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How do I correct the message "Can't Unlock Maps. Your unit will not function without maps" on my Garmin mass storage device?

09/21/2011

If you are getting the message "Can't Unlock Maps. Your unit will not function without maps," on your Garmin mass storage device, there may be an issue with the unlock file on your device.

Please follow the steps below to restore the mapping unlock file:

1. Log into your myGarmin account¹
2. Select myMaps  
3. Below the appropriate device, select the "Details" link
4. Look for the Unlock Code listed on this page
5. Copy all the unlock codes for your device
6. Close your internet browser
7. Right-Click on your Desktop
8. Click New and then click Text Document
9. Double-Click on the newly created Text Document icon from the desktop
10. Paste or type your unlock codes into the document
11. Click File and then click Save As
12. Change the file name to: gmapprom.unl
13. Change the "Save as type" to "All Files"
14. Click Save
15. Close the document (You should see the file gmapprom.unl on your Desktop)
16. Right-Click on the gmapprom.unl file and then click Copy
17. Connect your Garmin device to your computer and open Computer/My Computer
18. Right-Click on the 'nuvi (drive letter:)'²
19. Click Open
20. Right-Click on the Garmin folder and click Paste (See Step 21 for instructions specifically if your device is not one of the following: Quest series, StreetPilot series, nuvi 200 series, nuvi 205 series, nuvi 295W, nuvi 300 series, nuvi 465, nuvi 500 series, nuvi 600 series, nuvi 700 series, nuvi 800 series, zumo series 400, zumo 500, zumo 550 and zumo 660)
21. If your device is not one of the devices listed above, the gmapprom.unl file is required to be placed in the ".System" folder, which is a hidden system folder. In order for you to see the hidden ".System" folder:
    • For Windows XP:
      1. In MyComputer go to the Tools menu and choose Folder Options...
      2. Select the View tab
      3. Select the radio button next to "Show hidden files and folders"
      4. Uncheck the box next to "Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)"
      5. Click OK
    • For Windows Vista & Windows 7:
      1. In the Computer window go to the Organize menu and choose "Folder and search options"
      2. Select the View tab
      3. Select the radio button next to "Show hidden files, folders, or drives"
      4. Uncheck the box next to "Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)"
      5. Click Ok

Safely disconnect your Garmin device from the computer to complete the process. If you are having any issues duplicating the steps above or are still receiving the message "Can't unlock maps, your unit will not function without maps," please contact product support here: https://buy.garmin.com/support/searchSupport/escalateForm.faces

¹ The device must be registered to view the Unlock Code. To register your device, follow the steps outlined in the following article:  https://buy.garmin.com/support/searchSupport/case.faces?caseId={3a1f22c0-3ed8-11dd-d7af-000000000000}

² In My Computer, some units may be labeled 'garmin (drive letter:).'

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