Garmin crashes each time I plug in USB to transfer routes.

I have an Etrex and for 10 years plus never had an issue, never seen the message you quote either. Where is that message coming from? Is BaseCamp generating it or some other program on your PC?

I think it’s from the Garmin but can’t be sure. When it displays my pc still hasn’t seen the garmin, no drive letter etc so it’s not from Basecamp I don’t think. Getting the laptop to see the device is difficult it takes several attempts. Am I right in just plugging the cable in with the garmin switched off? If it’s switched on and then connected the pc simply doesn’t see the device.

Each time I connect my GPSMAP 66 to my PC I get the same message "Saving all waypoints routes and trip log information in GPX format. 100% Complete" but this is displayed on my device screen, not my laptop screen, irrespective of whether BaseCamp is running or not. After a few seconds, the message is replaced with the Garmin USB connection icon https://www.gpsrchive.com/eTrex/eTrex%20x0x/index.htm and the device and any inserted card become visible to the PC e.g.in This PC or in File Manager. I believe this message is normal behaviour when the device recognises it is connected to a PC and it is writing GPX files from the stored data, ready for export.

I suspect your problem is a PC connectivity issue and not a BaseCamp issue.

It should not matter whether your device is powered up or not when you attach the USB cable, but the batteries must have enough power to make the initial connection if it was powered off.  Are you using the Garmin supplied data cable to connect to your PC or a non-Garmin cable? If it is non-Garmin, ensure that it is a USB data cable and not a USB charging cable.

On my device, the USB socket is getting a bit worn and the plug is a bit loose. Sometimes I have to unplug the cable a couple of times and then be careful not to move the device while connected, as the PC connection can be broken.

Next it is worth checking your Etrex Mass Storage Mode setting, by powering it up and go to Setup > System > USB Mode and check it is set to Mass Storage, the eTrex will then be set to automatically enter Mass Storage Mode when it detects that a PC is connected.

When you do get a connection, you should run Garmin Express to ensure your device is running the latest firmware. This is listed as version 3.00 on the GPSrChive site: https://www.gpsrchive.com/eTrex/eTrex%20x0x/index.htm  as an older release (2.4) was to improve the detection of a USB connection to a PC.

If none of this works, I suggest you next try the steps given in this Garmin support page https://support.garmin.com/en-GB/?faq=jCRy8hkBSR0xpBFA1vCcN7 

Once your PC can see the device, then start BaseCamp and hopefully your Etrex will appear in the connected devices panel..

Thanks for this, I checked the mass storage setting and thats ok. So I am now doing a software update, I will see if this helps.

And I seem to have lost my map of mallorca! It shows Topoactive Europe. I can zoom in to the Island,where  I have downloaded walks with waypoints but whilst they are still shown, the paths etc are gone. Its still useable but pretty naff. Is there a background map of Mallorca out there? The multi map site tells me it is no longer available. I have little confidence in this unit to be honest, and wouldnt ever rely on it in the mountains until its fixed. 

Well the issue isn't the unit but what has happened to it.

First your map, where did you originally get it from? If its no longer showing you've somehow deleted it so you need to reinstall it.

Second, the file you mention you should find in the GPX folder, either on the device or on the sd card if installed.

I've used an Etrex for over 10 years and never carry paper maps anymore.

If you are using a memory card, check to see if it is seated properly.  You might even want to see if removing it solves the problem.

When all else fails, you can try a factory reset on your device.  Before you try this, copy the files in the Garmin/GPX folders on the device and memory card to your computer using the Windows file system.  The instructions for a reset on your device can be found at:

https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=YJFM0GykFLAZk1aNJzXzZ9

OK will try this thanks. Reboot is last resort though!

Okay, making steady progress I hope. Next problem; I uploaded all my routes to the Garmin, and they are there to be seen on my laptop, on the device under the GPX folder. But when I unplug it and look on the device under "routes" they are nowhere to be found. I suspect I have somehow copied the routes to the SD card which shows as a G drive rather than the GPS memory which is an F drive. Is this why I cant see the routes? ( Complete novice here as must be obvious by now so thanks in advance for helping)