In an attempt to download waypoints from my eTrex to my PC, I seem to have accidentally erased all data on the device. I first attempted to use EasyGPS as the software go-between for the PC and GPS, until it told me I needed to install Garmin drivers. I then proceeded to this link:
http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=3709
Downloaded and extracted the file and ran the updater. As soon as I saw the word 'erasing' in the dialog box, I gasped, shuddered, then pulled the USB cord out of my still-connected eTrex. The unit now only powers on to a white screen with
SOFTWARE
MISSING
displayed in the center. I removed the MicroSD card from inside the unit and checked its contents. Only two folders, EULA and GARMIN, the first of which is empty (show hidden and system files is enabled in Windows folder settings), the second of which contains two files:
GMAPSUPP.IMG (39.283 KB)
GMAPSUPP.UNL (1 KB)
neither of which appear to be my waypoints. I then ran a deep scan of the MicroSD with Recuva which came up with nothing.
At the moment, I'm not even entirely sure where the data is/was being kept, on the MicroSD or on the eTrex's internal memory. If it was on the MicroSD, it appears to be lost for good. If on the internal memory, my task is to access it somehow without the unit having a working OS. If by 'erasing' the installation was indeed erasing all of my data, I find it pretty f*cking shortsighted of Garmin to have not done us users the courtesy of a warning dialog box, something along the lines of "This will erase all data on your GPS. Are your SURE you want to continue? If so, click 'Yes.' Otherwise, click 'Cancel.'" If that process was erasing... something else and my data is safe, will a reinstallation of the GPS software allow me to access it again?
Many, many thanks in advance. It's been a rough 30 minutes.
Cheers,
-newmy51
