Virb Elite not recognized by Windows 7

Former Member over 11 years ago

Hi,
I understand that this is the Virb Edit forum but can't locate a forum dedicated to the Virb itself (if there is one, please redirect me and I'll delete this post).

Ever since I got my Virb Elite, it can't be recognized by Windows 7. The first time I plugged in the Virb, Windows 7 said it installed some drivers but the Virb was never 100% recognized.
When I plug it in, the Virb turns on, green light lits up with the battery graphic showing. Then the light turns red momentarily, goes back to green and Virb shuts down.

Device Manager knows it as Garmin Virb SD Card but with the exclamation point beside it. Of course the Virb disappears from Device Manager after it shuts down.

Only way I can transfer the video from the Virb to the PC is to take the SD Card out and use a reader instead.

However, on a Windows 8 tablet, it works just fine.

So I'm thinking it is not the Virb coz it works on Windows 8. Any tips/suggestions how I can get the Virb to work with Windows 7, as this is my main desktop PC.

Thanks in advance.

0 Former Member over 11 years ago

This may sound a little strange, but give it a try.
I just purchased a VIRB Elite Mid August and had the same issue of it not being totally recognized by windows 7 (I don't have a windows a 8 PC). So I tried it on multiple window 7 PC's, same issue. I do however have multiple gadgets that use the same like/type USB cable (however some are longer or shorter or thicker and with resistors) I found a different cable and gave it a try, no luck, but on the 3rd cable everything worked. This is not a unique issue, many devises work off of a particular voltage and resistance. Also each PC is a little bit different in its make up and configuration. IE different parts, brands and manufacuters.
Give it a try, also make sure the connecter is fully seated in the VIRB, you need to feel unique click.

0 Former Member over 11 years ago

Thank you for your suggestions. However, regardless of which connector I use, it doesn't work.

But now ........ my Virb Elite is being recognized by Windows 7. I didn't do anything to it except ..........

When I was on a group ride, the 90deg mount adapter snapped in half, sent the Virb flying off the bike, did a couple of somersaults on the pavement before I was able to get to it.
Guess what, when I plugged it in to my PC, it just suddenly worked. I kid you not.

0 Former Member over 11 years ago

I hade several VIRB Elites before I got one that worked well incombination with the PC.
Tried 4 PC's and all of the ports on them with 7 different cables.
It still wouldn't work like it should, it only worked when the battery was fully loaded.
The one I have now works OK.
It seems that firmware 3.70 corrected some things with the USB connection.
I tried to make a movie about updating using VIRB Edit and foolishly updated from 3.70 to 3.80.
Now I can't get back. 3.80 has some external audio problems.
So if you have 3.70 and need the external audio, don't update to 3.80.