I'm writing this because of my recent experience with obtaining the latest Timezone map for my old/obsolete (according to Garmin) units that still work and are useful (Garmin wants you to continually purchase newer models).

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Garmin wants everyone to use Garmin Express for obtaining device updates (& maps). The problem is that sooner or later older updates will disappear or GE will no longer work on your OS (right now Windows 7 or higher is required for v7.16.3).

Because of that I wanted to download, and save, all the important updates I know of in case I can't get them anymore. That way if I ever never to reapply them (e.g. to another unit) I can.

Devices store their information in GarminDevice.xml. That includes the part number, filename, and version of loaded files. When you connect a device (real or virtual) to GE it reads GarminDevice.xml and saves its contents (modified) in C:\ProgramData\Garmin\CoreService\devices_list.xml. By editing this file (plain text) it is possible to make GE think a file is outdated and force it to downloaded the latest version. The file(s) can then be saved.

For example I wanted a copy of D166000.zip. In GarminDevice.xml it is listed as

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By changing the version entries, in devices_list.xml, to

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I convinced GE to download the file (still v5.80) which I then saved.

In some cases Garmin has a webpage for such updates

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but in others they're out-of-date or non-existent.

Hopefully this is useful to some advanced users that understand the issues.

PS: Identifying and obtaining device updates as outlined above is a lengthy process. That said it is a "do once" thing (hopefully).

PPS: As an example of an unavailable update:

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TrafficProvider.xml

This Garmin page shows v4.40 (March 22, 2017) as the latest version.

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However the file on my unit is v5.10 from July 2021,

This thread has it available.

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AnnoyedOne Reviewed by AnnoyedOne on 27th March 2023. Identifying/obtaining/saving Garmin device updates I'm writing this because of my recent experience with obtaining the latest Timezone map for my old/obsolete (according to Garmin) units that still work and are useful (Garmin wants you to continually purchase newer models). Garmin Time Zone Map (https://www.gpsurl.com/garmin-s-software-and-tools/246139-garmin-time-zone-map-3.html) Garmin wants everyone to use Garmin Express for obtaining device updates (& maps). The problem is that sooner or later older updates will disappear or GE will Rating: 5