Dakota 20 "system software missing"

I couldn't find an answer to this problem either and Garmin support were utterly useless, telling me my only option was to spend $150+ to replace my Dakota 20 with a reconditioned unit. Anyway here is the easy (free) way to fix a "system software missing" problem. It may not work in all cases, but it worked for me.

1) Follow this link (http://garmindakota.wikispaces.com/message/view/home/18438943?o=20) and the link and associated instructions in the second post.

2) If that doesn't work (it didn't for me) attach your GPS to your PC and format the internal memory of the unit (trust me on this one - besides its a brick anyway, so what do you have to lose). Format it as a FAT drive.

3) Immediately after it has been formatted (this is the tricky part) upload a copy of the root directory files from a working Dakota or an Oregon (my friends Oregon files worked, strangely enough). You can ask Garmin for a copy of the files (good luck with that, they didn't return my email request), or find somebody on this forum to help you out. Don't disconnect it at any point or it may stop showing up as a device on your PC and you'll have to start over.

4) Open the Garmin WebUpdater software (free download from Garmin) and run that with your GPS still attached to your PC. It should now recognize the unit and begin to update the software. Once that's done you should have a fully functional unit.

Good luck!

P.S. Garmin Support apparently expires along with your 1 year warranty.....

Try connecting your device to your PC and running webupdater. That will restore certain files, but it depends which system files you're missing. I take it you haven't backed up your GPS at any time?

I'm having the same 'system software missing' problem and have also had no luck with Garmin support. Does anyone know where I could access the root directory files online? Unfortunately I have no friends with the same or similar device.

www.garmin.be/.../Dakota.zip

I had this problem and found several system files with updaters at http://bel.garmin.com/missing.html
I downloaded the one for the Dakota 20. I unzipped the 2 files into a folder.
I clicked and dragged the B096000N.rgn file over to the Updater.exe. It asked if I wanted to open the .rgn file with the updater. I said yes.
I removed the batteries from my Dakota and plugged in the USB cable from the Dakota to my Windows 7 computer while powering up the Dakota.
When the updater screen opened I clicked on the USB radio button for the connection.
The updater could see my Dakota so I clicked OK and it started to update.
I let the updater finish and then used the Garmin WebUpdater to get the latest updates.