Garmin/Mapsource Help

first, you have to "unlock" your Mapsource software. You should have gotten an "unlock" key to get it working? you have to use that key to unlock the maps ....otherwise, there won't be any!

To put a .gdb file on a Nuvi 350 is a NO GO. you have to have a Nuvi 500 series OR HIGHER....to load up files from Mapsource. two ways to do it on higher line series Nuvi units (500 and above). i will tell you both....in case you want to TRY and see if i'm wrong about the "500 series or above"....but as BamaJack can tell you, i've done exhaustive research on exhanging .gdb and .gpx files on Garmin Nuvi units lately!!!!!!!!!!

One method, start mapsource...hook up your USB cable between your nuvi and computer...use the DOWNLOAD button on mapsource (after opening the map file you want to transfer)...and download the file to your Nuvi. now go to the Nuvi, go to TOOLS, SETTINGS, MY DATA...and IF your unit has a "TRANSFER FILE DATA" link.....use that and "transfer" the file you just downloaded to a "useable" file on your Nuvi. it should show up under "ROUTES". (it is now....a .gpx file, by the way)

Method TWO....start mapsource, open that file of the route you want...and SAVE IT AS....a .gpx file. Now, hook your Nuvi up to your computer using your USB cable...and under "my pc" or whatever application you use on your pc to view files on your computer....look for the drive that represents your Nuvi. Now look for a folder called GARMIN on that drive that is your Nuvi. Now look for a folder that says GPX. now, copy that .gpx file from YOUR PC HARD DRIVE....to the Nuvi...in the GARMIN/GPX folder. At this point, i can't remember if you have to do the "translate/transfer" file steps mentioned above (under the TOOLS/SETTINGS/MYDATA area of the Nuvi).....or if the route will just appear? i think you have to do the "transfer" thing still........and again, the file/route will appear under ROUTES.

but those are the two methods that work on a Nuvi model that DOES support file transfers from Mapsource. Again, i don't think yours will? Not ROUTES anyway. it WILL support viewing WAYPOINTS. but not routes.......

hope this helps. I've spent HOURS upon HOURS researching how to do this stuff between the 4 Garmin units i have! And also researching what models WILL AND WILL NOT support transfering routes from Mapsource to a GPS....to make sure i got a model that WOULD support that! (i got 750 Nuvi units to make sure i DID get route transfer support).

i've also spent hours on using MP3 files and Playlists and on and on.......