On May 22/23, Garmin released updates for Basecamp and MapInstall. There's a bug in the new software that prevents third party maps from being installed. It wasn't intentional, they just didn't test for it.
The solution is to uninstall Basecamp 4.7 and MapInstall 4.2, then install a previous version of the apps. Both apps need to be uninstalled. If you update to BaseCamp 4.7, it breaks the older version of MapInstall.
After you install MapInstall, you need to turn off automatic updates.
BaseCamp 4.2.5 can be downloaded from Garmin here https://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=7161 (https://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=7161).
I couldn't find a download page for 4.6.2 or an older version of MapInstall. I have version 4.0.4 and it worked for me. Does anybody know where they can be downloaded from?
http://www.gawisp.com/perry/mapsource/BaseCamp_462.exe
Some related threads:
https://forums.gpsfiledepot.com/index.php?topic=4534.0
https://forums.gpsfiledepot.com/index.php?topic=4535.0
https://forums.gpsfiledepot.com/index.php?topic=4536.0
https://forums.gpsfiledepot.com/index.php?topic=4540.0
As noted by zhrd, there is an archive of pretty much all of Garmin's software and firmware here. Anyone who owns a Garmin product should bookmark this site! :)
http://www.gawisp.com/perry/
Thanks for sharing. got my unit yesterday and have been basically cursing up a storm and bashing my head against the wall trying to find out why i could not load maps at all for about 3 hours! then low and behold i luckily found the forums!
Thanks So much. Hoping by downloading this i can now load my maps so i can get out and learn my etrex before my big trek.
Edit. Downloaded the Beta 4.2.04 and still cant load any maps from this site.
The links in my post above should provide info on where to find old versions of Basecamp and MapInstall. But one more time....
Windows software is archived here: http://www.gawisp.com/perry/mapsource/
Mac software is archived here: http://www.gawisp.com/perry/macintosh/
Why were you using the beta version? The broken version is dated May 2018. Try one of the previous versions from 2016 if you are on Windows.
On the Mac, I'm not sure if the same problem exists. If so, then you will need to download both Basecamp and MapInstall/MapManager - they are separate files.
Boyd, i was up until 3am messing with it so i think thats where the Beta version came in. Finally got one of the old ones to load and work. Had to use Basecamp 452 from the list. Finally am getting maps loaded on my 30x. the reason it takes so long for me is I am at the end of the data stream so its basically one step above dial up. Tried 462. My system didnt like it for some reason. Thanks for all the help! bookmarked this page and downloaded some of the list and put it on a portable HDD and a stick. Not going through this again :)
The problem doesn't exist on Mac. I had my friend test it with the updated versions of BaseCamp and MapInstall/MapManager.
People on Garmin's own Macintosh support forum are saying that the Mac version has the same problem. Have not tested this myself though.
https://forums.garmin.com/forum/mac-windows-software/mac-software/basecamp/1350805-basecamp-4-7-0?p=1353434#post1353434
https://forums.garmin.com/forum/mac-windows-software/mac-software/basecamp/1350805-basecamp-4-7-0?p=1353624#post1353624
What's the latest good version of MapSource that still works with 3rd party maps?
MapSource_6163.exe ?
MapSource_691.exe?
I can't figure out the versioning convention.
AFAIK the final version of Mapsource is the one that's still available on Garmin's website: https://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=209
Garmin made some changes to map rendering style quite awhile ago, and some "old timers" used to prefer the old version. But it's really old, and if you go back too far Mapsource will not recognize newer .gmap maps. A number of maps are GPSFileDepot (including mine) are provided as .gmap files.
I can't think of any reason not to use the version in my link above. Garmin discontinued mapsource in 2011 and does not support it anymore. However, IMO they will continue making it available because Basecamp does not support their older products that have RS232 serial ports.
Ah, OK, thanks! That's what I figured. MapSource software version 6.16.3 which is has an installer with the file name MapSource_6163.exe
I created an account just to say thank you! I was struggling for hours to understand why my GPSMap 64s wasn't showing any detail. I even went as far as resetting the device. I just wish I found this thread sooner!
Everybody impacted by this issue should submit a support request to Garmin. They aren't going to fix it unless customers demand it.
https://support.garmin.com (https://support.garmin.com)
After performing some testing, this is what I have learned:
MapInstall 4.0.4 will work fine with BaseCamp 4.7 installed. It just needs to be installed after BaseCamp 4.7 because...
BaseCamp 4.7 installs MapInstall 4.2. It doesn't update the Windows program list with uninstaller details for MapInstall 4.2. The only way to get rid of 4.2 is to delete the "C:\Program Files (x86)\Garmin\MapInstall" directory. (The BaseCamp 4.7 installer doesn't update any registry information for MapInstall 4.2).
MapInstall 4.2 standalone installer does update the Windows program list with uninstaller details BUT it does not delete any files when the uninstaller is run. You must run the uninstaller to remove registry details then manually delete the "C:\Program Files (x86)\Garmin\MapInstall" directory. If you only delete the directory, the 4.0.4 installer throws an error when it sees the 4.2 registry values.
To roll back to 4.0.4 from 4.2:
1) Open the Windows program list and look for Garmin MapInstall 4.2. If it's there, run the uninstaller.
2) Delete the "C:\Program Files (x86)\Garmin\MapInstall" directory.
3) Run MapInstall 4.0.4 installer.
Thank you a lot for disposing your time to explain the procedures and the links!
Its a shame Garmin treat the users like that. but thanckfully the comunity is there!
I downgraded Basecamp and mapsource with the procedures and now I can install my maps again!
:) :D ;D 8)
Thank You 93ToyTruck! Thank You! Thank You! Your technique got back for me the capability to load a transparent overlay map of all the hikes (garmin tracks in the 100's) and waypoints (in the 1,000's). All of these were created using GPX2IMG. I was so elated that I donated $50.00 to GPSFILEDEPOT to thank them for the maps and forums.
I am a bit concerned about the gawisp.com/perry links we have been posting. If you just go to gawisp.com (I suggest that you DON'T try this), you are re-directed to a really questionable site. I was greeted with a bogus installer for Adobe Flash when I went there, which is a classic way of distributing Malware. So I think the site has been hacked, and that raises concerns about the files there.
They seem to be OK, but I am not going to post any more links to that site. I just don't trust it, and don't know anything about who owns/maintains the site. You might want to think twice before going there or posting links.
And that is really bad news, because Garmin does not offer their own archive of old software. So what are we going to do? This is a really bad situation. As per another thread, Garmin has officially discontinued Basecamp development. So they are not going to fix this MapInstall problem.
What a mess. >:(
Here's another site with older versions of Basecamp, perhaps it would be better to use this in the future?
http://www.gpsrchive.com/BaseCamp/Update.html
Allory Deiss is the page owner.
Thanks Red, I thought that site was somehow related to GPSInformation.net but couldn't put my finger on it. Here it is
http://gpsinformation.net/allory/garfeat3.htm
I sent him a note and he has fixed it.
Thanks! 8)
93ToyTruck - I'm trying to figure this all out. I'm not seeing an uninstaller for Mapinstall 4.2.
So do I just delete the Mapinstall directory and run Mapinstall 4.0.4 installer (I also do not know where exactly to get the installer). Sorry, I am not too knowledgeable with all this stuff.
Thank you!
I never upgraded, so I still have MapInstall 4.04. But I don't see any way to "uninstall" that either (aside from deleting the folder. But, FWIW, you will find archived old versions here
http://www.gawisp.com/perry/map_utilities/
Personally, I would just use Mapsource. You can download version 6163 here. It should recognize all the maps you have in Basecamp.
http://www.gawisp.com/perry/mapsource/
See the Mapsource tutorial here:
https://www.gpsfiledepot.com/tutorials/how-to-load-maps-on-my-garmin-gps-unit/#mapsource
BTW, Garmin just updated the Macintosh version of Basecamp/MapInstall last week. I just updated my Mac and the new version of MapInstall works properly. It is also a 64-bit application now.
Hopefully this means a new PC version is coming soon. :)
Thanks for sharing the information with us. Garmin made some change to map rendering few year ago, and some, old timers used to prefer the old version, but it's really old, if you are going too far mapsource will not recognize.
I cannot any reason to use the version in my link above. Garmin was discontinued 2011 and does not support.
After going through the pain experienced my others, I uninstalled version 4.7 and installed 4.2. I can now download 3rd party maps. The maps were there from version 4.7 but I can't find my data (waypoints, tracks). Can you tell me what file they would be in or did I lose them when I uninstalled version 4.7?
I did finally find the data from 4.7 in the users file but the data is not backward compatible to version 4.6. I got an Email back from Garmin with a "work around" to install maps when using 4.7. As mentioned before, they are no longer supporting BaseCamp. I responded that I thought that it was pretty poor to leave the application not functioning properly.
I tried to submit feedback to Garmin, in hopes they would soon fix the Windows version of Basecamp, but I didn't get the impression they were planning on fixing it. Here is my support chat log:
beiley:
BaseCamp 4.7 will not install 3rd party maps. This is a huge headache I spent hours struggling with. Can you fix it? I've had to go back to an earlier version of BaseCamp. See: https://forums.gpsfiledepot.com/index.php?topic=4539.0
Chris :
GPS File Depot isn't updating their software, so it is becoming less compatible with Garmin products
beiley:
They still offer lots of maps, that your older Basecamp can utilize. Why is it the new Basecamp can't use them, but the old Basecamp can?
Chris :
The new BaseCamp was upgraded to 64-bit architecture. It is likely that GPS File Depot software is 8 or 16-bit, which is not compatible with 64-bit programs
beiley:
That is not a very satisfying answer. I go back to the old Basecamp works, and the new one doesn't.
Chris :
The old BaseCamp was 32-bit software, the new one is 64-bit. many new computer operating systems are only compatible with 64 or higher software programs.
What an insulting - and clueless - response from Garmin. This issue has nothing to do with 8 bit or 16 bit "GPSFileDepot software".
But there might be a germ of truth (although not for the reasons that "Chris" stated). If I understand this issue correctly, the problem specifically relates to the old registry-based Garmin maps. That would be the majority of maps here at GPSFileDepot.
But Garmin started moving away from this format many years ago, when they first started supporting the Macintosh and created the gmap format. Garmin has used gmap for their own Windows and Macintosh maps for 10 years at least because it works on both platforms. But mapmakers at GPSFileDepot have been very reluctant to switch to the new format, although I have been urging it since 2011 ( https://forums.gpsfiledepot.com/index.php?topic=2383.0 ).
Sorry for the mini-rant, but this has been a pet peeve of mine for awhile, and now - combined with Garmin's arrogant attitude - it has finally started to bite the ordinary person who just wants a map for their GPS. So, if I'm correct about the bug only affecting registry-based maps, then I'd say GPSFileDepot does bear some responsibility for the problems people are having. And GPSFileDepot also bears some responsibility for the large number of old maps here that don't work properly on newer Windows systems because of a well-documented problem with their installers.
But none of this excuses the fact that Garmin broke Basecamp/MapInstall and then slammed the door on further development. That is outrageous IMO. And.... happy anniversary, next week it will be a full year since they introduced the current, broken version. >:(
I'm trying to analyse exactly what is happening.
As I understand it, Registry-based maps show correctly in Basecamp but lose detail when installed on the device.
Garmin provide a converter to make GMAP from Registry-based files - and JaVaWa offer one too (which works for me).
If Basecamp installs GMAP files correctly then the conversion is a simple way to get round this issue. Or am I missing something?
I think that is right, but am not interested in testing Garmin's broken software so I don't know for sure. And it's expecting a lot for a user to figure that out.
But - regardless - this problem has existed for a year now, and there is no mention of it here at GPSFileDepot, except from users like us who discuss it in the forum. So, somebody comes here, downloads a map, follows all the instructions, and then it doesn't work. Not a very good user experience IMO....
I just updated/uploaded the 2019 version of my Montana topo maps as a (zipped) compiled .img file with the MS version set to "0" in the header. This way the user can get the maps loaded onto their device/card AND view them in BaseCamp. I put a text instruction file in the zip folder.
What's wrong with this approach? Why would anyone feel the desire to use clunky BaseCamp to transfer the maps to their device? I just market it as a "better" way to download and install maps (drag-n-drop map files), cutting out the broken, tedious software middleman. Dragging and dropping a map file onto an SD card is easier for luddites than installing through BaseCamp anyway.
I agree. The main attraction of using Mapsource/MapInstall is that you can choose the exact portion of the map you want to send to the device. This was important when GPS units had small amounts of memory. Today.... not so much.
By "MS version set to 0", do you mean that this enables the map to be seen in Basecamp when the GPS (or a flash drive) is connected to the computer? I think that is rather limiting, I prefer to have the map permanently installed so that it can be accessed all the time in both Mapsource and Basecamp. So I provide both options with my own maps.
Yeah, setting the MS version to "0" allows BaseCamp to read the map files from the GPS. The process takes a while since Garmin has never really gotten the USB transfer protocols right.
You're right, it does limit the user to some degree. Thanks to you and a map user who was having trouble waiting for the map files to transfer into BaseCamp via the GPS, I've decided to offer installers (with the "wow6432node" removed from the registry values) so users don't have to go through the pain of connecting the device to their computers. I'll provide a strong disclaimer not to use the installed version to transfer maps to the device. I want those who use my maps to have as pleasant experience as possible given the circumstances Garmin forces developers to deal with. I don't spend weeks and weeks updating and tweaking my maps each year just to have users frustrated with their functionality.
Best regards
So, I just came across this problem this week. Although it's typically my mode to NOT install updates arbitrarily, I did allow BaseCamp to update never knowing I'd have an issue with 3rd party maps.
So, worked my way around the Net, and finally came across this thread. Big shoutout to Boyd for your detailed instructions. It was a huge help.
I uninstalled BaseCamp, Mapsource and MapInstall. Then tried to install BaseCamp 4.6.2. Still had the issue, so I uninstalled and went with version 4.5.2. Worked like a charm and now my maps can be previewed on my Garmin handhelds.
Thanks to all the others who've posted with their suggestions too!
Glad you finally got it working. FWIW, there was no reason to uninstall Mapsource. That program was discontinued long ago and it still works fine.
It seems, the new version 4.2.1 MapInstall (October 30, 2019) in Basecamp 4.7.1 works correctly.
Wow! Garmin actually updated Basecamp? If so... good for them! Took them a long time, but at least they fiinally fixed this major problem.
Works with my maps. Good times.
Hi Everyone, new forum member here but long time user of GPSFileDepot files. I'm having this same problem loading the GPSFileDepot NE USA Topo map to my Rino 650.
My info: BaseCamp Version 4.7.2, Windows 10 Pro.
My question: should I use the mapsource solution found in this thread even though the last couple of posts indicate the 4.7.2 Basecamp fixes the problem?
The reason I'm trying to use the Rino is that I lost my Montana 650 out of my motorcycle sidecase last weekend. :'( Yes, I'm curretly going through the grieving process but have reached the acceptance stage. I'm reviewing options for how to move forward but in the meantime, I pulled my Rino out as an interim gps solution.
Background: I've had this NE USA Topo map downloaded/installed for about 8 years, on a progression of pc's, and it displays in Basecamp without a gps connected. I had reviously installed it to my Montana 650 memory card, and to the Rino 650 memory card, but don't see the map now. Actually, I recall that I couldn't see it on the Montana recently. I may have updated the Montana before I noticed the issue. I did update the Rino upon pressing it into service this past weekend.
So, I pulled the memory card and tried to reinstall the map to the Rino 650 units memory using Basecamp. It takes about 15 minutes to install, returns a message that the map was installed successfully, but the topo and roads don't show even though I've enabled it on the unit. I do see hydrologic data but don't know what the source of that is. After not seeing the map on the unit, I deleted the file from the unit and reinstalled, but still don't see the map.
I went for an adventure motorcycle ride following some uploaded tracks, and between the tracks and my iphone I was able to navigate successfully. But this takes me back to the old days in the nineties when a gps would show you where you were on the screen but without the benefit of a basemap!
I'm open to any suggestions, thanks much.
Not familiar with this problem and don't use that map. But I wonder if it could be related to the GPS firmware? Do you know how recently you updated the device? It is possible to download old firmware here and downgrade if needed.
http://www.gawisp.com/perry/rino/
You might also try using Javawa's tools to see if they find any problems. Unfortunately, he has stopped development of these excellent programs due to health problems.
https://www.javawa.nl/gmtk_en.html
https://www.javawa.nl/jdm_en.html
Aside from that, I don't see any reason not to try using Mapsource. If it doesn't work, that would imply the problem is related to the device firmware.
Thanks for the quick response, Boyd.
I did update the Rino upon pressing it into service this past weekend, so the device firmware is current.
I'll give the Mapsource a shot and see what happens. I never worked with the Mapsource, jumped right into Basecamp when it became available. It will be interesting to see if the Mapsource will install with Windows 10 Pro.
Thanks much.
FYI: I was unsuccessful using the MapSource. To repeat, the GPSFileDepot map: NE USA Topo roads and contours will not display on my Rino 650 per my message above.
This is what I did:
1) I downloaded/installed the MapSource 6163 per the instructions above. The installed MapSource 6163 (Help > About Mapsource > MapSource Version 6.16.3) does recognize all the maps I have on the pc in BaseCamp including: 1) Global Map; 2) City Navigator; 3) NE USA Topo Parts 1, 2 & 3; 4) Topo Canada V4.
2) I referenced the MapSource Tutorial: selected about half of the map segments (ME to the PA-OH border), received the message that the data was successfully sent.
3) the device shows a "gmapsupp.img" file with todays date/time of size 336,856 KB n the Garmin folder.
4) disconnected the device from the PC and powered it up.
5) in Setup > Map > Select Map > choose to "Enable" the Map. Exit out to the main menu.
6) in Map, zoom to about a 500 ft display level. I can see the Hydro data displayed, i.e.: Lakes, Ponds, Rivers, Marshes. I can see waypoints and tracks. But, no roads or contours.
For those not familiar with the GPSFileDepot NE USA Topo map, it is a non-routeable map consisting of roads, contours, etc., possibly compiled from DEM data or a similar source. It's been a great basemap for use when off-road. I've used it for several years with my Montana 650 and this Rino 650, but it does not display on the device now.
Perhaps it's a lost cause trying to use this great map some 10+ years after it was developed. My next step is to contact Garmin Tech Support to see if they will allow an install of the City Navigator to this unit because of the loss of the licensed version on the lost Montana...
You did not try my suggestion to downgrade the firmware on your Rino. Since you know the map file is there, and you have reason to believe that it used to work, then this suggests incompatibility with newer firmware. Connect your Rino and see if you can find a file named gupdate.gcd. This would be the installer from the most recent firmware update. Copy this file to your computer for a backup, then delete it from the GPS (this file is no longer needed after installing the firmware). The gupdate.gcd file will probably be in the Garmin folder on the Rino, but this may vary on different devices.
Now find and download the previous version of the firmware here
http://www.gawisp.com/perry/rino/
Change the name of the downloaded file to gupdate.gcd, copy it to the same location as the old installer, disconnect the device and restart it. Make sure you have good batteries in the device, or connect it to external power. If the GPS batteries die during a firmware update, it could "brick" your GPS.
It will probably tell you that you're trying to install an older version of the firmware and ask whether you want to continue. After the update completes, see if the map works.
If not... well, maybe that old map just isn't compatible with your GPS. Good luck getting Garmin to move your City Navigator map, I'd be surprised if they did this but it never hurts to ask. Typically, they would only allow this if you also purchased a replacement for the lost GPS directly from them.
Hi Boyd,
You're right, Garmin wouldn't move the City Navigator. It's not listed in the Basecamp MapInstall window, so it's not available to be moved to the Rino. Apparently it's locked to the Montana. It originally was purchased on a dvd which I have.
I'll take a look at the firmware downgrade option next. I saw numerous older firmware files at your link. I'll do some research as to what will work on this Rino device. I'm worried that I'll be SOL without any gps if the wrong firmware "bricks" this device. This ventures into uncharted territory for me.
I thought the Worldwide DEM Basemap had major roads, but that seems to be just a very vague topo presence when zoomed way out. I find that odd, maybe the roads are a part of City Navigator. I removed the NE Topo so the only maps on the unit are the Worldwide DEM Basemap, a Digital Globe and a Grand Canyon demo USGS Quad.
I don't find a gupdate.gcd file on the unit. There is a GarminDevice.xml file that has reference to the latest software update version.
Unfortunately, Garmin discontinued the DVD versions of their maps a few years ago. The only options now are downloadable versions and pre-loaded cards. The download version is locked to the original GPS and is not compatible with MapInstall. The card version can be used on any GPS, but cannot be moved from the original card and cannot be used in MapInstall.
Are you trying to install the Global Map on your GPS? You should not do that, it is just a very crude map that is only intended for use in Basecamp. Your GPS should already have its own basemap which is comparable (possibly better).
Firmware downgrades should be straightforward, however don't do it if you aren't comfortable.
Thank you a lot for disposing your time to explain the procedures and the links! vscr888group
Quote from: Red90 on January 01, 2019, 01:33:02 PM
Allory Deiss is the page owner.
@Red90: I just noticed that the software archive at http://www.gawisp.com/perry/ is gone and a message says the site has been suspended. I assume that means the bill is not getting paid?
I have a feeling it might be gone for good, because http://gpsinformation.net/ also seems to be gone. :(
He says it will be back.
He is currently posting updates on Twitter at allory_d
Thanks for the update! :)
It is back up.
Excellent! 8)
Unfortunately, the Garmin software archive is gone again (or maybe never really came back?). Anyway, the old link no longer works for me: http://www.gawisp.com/perry/
http://gpsinformation.net/ is back online however.
Quote from: Boyd on August 13, 2020, 02:51:59 PM
Unfortunately, the Garmin software archive is gone again (or maybe never really came back?). Anyway, the old link no longer works for me: http://www.gawisp.com/perry/
http://gpsinformation.net/ is back online however.
I asked. The basic story is they host on GoDaddy and their site was part of the security breach earlier this year. While getting it back up GD noticed the large storage usage from the archive folder and told them they would need to move to a professional plan at 20 times the cost.
So, it still exists. They just are not willing to pay huge money to host it.
Thanks a lot for looking into this. It's really too bad, but we should all be thankful that Allory provided what Garmin was unwilling to do for so many years. I don't know how big that archive was, but there are other web hosting companies with inexpensive plans that offer unlimited storage.
Personally, I'd be concerned about hosting that amount of Garmin's intellectual property without their permission. I guess Garmin knew the site existed though and chose to just ignore it... sort of like they do with third party maps that use their proprietary format.
Okay, Forced to migrate Windows 7 to Windows 10. My original National Geographic TOPO version! Up and running, but for my life, I can't figure out how to move all the map files to the hard drive so I don't have to continually swap disks. Their meager directions never wrote about this mission, so I can't recall how I did it.