Select your product to confirm this information applies to you

Resolving "The Parameter is Incorrect" Error Message

The error message "The Parameter is Incorrect" typically indicates a problem with a Garmin application either reading or writing to a Garmin device.

To Correct the Issue:

  1. Disconnect any printers or other USB devices connected to the computer
  2. Verify the current user is an administrator
  3. Close any of the following applications that may be running in the background:
    • Backup Utilities
    • Backup Power Supply
    • Disk Management programs
  4. Right-click on the Garmin application
  5. Click Run as Administrator

If this does not correct the issue, run a disk check on the Garmin device.

NOTE: A Disk Check is not possible on all devices. 

To See if Your Device Can Take a Disk Check and for Steps to do so:

  1. Go to the Garmin Support Center link: HELP STARTS HERE
  2. Enter your device product name
  3. Click on the Search for a Solution box under 'Choose a Topic'
  4. Type in the FAQ name, Check a Garmin Mass Storage Device for Errors
  5. Select this FAQ

In extreme circumstances, the Parameter Incorrect message is caused by a program blocking the application. It may be necessary to end any process or processes potentially conflicting with the communication of Garmin devices.

To End Processes Blocking Garmin Applications:

  1. Open Task Manager
  2. Click on Processes Tab
  3. Ensure the Show Processes from all users box is checked
  4. Locate and click End Process for the following programs:
    • smart defrag
    • APS service
    • Acronis True Image software
    • ClickFree Backup

If the issue persists, and if there is an SD card present in the device, the SD card may need to be reformatted. For instructions to format a memory card:

  1. Go to the Garmin Support Center link: HELP STARTS HERE
  2. Enter your device product name
  3. Click on the Search for a Solution box under 'Choose a Topic'
  4. Type in the FAQ name, Formatting a microSD/SD Memory Card
  5. Select this FAQ

    NOTE: Do not format the device's drive itself.  This will cause the Garmin device to become unusable.

    The error message will no longer display.