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2018.20 Australia & NZ Map Update Fail

Former Member
Former Member
Two weeks ago I had an issue updating the maps for my new Fenix 5X Plus, contacted support and was told that Garmin Express wasn't compatible with a 4G wifi connection and so they couldn't help me. I have since upgraded my connection and have successfully downloaded the 2018.20 topoActive maps, however on install I am getting the error "There was an error installing the update."

Not only that, but the original maps that were on the device have now been replaced with the most basic map that only shows major roads and no contours. I now understand that a backup of all files on the watch would have been advisable before an update is carried out, something which I would have thought would automatically be done before an update by Garmin Express.

I have contacted support again and they offered me a refund. I told them that I bought the watch because I want to use it, not to get a refund. After 1.5hrs on the phone I have now lost all of my user settings/history after completing the requested factory reset.

I have now sent all files to Garmin Support minus map files in hope that they can sort something out - when is another question. I have never had an issue like this before and I have owned 3 other Garmin devices in the past 10 years. I use the watch for my business reviewing and writing up hiking trail guides in Australia, I need it sorted asap.

Garmin Express is now stuck in the install mode for this map and won't let me download it from scratch, much like the other maps already on the device - I have deleted the other maps files, and they re-download and re-install without an issue when I select Map Options -> Reinstall Map. I need to have this option for the 2018.20 A&NZ Map, or a download link for the file which support say is not possible.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 6 years ago
    Still nothing has changed. Got another email from Garmin this morning to say "try again" but same problem. I have now exchanged my watch for a new replacement but dont dare plug into Garmin Connect. Unfortunately i cant install my favourite watch face either as it insists that i connect to GC and update the software. Damned if you do and damned if you dont. All this for maps that were working fine till Garmin messed about! This is now my 3rd Garmin return 2 x Fenix 5 watched and 1 x Fenix 5x Plus watch. Wonder how long until i have to return this due to poor UAT prior to publishing update to production - treating your customers as your beta testing tool will never end well? Next time may have to be a refund and i will get a hand-held GPS and a Suunto or even a FitBit. Really poor again Garmin!
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 6 years ago
    Is this only a 5 plus series problem ?


    ... No also with Descent Mk1 in Europe ...
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 6 years ago
    Now another bug with Garmin connect app, not being able to change watch face settings, what is going on with this company
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 6 years ago
    Just my 2c.. I'm confused why people are replacing hardware thinking it will fix the problem?

    From my observations, this simply feels like it's failing to download. Two things I've noticed with my 2wk old Fenix 5 Plus watch not updating on Garmin Express OS X (latest):

    - First error was a 403 forbidden on an XML file, a rookie mistake on permissions on the web server and not Garmin Express or the watch itself. This was fixed and I no longer see a 403 in the Express log files
    - Second appears to be my Garmin Express saying the download failed, yet it continues to download 110 files (1.1GB of the 2.1GB)

    These 110 files are GMP format which appears to be some sort of binary GIS format, and I assume there are lots of them so they can be loaded to the watch individually as required (i.e. cover a small geographical area).

    Either way, it isn't even trying to interface with the watch at time of failure for me.

    Garmin, if you're listening..

    Is it possible some sort of checksum is failing on the GMP file and it's causing the download to fail?

    I will forward this to Garmin support, but wanted to post this publicly in case someone else who is quite techie can confirm they are having the same issue.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 6 years ago
    Just my 2c.. I'm confused why people are replacing hardware thinking it will fix the problem?

    From my observations, this simply feels like it's failing to download. Two things I've noticed with my 2wk old Fenix 5 Plus watch not updating on Garmin Express OS X (latest):

    - First error was a 403 forbidden on an XML file, a rookie mistake on permissions on the web server and not Garmin Express or the watch itself. This was fixed and I no longer see a 403 in the Express log files
    - Second appears to be my Garmin Express saying the download failed, yet it continues to download 110 files (1.1GB of the 2.1GB)

    These 110 files are GMP format which appears to be some sort of binary GIS format, and I assume there are lots of them so they can be loaded to the watch individually as required (i.e. cover a small geographical area).

    Either way, it isn't even trying to interface with the watch at time of failure for me.

    Garmin, if you're listening..

    Is it possible some sort of checksum is failing on the GMP file and it's causing the download to fail?

    I will forward this to Garmin support, but wanted to post this publicly in case someone else who is quite techie can confirm they are having the same issue.


    Because that is Garmin's advice. It is crazy but by at least exchanging for a new watch i have Maps again.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 6 years ago
    Almost 6 weeks since this first happened to my new Fenix 5X Plus. No further replies from Garmin - Last correspondance from them was 19th Feb asking for log files, which I supplied (again), and have had no reply.

    If you've backed up your files from the watch before updating, you can easily copy the original 2017.40 map back to the device and it will work again. If not take it back to shop for warranty and get a new replacement with original files on it, back up, and update any software, except the 2018.20 map.

    You can update the watch software to use the diff. watch faces etc - just don't update the 2018.20 map.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 6 years ago
    where is this back-up? From Garmin Basecamp?
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 6 years ago
    where is this back-up? From Garmin Basecamp?


    Only a backup if you've made it yourself via Explorer or the like.
  • I have recently purchased the 5 plus and have the same issue.
    The log files I have suggest this
    Garmin.Omt.Service.Operation.Map.InvalidMapInstallException: Could not determine where to install the map.

    Good to see not the only one having the problem. Does appear that having purchased the device 1 week ago tht the 2017 map is not on my device anywhere
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 6 years ago
    I've just tried again and it is still broken. I've now sent them my log files again - this is the 3rd time - I think I'll make it a weekly thing sending them an email & log files