Unable to Change the Installation Location of a Map Update in Garmin Express for Windows

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While installing the maps to the computer, Garmin Express allows a custom installation location to be set. However, once a Garmin map is installed to the computer this installation location cannot be changed. This can cause problems if the location was set to a removable disk or the Garmin's microSD/SD card.

To correct the problem, the maps must be uninstalled. 

To Uninstall the Map:

1. Press the Windows Key + R key together
2. Type appwiz.cpl
3. Click OK
4. Right-click the map product to uninstall
5. Click Uninstall

Once the maps are uninstalled from the computer, Garmin Express will allow the install location to be changed.  

If uninstalling the maps does not resolve the issue or the map does not display in the list of installed applications, the map installation location will need to be manually removed from the registry.

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall Windows. Garmin cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

To open Registry Editor:

1. Press the Windows key + R
2. Type regedit
3. Click OK

Important: Before making any changes, create a backup of the registry.  

To back up the registry:

1. Click File in the menu bar of the Registry Editor
2. Click Export
3. Under Export range, click All
4. Name the file (e.g. regbackup)
5. Choose an accessible location to save the file, such as the Desktop
6. Click the Save button

Registry Editor may appear to freeze for several minutes while the backup is created.  "(Not Responding)" may also display in the title bar during this process.  Once the application starts responding again, the registry key can be deleted..

To Delete the Windows Registry Key:

1. Press the Windows key + R
2. Type regedit in the Text box
3. Click OK
4. Create a registry backup before making changes:
   1. Right-click Computer at the top of the left-hand panel
   2. Click Export
   3. Browse to the C: drive
   4. Enter Gregistry for the name and click Save
5. Expand HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
6. Expand Software
7. Expand Wow6432Node (Skip this step if the Wow6432Node key is not present)
8. Expand Garmin
9. Click Installed
10. Click the appropriate map product in the right-side panel
11. Press Delete
12. Click Yes to confirm
13. Close the Registry Editor

The map shortcut may also need to be deleted if present.

WARNING: Deleting files or folders other than the configuration folder can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall Windows. Garmin cannot guarantee that problems resulting from deleting any other files or folders can be solved. Delete files and folders at your own risk.

To Delete This Shortcut:

1. Press the Windows key + R
2. Type %programdata%
3. Click OK
4. Double-click the Garmin folder
5. Double-click the Maps folder
6. Right-click the map that you are trying to install (if present)
7. Click Delete
8. Click Yes to confirm

Once the registry key and shortcut have been removed, it should be possible to change the installation location.