Top 10 Garmin nuvi 255W GPS Receiver Questions & Answers

Just had this problem over the weekend. I emailed Garmin and received a zipped file to reinstall original software with step by step instructions. It took about 6 minutes to do and works perfect again. Go to the Garmin website and email "software system missing" issue to support email address. Have your serial # handy. I received a reply in 1 business day. Hope this helps!

It will give you the most recent state, but to change it, look on the bottom row for the button labeled "Change State/Country." That outta do it.

I had same problem. I called Garmin customer service who connected me to a computer rep. Garmin hooks with your computer that you have your Garmin plugged into.They can upload the proper software in no time at all.
The rep told me that after I updated my Garmin I might have turned off the unit before it completed updating the new software. You need to wait until the screen with "Where to?" appears.
It works great now. Prepare to wait on hold for a while. I waited just over an hour on Monday, their busiest day.

Hi,
Take a look at this site, http://www.garmin.be/missing.html Download and unzip the software, plug your garmin in the USB and start the updater.exe program. It gets you started again. Later on you can use the Webupdater to get possible newer software..
It worked for me and my Zumo550
Goodluck
Auke

You can try a soft reset. Remove the SD card if you have one installed (this might be the cause of the problem)

Slide the power key to the left
Hold it in that position for about 10-15 seconds

And see if it reboots normally. If it does you probably will have to charge the battery and should go to Garmins support center to check for any system updates that will fix the problem. Sometimes it will just freeze and be annoying but there isn't a problem that needs to be fixed. Other times it can be custom maps or the nuvi's operating system needs a update.

Good units tho. Have one myself.

Have you tried resetting the unit.Press and hold the RESET button on the bottom of the nuvi for several seconds,DONT use a ball point pen to do this,use something that wont damage the unit,if this doesnt work,do a hard Reset.Or try rebooting by holding the Power switch on for 15 seconds.Good luck.

You have the wrong procedure. Please see this link:

http://www.sharc.net/discus/messages/6/77.html?1236709210


- Jim

Go to Garmin web site register for free download whatever you need. http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/site/us
The download site below..
http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/site/us

You can try. When we went to update our Garmin GPS, they wanted actual money. I told them I wanted it free ... they said they were not moved, maps cost money and if I wanted maps, money was the medium of exchange.

Turned out the cost was almost 50% of the price of a new device.

We are still using the "old" maps. We are surviving.


Thanks for your question at FixYa.com

Most GPS navigation devices from Garmin has a reset function which allows user to access a Maintenance Mode screen with system information, diagnostic details or perform the reset function to restore Garmin Nuvi or other series unit to its original default factory settings.

Depending on which model of Garmin GPS unit you're using, the following routine can reset the Garmin device to original factory loaded settings, or bring up the Maintenance Mode with access to System Information and View Diagnostics screen, where users can see various logs, and of course, clear all user data (reset to factory defaults) or clear Waypoints.

In order to reset Garmin device or enter into maintenance mode, perform one of the following procedures:

Power off Garmin unit. Press on continuously the upper top left corner of screen and then power on the unit by pressing once on the Power button. You should be prompted to clear all user data, or asked if do you really want to start up in maintenance mode. Press "Yes" to reset (warning: all data will be erased and lost, so backup before proceeding) or enter maintenance mode.

Hack above works on Garmin Nuvi 660, 680 series.

Turn off Garmin device. Press down on bottom right corner of the touchscreen, and then power on the GPS unit. You should be prompted whether do you really want to erase all user data, or asked if do you really want to start up in maintenance mode. Press "Yes" to reset (warning: all data will be erased and lost, so backup before proceeding) or enter maintenance mode.

Trick above works on Garmin nuvi 200, 250, 360 750, 760 series unit. In fact, there is a video demo by user of Garmin Nuvi 360 on how to perform the hidden reset function.



Hope helps. (remember to rate and comment this answer).