Related
This discussion has been locked.
You can no longer post new replies to this discussion. If you have a question you can start a new discussion

Can't unlock maps after download to Zumo

Hiker
over 4 years ago

I'm having an issue getting maps updated to my Zumo 550.  Very similar to this

https://forums.garmin.com/apps-software/mac-windows-software/f/garmin-express-windows/161200/can-t-unlock-maps-message-after-download-to-zumo-550

But that solution isn't solving mine.

I've been working fine using Mapinstall to update the SD card directly on my computer for a long time, but started getting a "Can't unlock maps" message about a year or two ago. 

I checked the SD card / Garmin directory and there was no Unl file.

Tried the cloning method, this appeared to work ok, with a corresponding GMA, Img and unl file showing up on the SD card, but when I started up the Zumo, the "Map Info" button was greyed out, didn't appear to be able to load the map.

I tried again with the old "Map install directly to the SD card method, but no unl file, and same old Can't Unlock Map message.

My configuration:

  • I am using GE version 6.9.1.0
  • I am using map install 4.0.4
  • Zumo 550
  • 8GB SD card (of which the Zumo recognizes 4gb)
  • I use mapinstall to install 5 different maps at one time (include some off road trail maps besides CN)

  • 0 over 4 years ago

    First update GE as you're using an old version, only time I've had an issue was when using an older version of Express 

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to SUSSAMB

    I moved to a new computer, (Win10), installed GE 7.0.2, and tried using the clone method.  It seemed to work ok, with the gma, unl, and img files appearing.  My Zumo only can see 4GB on this 8GB card, so I made sure the card has less than 4GB on it.

    After I insert the SD card, and start the Zumo 550, the "map info" button is greyed out.  I no longer get the green progress bar on startup (that I believe is the map loading from the SD card.

    I guess it's probably not relevant, but in this exercise I am installing the map update directly to the device only (SD card clone), and always have to install Canada plus border states first, then "change maps" at which time it installs all of Canada and US.  (CN 2021.1)  Then reinstall map, just to be sure.  the timestamps on all 3 files seem correct. 

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to Hiker

    To install maps to your Zumo see https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=WIFhf0pGvIAJUbK9WunKa7 as Express won't recognise a sd card on the Zumo 550

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to SUSSAMB

    I don't understand this last comment?  I don't believe I am asking Express to recognize an SD card on my Zumo.

    I am using Garmin Express to install maps to the SD card directly, using the clone method, as recommended for the Zumo 550 here:

    www.poi-factory.com/.../39231

    I should probably add that I have been installing maps to my Zumo using the map install method covered in your link for about the last 10 years.  What I don't know is why it stopped working and started giving me a "Can't unlock maps" message.

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to Hiker

    Me neither, and if you've tried a complete reinstall of that map then you'll need to call Garmin to establish what's happening 

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to SUSSAMB

    ok, thank-you for trying!

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to Hiker

    I'm back in business.  When I did the clone method I had skipped the file renaming step 8 (from gmapprom to gmapsupp).  Once I renamed those files, the Zumo recognized the CN 2021.1 ok.  Then reinstalling again from MapInstall (including additional maps) worked fine with no more "Can't unlock maps" message, and all maps available.

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to Hiker

    Magic, thanks for confirming that. I'll now close this thread.