presented in these forum threads.

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Nuvi 2797LMT, DriveSmart 50 LMT-HD, Using Windows 10. DashCam A108C with GPS.

I'm Sure This Is True

dobs108 wrote:

That must be Garmin's motivation for not telling him how they solved the problem in the past.

dobs108 smile

I'm sure this is true, however they could tell me what settings or updates to make on my desktop to keep the problem from happening with every map update.

Could be program files arrangement

bdhsfz6 wrote:

...I've had this issue with my last 3 desktop computers running Win XP and more recently, Win 7 Pro. The strange thing is, everything works perfectly when downloading to both my laptops which run Win 7 Pro...

This may have to do with the location of the Garmin Program Files.

In Windows XP, they are located in C:/Program Files/Garmin, while in Windows 7, they are located in C:/Program Files (x86)/Garmin. The registry has entries which include these paths.

Recent Garmin software or authentication routines for unlocking maps may not be able to deal with the old paths for Windows XP Program Files. For three years, Garmin has stated that Garmin Express is not compatible with Windows XP.

The only exception is your Windows 7 desktop. Check the location of Program Files on that PC if the map is not unlocked properly.

dobs108 smile

A definite Possibility

dobs108 wrote:
bdhsfz6 wrote:

...I've had this issue with my last 3 desktop computers running Win XP and more recently, Win 7 Pro. The strange thing is, everything works perfectly when downloading to both my laptops which run Win 7 Pro...

This may have to do with the location of the Garmin Program Files.

In Windows XP, they are located in C:/Program Files/Garmin, while in Windows 7, they are located in C:/Program Files (x86)/Garmin. The registry has entries which include these paths.

Recent Garmin software or authentication routines for unlocking maps may not be able to deal with the old paths for Windows XP Program Files. For three years, Garmin has stated that Garmin Express is not compatible with Windows XP.

The only exception is your Windows 7 desktop. Check the location of Program Files on that PC if the map is not unlocked properly.

dobs108 smile

I no longer use XP on any of my computers. My current desktop and 2 laptops all run Win 7 Pro. The laptops do not have this issue, just the desktop,

The program file location is a definite possibility. I would think that Garmin would have told me that though without giving away trade secrets on one of the numerous calls I made.

In any case, the file location is worth checking. Thanks for the tip.

Thanks Dobs108

dobs108 wrote:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/46945

I cannot say this solves the problem but there are a few pieces of info here to think about.

Having the GPS connected to the computer should help unlock the map that is on the computer.

Both your issue and the issue in the thread involve an old installation of BaseCamp, Mapsource, or an old web browser that may have remnants of Garmin Communicator. In my opinion, a clean install of Windows and Garmin software will solve the problem.

dobs108 smile

Thanks for your suggestions Dobs.

I saw this post last year. Although the ethics are a bit fuzzy, Susamb's solution of getting the unlock code from the GPSr and importing it into Basecamp seemed the best. I'm not sure but it seems to me it could be used to unlock a unit or program not authorized to do so.

Out of frustration, I tried anyway but unfortunately, it didn't work. Garmin must have changed the location of the unlock code files on the 3597 perhaps to prevent this workaround. I would much prefer to fix the problem rather than fool around with a patch.

I had hoped the problem would fix itself when I replaced my old XP desktop with a new unit running Win 7 but unfortunately, it didn't. A new Win 10 machine isn't too far off for me but with my luck, it won't make any difference.

I don't know if this is relevant or not but last year on one of my many calls to Garmin, a tech told me my computer had too much RAM. I dismissed the comment at the time as being ridiculous but now that I think about it, maybe not. I always max out the available RAM memory on my desktops which is required for some specialized design programs. That is the one common factor on all the computers with which I've had this trouble. ???

Windows 7 Pro RAM limit

Windows 7 Pro 32-bit 4 GB RAM max

Windows 7 Pro 64-bit 192 GB RAM max

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa366778(VS.85).aspx#physical_memory_limits_windows_7

The link is not live probably because there is a hyphen in it.

Fixed it for you.

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa366778(VS.85).aspx#physical_memory_limits_windows_7

For future reference, if you have a link that doesn't want to appear, surround it with the following HTML tags and switch the input format to Filtered HTML with Hyperlinks.

< a href > < /a > (eliminate the spaces)

If you want your link to look readable, do this.

< a href=https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa366778(VS.85).aspx#physical_memory_limits_windows_7 >Windows 7 Physical Memory Limits< /a >

My favorite? Having the link open up a new tab.

< a href=https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa366778(VS.85).aspx#physical_memory_limits_windows_7 target=new >Windows 7 Physical Memory Limits< /a >

Either one will appear like this.

Windows 7 Physical Memory Limits

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"Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job." --Douglas Adams

Thanks, strephon

Thanks!