Home › Garmin Mobile PC › Garmin Mobile PC install on 2nd laptop
As far as Mobile PC is concerned, the map is locked to the GPS, so you can install it on as many computers as you wish. You just have to use the same GPS with each of them.
If you have an unlocked map for MapSource on one computer, it shouldn't be a problem installing it on another computer. If you don't have the 25 digit unlock code, you should be able to unlock it on line using your My Garmin account and the 20x.
It was suggested in another thread that you can replace the Mobile PC current.gpx file with your new GPX file.
How to import a Route from a GPX file to Garmin Mobile PC
Terry
If you have an unlocked map for MapSource on one computer, it shouldn't be a problem installing it on another computer. If you don't have the 25 digit unlock code, you should be able to unlock it on line using your My Garmin account and the 20x.
It was suggested in another thread that you can replace the Mobile PC current.gpx file with your new GPX file.
How to import a Route from a GPX file to Garmin Mobile PC
Terry
Hello Bandicoot,
The short answer is, Yes.
Terry already gave you the long answer.
...ken...
The short answer is, Yes.
Terry already gave you the long answer.
...ken...
OK. So when I first installed Mapsource, Mobile PC, and the maps onto the car tablet, the install/registration procedure "found" an on-line unlock code and unlocked the maps to the 20x so everything would work.
If I now install everything onto another laptop, then it will be a new installation of the maps (and software), so does that mean when I go to plug in the 20x to the 2nd laptop, it will want me to get another unlock code from Garmin? If so, will that be automatic, i.e. Garmin is happy to have as many unlock codes as you want, since you'll still only be able to run the software on one machine at a time, since the USB 20x has to be attached for it to run on any machine?
Bandicoot
If I now install everything onto another laptop, then it will be a new installation of the maps (and software), so does that mean when I go to plug in the 20x to the 2nd laptop, it will want me to get another unlock code from Garmin? If so, will that be automatic, i.e. Garmin is happy to have as many unlock codes as you want, since you'll still only be able to run the software on one machine at a time, since the USB 20x has to be attached for it to run on any machine?
Bandicoot
You should have a MyGarmin account with all your products registered on it. If you haven't already done that, you should do it immediately. That will have your unlock code(s) and all your products stored online for situations just like this.
Mapsource on your tablet should also have your unlock code stored in it.
In Mapsource, click Utilities, click Manage Map Products, click the Unlock Regions tab, double-click your map product and you'll get a popup window with the unlock code in it. Write it down or cut/paste it into a text file and copy it to the house PC.
When you install Mapsource and the relevant map product on your house PC, you can use the Manage Map Products screen to enter the unlock code you already have.
...ken...
Mapsource on your tablet should also have your unlock code stored in it.
In Mapsource, click Utilities, click Manage Map Products, click the Unlock Regions tab, double-click your map product and you'll get a popup window with the unlock code in it. Write it down or cut/paste it into a text file and copy it to the house PC.
When you install Mapsource and the relevant map product on your house PC, you can use the Manage Map Products screen to enter the unlock code you already have.
...ken...
Ken,
You have to write it down because you can't copy it. What about Export?
Terry
You have to write it down because you can't copy it. What about Export?
Terry
OK, thanks. I do have a MyGarmin account. So from what you're saying, I don't need a new (different) unlock code for the 2nd install, but just the same unlock codes as for the first installation and that these are accessible from my "MyGarmin" site.
PS: When you update maps (I got a free map update "voucher" when I bought the maps, which has now been used, and I think that gave me yet another unlock code), do I put in the revised unlock code (for the updated maps) or the original unlock code that would have applied when I did the original install.
I really don't know why Garmin has to make all this so complicated!
However, can I assume that in a worst case (can't get it all working on 2nd laptop) that at least when I plug the 20x back into the tablet in the car, it will all still work, i.e. there's no real downside to giving it a go?
PS: When you update maps (I got a free map update "voucher" when I bought the maps, which has now been used, and I think that gave me yet another unlock code), do I put in the revised unlock code (for the updated maps) or the original unlock code that would have applied when I did the original install.
I really don't know why Garmin has to make all this so complicated!
However, can I assume that in a worst case (can't get it all working on 2nd laptop) that at least when I plug the 20x back into the tablet in the car, it will all still work, i.e. there's no real downside to giving it a go?
Quote:
Originally Posted by tcassidy
Ken,
You have to write it down because you can't copy it. What about Export?
Terry
You have to write it down because you can't copy it. What about Export?
Terry
Bandicoot,
No downside to trying it. You can't screw up the existing installation by installing on another box ... unless you do something intentionally on the tablet that messes it up.
Unlock codes are created using a combination of map product ID and device serial number so if you are unlocking the updated maps you use the corresponding unlock code because it's a different product than the original.
If you go to Manage Maps on your MyGarmin account you can look at the map products and see your unlock codes. It's all there in case you ever have to reinstall everything from scratch. Which you won't ever have to do because you've got everything all backed up. Right?
...ken...
Well I was fiddling around trying to get my tracks from Mapsource into Mobile PC and my worst fears happened. Mobile PC won't work anymore.
When I try to open Garmin Mobile PC, I see (very briefly) a screen saying "Importing tracks" and then nothing (a white screen) for several seconds and then: I've tried reinstalling Mobile PC from the original disks, but the error won't go away.
Is there a special data file that tracks get stored in when they are "transferred" across from Mapsource to Mobile PC? If so, will deleting this file perhaps fix the problem?
Thanks
Bandicoot
When I try to open Garmin Mobile PC, I see (very briefly) a screen saying "Importing tracks" and then nothing (a white screen) for several seconds and then:
Code:
ERROR: Assert failed at udb_strk.c : 2734 in GPX main with error 0
Is there a special data file that tracks get stored in when they are "transferred" across from Mapsource to Mobile PC? If so, will deleting this file perhaps fix the problem?
Thanks
Bandicoot
The particular file that stores tracks is GARMIN_STRK.nvm but I can't say whether deleting it will solve your problem. It certainly won't do any harm though.
terry
terry
Here is a post about that error with XT, a previous similar Garmin program for PDAs. Note the comment about name lengths.
Whateva blog Garmin Mobile XT Error: Assert failed at udb_strk.c
Terry
Whateva blog Garmin Mobile XT Error: Assert failed at udb_strk.c
Terry
I reinstalled Garmin Mobile PC (numerous times now!), and before I upgraded to 5.00.70g I ran Mobile PC (OK), and found two user-defined tracks in there. Deleted them. "Ran" the Mobile PC upgrade again, and the same problem was back.
On the good news front, I'd forgotten that because this laptop is new, Windows by default hides "hidden" folders, which is why I couldn't find that GARMIN_STRK.nvm. I've now found the Garmin application data folder and deleted it entirely.
I've installed Mobile PC from DVD again, upgraded to latest version. Reinstalled the Australian maps (and downloaded and reinstalled the free map upgrade), unlocked everything etc. I've downloaded (again) Garmin Plugin Communicator, and Garmin POIloader and reinstalled all my custom POI sets. Just have to put my "favorites" back in.
IT ALL WORKS! So the problem was the application data folder. Interestingly, once I understood this, I deleted the GARMIN_STRK.nvm file from inside the folder and "ran" Mpbile PC again, and the .nvm file reappeared, along with the error. So the whole folder had to be deleted.
Thanks for all the help on this. Apart from losing some sleep last night (!) and some hours sitting in front of the laptop, I guess at least I'm confident about reinstalling everything again from scratch now.
However, once bitted twice shy in terms of transferring tracks into Mobile PC. It would be nice, but I can live without them...
Bandicoot
On the good news front, I'd forgotten that because this laptop is new, Windows by default hides "hidden" folders, which is why I couldn't find that GARMIN_STRK.nvm. I've now found the Garmin application data folder and deleted it entirely.
I've installed Mobile PC from DVD again, upgraded to latest version. Reinstalled the Australian maps (and downloaded and reinstalled the free map upgrade), unlocked everything etc. I've downloaded (again) Garmin Plugin Communicator, and Garmin POIloader and reinstalled all my custom POI sets. Just have to put my "favorites" back in.
IT ALL WORKS! So the problem was the application data folder. Interestingly, once I understood this, I deleted the GARMIN_STRK.nvm file from inside the folder and "ran" Mpbile PC again, and the .nvm file reappeared, along with the error. So the whole folder had to be deleted.
Thanks for all the help on this. Apart from losing some sleep last night (!) and some hours sitting in front of the laptop, I guess at least I'm confident about reinstalling everything again from scratch now.
However, once bitted twice shy in terms of transferring tracks into Mobile PC. It would be nice, but I can live without them...
Bandicoot
Did you check to make sure none of your track names exceeded the limit mentioned in the post I linked?
Terry
Terry
You are missing a perfect opportunity to test and perfect how to move tracks from MapSource to Mobile PC. Rather than screwing up your perfectly built installation onthe tablet, do that second install you want.
Then in the comfort of your own home you have the test bed needed to perfect what you need. You could try the GPX approach or transferring one at a time and if you break it, so what, its not important. And anyway, now you know several approaches to fix it.
Once you have determined the easiest and safest way to perform this feat, make sure you reward us with your labour. EVentually any one here might be interested in transferring a multitude of tracks to Mobile PC quickly, easily and safely!
Terry
Then in the comfort of your own home you have the test bed needed to perfect what you need. You could try the GPX approach or transferring one at a time and if you break it, so what, its not important. And anyway, now you know several approaches to fix it.
Once you have determined the easiest and safest way to perform this feat, make sure you reward us with your labour. EVentually any one here might be interested in transferring a multitude of tracks to Mobile PC quickly, easily and safely!
Terry
Your right Terry. I'm going to water too easily on this. I'll install everything on my "in home" laptop tonight and work away at the tracks thing without risking the vehicle one again (which I use and don't want downtime on).
As an aside, and perhaps off-topic, if I had been using one of the Garmin Bluetooth GPS units, could I have left the vehicle laptop "operating" (with receiver on) but pick up GPS signals on both the tablet and the "in home" laptops at the same time. If so, this would save taking the USB GPS in and out of the vehicle all the time?
Bandicoot
As an aside, and perhaps off-topic, if I had been using one of the Garmin Bluetooth GPS units, could I have left the vehicle laptop "operating" (with receiver on) but pick up GPS signals on both the tablet and the "in home" laptops at the same time. If so, this would save taking the USB GPS in and out of the vehicle all the time?
Bandicoot
Make sure you just build the basic stuff to start; no fancy POIs you would have to redo on a failure. Make a copy of the GarminMobilePC folder that contains the nvm files. Then you can delete them one at a time and see the effect on the program. If it crashes or fails to start, just move the copy of that one back and go on to the next one.
No, the Garmin GPS 10x, like any other Bluetooth GPS, can only talk to one computer at a time. Once one computer is using it, it is not available and other Bluetooth equipped computers will not see it. However, as it does not need to be connected, moving it out of range of one computer would make it available for the other one. Remember though that you can't add a different GPS, not even a 10x, to your existing setup.
Terry
No, the Garmin GPS 10x, like any other Bluetooth GPS, can only talk to one computer at a time. Once one computer is using it, it is not available and other Bluetooth equipped computers will not see it. However, as it does not need to be connected, moving it out of range of one computer would make it available for the other one. Remember though that you can't add a different GPS, not even a 10x, to your existing setup.
Terry