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Error when updating eTrex 32x using Garmin Express (version 7.24.0.0)

8328815
14 days ago

I recently purchased an eTrex 32x (version 2.80) and I’m attempting to update the Device Software (version 2.90), TopoActive North America (version 2024.20), and Time Zone Map (version 38.00) using Garmin Express (version 7.24.0.0). The micro SD card (SanDisk Ultra 32GB UHS-I/Class 10) purchased for the update has been formatted (FAT32/16KB) and I’ve run a command prompt ‘CHKDSK’. The card looks good. The USB communication cord that I’m using came with the unit. I’m able to add the device to Garmin Express with no issue and there doesn’t seem to be any problems up to the point of trying to start the update. Calculated install time is 2 hours and 41 minutes. After selecting the ‘Install All’ button, I can get through the ‘Terms and Conditions’ and the ‘Important Notes Before We Begin’ information window, but then I immediately get a red ‘There was an error installing the update’ warning banner. Does this help determine where the issue may lay (eTrex 32x?, micro SD card?, Garmin Express?)? I copied a random file onto the installed micro SD card to verify that the computer (running Windows 11) can read and write to the card in the eTrex. The card was reformatted again thereafter.
Unlike many of the people on this forum, I’m not a computer or GPS expert. In the interest of time and expediency, would it be possible to send this eTrex and micro SD card into Garmin to have the update completed by a competent expert. Or can Garmin just sell me a card that is preloaded with the updates?

  • 0 14 days ago

    Garmin don't provide the service you suggest but some vendors may do so. If you're getting the warning you mention see support.garmin.com/.../

  • 0 13 days ago

    I had the same problem on my computer after a Windows re-install. everything was up to date with no other software installed. I wanted to update a Garmin DriveSmart and encountered the same error message that you are mentioning. I tried everything I could think off, but to no avail. 

    What finally worked, was to run Garmin Express as an Administrator. Thereafter I could do the necessary map update. Why it worked like that, I do not know because I am the sole user of the computer and I verified that I have a administrator privileges on the computer. 

    To run it in Administrator mode, right-click on the Garmin Express icon and then choose "Run as Administrator". Hopefully you will have the same success than what I had.

  • 0 13 days ago in reply to steynja

    Running as administrator is covered in the link I posted

  • 0 5 days ago

    Follow-Up and Resolution: Garmin eTrex 32x Update Issues

    Running Garmin Express as an administrator didn't work for me, although it seems to have helped others. I spent over two hours with an IT specialist, trying every solution under the sun, but without success.

    As suggested, I visited a local vendor (REI), but they couldn't guarantee they could load the update, even if I returned my unit and bought one directly from them.

    In the end, I randomly found an older computer on which I could load Garmin Express and successfully perform the updates as per the original instructions. Estimated update time was 3 hours for Device Software, TopoActive North America, and the Time Zone Map. The actual final time ended up being 6 hours.

    In summary, even if you meet all the requirements for a Garmin eTrex 32x upgrade; load the current version of Garmin Express, have the correct micro SD card, use a Garmin USB cable, use a tested and approved operating system, have great internet speed, etc.—it might still not work for you. It's a roll of the dice.

    I'm not sure why Garmin is content with this level of customer dissatisfaction. Selling units that need extra memory and updates for full functionality even before they are shipped is a poor business model. At the very least, Garmin should offer customers an option for a paid service upgrade, either before the unit ships or when updates are needed. People who buy these units want to be hiking, not troubleshooting software. I'd much rather pay for the upgrade service than spend days combing the internet for solutions that don't work.

  • 0 5 days ago in reply to 8328815

    No different to many phones, cameras etc that require you to add extra memory and update their software from the moment you get them, and just as phones can be used without doing that so you could have used your Etrex without doing so. The fact you managed to update etc the device on another computer points to the problem being your original PC and not the Etrex, so that can hardly be blamed on Garmin. I've used a multitude of Garmin devices for around 15 years and all have updated etc without issue in well under an hour, that includes a couple of Etrex devices, a Montana as well as 5 'On the road' devices. No issues with any of them using Windows OS from XP through to Win11.  I'm glad you resolved your problem but it doesn't appear to be a Garmin issue, more a problem with the first computer you were using.