New GPS Won't Update

[DEEKAYPEE8569]

I got a Garmin nuvvi50LM for Christmas last year. I don't remember when, but shortly after using it daily; just because it's there; it required an update; to go to Garmin's website and connect to a map updater-type program which would update the device. Tried it on my laptop, on the wireless network. Nothing. Didn't work. Tried it on the modem-connected desktop in the house. Same result.
E-mailed their tech support who asked me if I did what I did. 'Yes, and the update still didn't work.' No other solutions were suggested.
So, I have a basically brand new GPS that doesn't work.
I'm THIS[] close to sending it back to Garmin and seeing if THEY can update the thing, or send me a new one. Sucks too, because with my lousy sense of direction and short-term memory, I need 'left turn ahead' kinda help.

 

[migtig]

Do you have a smart phone? If so, you don't need a Garmin. You just need a cheap phone mount for your car and a free app.

 

[getbent]

Do you have a smart phone? If so, you don't need a Garmin. You just need a cheap phone mount for your car and a free app.

Used to do this, used up my data. Then, it could never find my location so it became useless. Not good when trying to drive to Ellicott City.

 

[getbent]

I got a Garmin nuvvi50LM for Christmas last year. I don't remember when, but shortly after using it daily; just because it's there; it required an update; to go to Garmin's website and connect to a map updater-type program which would update the device. Tried it on my laptop, on the wireless network. Nothing. Didn't work. Tried it on the modem-connected desktop in the house. Same result.
E-mailed their tech support who asked me if I did what I did. 'Yes, and the update still didn't work.' No other solutions were suggested.
So, I have a basically brand new GPS that doesn't work.
I'm THIS[] close to sending it back to Garmin and seeing if THEY can update the thing, or send me a new one. Sucks too, because with my lousy sense of direction and short-term memory, I need 'left turn ahead' kinda help.

Did you have to download something called Garmin Connect? It creates a icon on your computer (or phone).

 

[itsbob]

Did you have to download something called Garmin Connect? It creates a icon on your computer (or phone).

When I update my Garmins there were two different Apps I had to download.. one app for the Garmin in the car, and another for the newer Motorcyle Garmin..

 

[getbent]

When I update my Garmins there were two different Apps I had to download.. one app for the Garmin in the car, and another for the newer Motorcyle Garmin..

I have a Garmin watch I use when I run. There was a Garmin connect thing I had to download and use to upload my info after I would run. I have not been able to use that "app" for several weeks. Keeps telling me it can't connect. If I go to the actual Garmin website, I can upload it just fine. I haven't tried to update my GPS yet. I think I need to though because it fails at getting me to Calvert H.S.

 

[Dakota]

Ellicott City.

That is funny you mention Ellicott City. I swear every time I drive there my GPS sends me past what I'm looking for.... my GPS says drive down this road and I always glance to my left or right and find my location that way. Of course as I'm passing said address and have to find a turn-around.

Ellicott City is a zoo. I find it more difficult to find anything vs. Baltimore.

 

[getbent]

That is funny you mention Ellicott City. I swear every time I drive there my GPS sends me past what I'm looking for.... my GPS says drive down this road and I always glance to my left or right and find my location that way. Of course as I'm passing said address and have to find a turn-around.

Ellicott City is a zoo. I find it more difficult to find anything vs. Baltimore.

I've only been there twice and made out o.k. Tried to go to Calvert H.S. last year and this year. GPS took me to the shopping center by it last year. Almost ended up there this year but realized it and turned on the gps in my phone. Took me right to it.

 

[DEEKAYPEE8569]

Do you have a smart phone? If so, you don't need a Garmin. You just need a cheap phone mount for your car and a free app.

I know that; and no I don't. I just need a cell phone that works when I need/want to call somebody. The GPS was a Christmas gift.....that I would still be using if the update had worked.

 

[RPMDAD]

DK, am not going to cut and paste text from these links, they are both pretty lengthy, but am curious if you have seen them and tried them.

http://acro.net/blog/gadgets/garmin-50lm-gps-nothing-a-reboot-wont-fix/

https://forums.garmin.com/showthread.php?33137-Can-t-update-maps-nuvi-50LM

 

[DEEKAYPEE8569]

DK, am not going to cut and paste text from these links, they are both pretty lengthy, but am curious if you have seen them and tried them.

http://acro.net/blog/gadgets/garmin-50lm-gps-nothing-a-reboot-wont-fix/

https://forums.garmin.com/showthread.php?33137-Can-t-update-maps-nuvi-50LM

I've seen the second link before. I just looked at the first link. Found this:

Garmin nüvi 50LM GPS: Nothing a reboot won’t fix

September 17, 2012 by Acro 11 Comments


My Garmin nüvi 50LM GPS device is my first such gadget and I absolutely love it. Not only it’s extremely accurate, but it’s easy to use and navigate with.

It also came with free ‘lifetime’ map updates. Not too shabby for under $150.

Everything was cool until it was time for me to update the maps.

I had to install a browser plugin that could not identify my device when connected to USB.

Downloaded the USB drivers, but no device was found. Tried Firefox, IE and Chrome; each one would install the plugin but the device’s presence was thinner than ether.

Then I had an epiphany, having browsed the Garmin web site for about 30 minutes, and decided to reboot the device. By that, I mean reset it to factory settings.

So one has to hold down the bottom right point of the screen, then power it up. When prompted to delete all settings, I answered ‘yes’.

As if by magic, my device was recognized upon connecting it to the USB port and the maps were soon downloaded and installed. I could not find a single reference to this method so I thought I’d share my findings after all.

I haven't seen nor tried this yet, but I will later. Thanks

 

[Dead Eye]

Lot to be said for a updated garmin ! Smart phones are SOL without cell reception.

 

[GURPS]

Lot to be said for a updated garmin ! Smart phones are SOL without cell reception.

I have a Bluetooth GPS Receiver I use with my ipad

 

[DEEKAYPEE8569]

I've seen the second link before. I just looked at the first link. Found this:

Garmin nüvi 50LM GPS: Nothing a reboot won’t fix

September 17, 2012 by Acro 11 Comments


My Garmin nüvi 50LM GPS device is my first such gadget and I absolutely love it. Not only it’s extremely accurate, but it’s easy to use and navigate with.

It also came with free ‘lifetime’ map updates. Not too shabby for under $150.

Everything was cool until it was time for me to update the maps.

I had to install a browser plugin that could not identify my device when connected to USB.

Downloaded the USB drivers, but no device was found. Tried Firefox, IE and Chrome; each one would install the plugin but the device’s presence was thinner than ether.

Then I had an epiphany, having browsed the Garmin web site for about 30 minutes, and decided to reboot the device. By that, I mean reset it to factory settings.

So one has to hold down the bottom right point of the screen, then power it up. When prompted to delete all settings, I answered ‘yes’.

As if by magic, my device was recognized upon connecting it to the USB port and the maps were soon downloaded and installed. I could not find a single reference to this method so I thought I’d share my findings after all.

I haven't seen nor tried this yet, but I will later. Thanks

The described fix worked.