Just bought a new 255w nuvi; how long do i initially charge the unit; do i then go outdoors to load maps? where can i find updates?

There is a hard reset button under the sticker at the bottom of the unit. It is located directly under the check mark on the sticker. Once you get it going fully charge the unit then go to the Garmin website and register and update your 255w. I will attach the link to the Garmin Site. Thanks for using FixYa

https://my.garmin.com/mygarmin/registrationGettingStarted.htm?productType=auto&categoryType=AUTO

what you can do is restoring it or update it and it will work just fine again the happen to me and i did it and it worked again

Right now your unit will work right out of the box. If you want to register the unit with Garmin, then there should be a card inside, or directions for online registration. As for updates, maps will be updated every year, with firmware updates periodically added. For the first 5 years of owning your gps, I wouldn't recommend paying the map update fee, as they often contain very little new information. They mainly encompass new developments, etc.Lastly, be sure to enjoy your Garmin, its one of the best car gps devices on the market.

It should unlock automatically.
Try reconnecting your device to computer and going onto the garmin site and get the website to check for updates.
If that fails to work, give garmin a call or send an email to them.
they are normally very quick.
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thanks

Garmin's policy for most of its nuvi GPS units is to allow you one free map upgrade. For example, I bought a Nuvi 755T in December and their policy said:
The n?Maps Guarantee entitles you to 1 or more free map updates within 60 days of Dec 06, 2010.
Some Nuvi models come with lifetime free map upgrades, these models have "LM" or "LMT" at the end of their model number.

To update your nuvi, all you need to do is to connect your nuvi to an internet connected computer and the updates will show on the lower left of your computers screen, click on it and it will update it with the latest software version and maps.
You can also go to your nuvis website and search for latest updates. Just click on the map link and a list will pop up under the map link, select update maps if it is maps you want to update. It will ask you to choose your device from a list, after choosing your nuvi 255w then it will show you the latest maps for your gps, but you have to install its plug ins first.
That is how to update your gps.

With the off, plug in your Nuvi to your computer using the supplied USB cable (you can also use a usb camera cord ).

The Unit will show a screen that your pluged in.

Now go to www.MyGarmin.com and register your unit. It then will give you the lastest updates.

I use the North American 2009 or Updated North American 2010 maps for when I go back and forth to Canada from the States.. both maps are good

Unfortunately there is always a delay between roads getting built and maps getting updated, verified, and finally into products in the shops. On top of all that, the nuvi 255w is a model which has been available for a while now, so if the store had your example lying in stock for a number of months it may also have spent a few months before that in a warehouse before supply to the retailer. Your 18 month to 2 years may sound plenty of time to ensure that your unit has the latest mapping, but in reality it may effectively be the best part of a whole year less.

Garmin recognise that this is a problem so have the "nuMaps Guarantee program". If you buy a new nuvi and register the product within 60 days of it first being turned on and acquiring a satellite signal, you will be offered one free map update subject to simple conditions. To find out what they are, click here.

To find out more about which map updates are available and how to install them, click here.

I hope that my answer has been of use; please take a moment to rate my reply.

The simple way is to send the unit to Garmin they will load the maps for free.
If you keep trying - try this -

With your thumb in the lower right corner of the screen - pushing in - like there is an X there - [ push with your thumb before you turn it on] Turn it on -
when this screen comes up - push YES -

then try your maps.
If they do not load on your pc [ which must have the unit hooked up and a legit copy of the newest maps ] then send the unit to Garmin. They will load your maps for you FREE.

I had a similar problem. Fixed it by calling customer support
1-800-800-1020