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etrex 30x - no way to update firmware

I just got the new etrex 30x. The firmware on the device is 2.00 and the garmin page http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=9099 states there is an update available. The pages states:

"eTrex 20x/30x (Webupdater) software version 2.10
as of July 13, 2015
Use Garmin Express to install this file."

This is where the problem starts. When I run Garmin express it finds the etrex 30x but displays a message saying "etrex 30x. Garmin Express does not support this device. Please use garmin map updater". As I didn't want or need to update maps I didn't initially try this. Since the first support page talked about the webupdater (which I have previously used for my old etrex vista HCX) I thought I would try that. So I downloaded it from http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=931 and installed. This software finds the etrex 30x and the 2.10 firmware update. Once I got to the licence agreement for the firmware update, clicked the confirm tickbox and then pressed next, the update was downloaded but then a pop up said the update is corrupted and the software wouldn't do anything else. I then downloaded the garmin map updater (copyright 2014!) and ran it. After a couple of attempts I got to a page where it said "Device Software Update complete!" and then it hung. The "next" box is grayed out and the only option available is to close the whole software window - which displays a warning saying "Closing the Map Updater now could leave your device in an unusable state and is not recommended. Are you sure you want to exit?"

Can anyone out there explain how I am supposed to update the firmware without bricking the device?

Any help much appreciated.

0 SUSSAMB over 9 years ago

Are you sure you're running the latest version of Express as running some older versions can give the error you describe.

0 bingbongbing over 9 years ago

Are you sure you're running the latest version of Express as running some older versions can give the error you describe.

Hi SUSSAMB. Thank you for your prompt response. Yes - I had updated garmin express to the newest version before plugging in the etrex 30x.

I also have a question for you with regards to these forums. Is there a reason that there is no official forum of sub forum for etrex and other handheld hiking devices? It would be really nice to have sub forum in the "On the Trail" forum. At the moment there is only a "wrist worn" and "Action Cam" forum in there. At the moment people are posting etrex queries all over the place so it is hard to find.

0 mariomobiel over 9 years ago

Do u have the latest version of Garmin Express, 4.1.5.0 is the latest version.

u can check this by clicking the little gear wheel right top of Garmin express
on the page that opens u can click on "check for updates"

never mind, missed SUSSAMB's post with the same quistion.

0 mariomobiel over 9 years ago

Also check the following since u get a message that the file is corrupted.

on the eTrex there should be a folder called "Garmin" if u downloaded a firmware update it should be in that folder and it's called GUPDATE.IMG if u find it, delete that file. This way u can download the firmware again.

0 bingbongbing over 9 years ago

firmware link

Thanks MARIOMOBIEL - will check this evening and report back. In case anyone else needs to manually download the firmware you can find it at the following link http://download.garmin.com/software/eTrex20x_30x_Webupdater__210.gcd If I cannot get the garmin express update to work I will try and manully install the firmware myself.

0 EXPRESSCUSTOMERCARE over 9 years ago

bingbongbing

It sounds like the device's memory is corrupted. I recommend running chkdsk on the device to see if there are any problems:

How do I run a check disk or disk utility on my Garmin mass storage device?
http://support.garmin.com/support/searchSupport/simpleCase.htm?caseId={db332ef0-5b42-11e2-f3fb-000000000000}&kbName=garmin

After the chkdsk is complete, I would run it again, just to make sure there are no further problems found. It is rare but I have had errors found on the second run through before. Just hit the up arrow on the keyboard and the command prompt will populate the original command again.

Then remove the GarminDevice.xml file from the device, disconnect it, turn on the device and allow it to boot up to the main screen. Then reconnect the device and see if Garmin Express can add the device or if WebUpdater can send the update file to it.

If you continue to experience problems with updating the firmware, contact Product Support by phone for further assistance.

Lisa

0 SUSSAMB over 9 years ago

I also have a question for you with regards to these forums. Is there a reason that there is no official forum of sub forum for etrex and other handheld hiking devices? It would be really nice to have sub forum in the "On the Trail" forum. At the moment there is only a "wrist worn" and "Action Cam" forum in there. At the moment people are posting etrex queries all over the place so it is hard to find.

There are no plans to introduce forums for On the trail or On the road devices, although it would be fantastic if there were! Device queries should be directed to Product Support. Problems with Express, Basecamp, Installing maps etc can be resolved here in the appropriate forums.

0 bbrannon over 9 years ago

This is as close as you are going to get to a hiking GPS devices forum. Search tools aren't bad and the community is knowledgeable and helpful.
http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showforum=11

It is odd that garmin has no forums for handheld devices and it can't be cost since they provide almost no staff support for any of the forums and the cost of storage and bandwidth is pretty cheap these days. Must be a liability choice. If you rely on your GPS and die in the woods that could be a $$$$ problem for them.

0 bingbongbing over 9 years ago

Lisa
I ran the chkdisk twice and it showed no problems. I also removed the GarminDevice.xml file but this made no difference to garmin express or the mapupdater.

MARIOMOBIEL
I double checked my garmin express version and it is version 4.1.5.0

I looked for the GUPDATE.IMG file you mentioned but it is not on my device so the update methods I am trying are obviously failing to copy the firmware to the etrex.

I have now succeeded in updating the firmware. I copied the manually downloaded update into the Garmin folder whilst in USB mode, renamed it to GUPDATE.GCD and then restarted the etrex.

0 EXPRESSCUSTOMERCARE over 9 years ago

bingbongbing

I'm glad you got it updated. I sent you a Private Message.

Curt