Select your product to confirm this information applies to you
Backup User Data for eTrex Handheld
Regular backup of user data, such as waypoints, routes, tracks, and geocaches is recommended to prevent potential data loss in instances like:
- Updating software
- Needing to reset a device
- Hardware failure
If the eTrex® outdoor handheld has a USB interface, refer to Related to transfer user data with the free program BaseCamp™ software.
If the eTrex handheld utilizes a serial interface, ensure a Garmin mapping product like Trip & Waypoint Manager1 is installed on the computer so MapSource®2 software can be utilized.
Backing up User Data With MapSource Software
- Install Trip & Waypoint Manager (or another Garmin mapping product).
- Download and install the latest update of MapSource software2
- Connect the eTrex to the computer.
- Open MapSource.
- Select Transfer menu.
- Select Receive From Device.
- If the eTrex does not automatically appear, select Find Device.
- Ensure all appropriate fields are check-marked in the What to Receive box.
- Click Receive.
- Click OK.
- Select the File menu.
- Select Save As...
- Choose a name, format, and location to save the exported data.
- Select Save.
All user data will now have a backup and be visible within MapSource software.
1 Production of all MapSource Trip & Waypoint Manager Products as well as all WorldMap products ended May 5, 2014.
2 If you encounter a "Previous MapSource Not Found" error while installing MapSource software this can be resolved by installing BaseCamp software first, then running the MapSource program install again. While serial devices are not directly compatible with BaseCamp software, installing the program will load the necessary background files required for MapSource software to install and run on the computer.