OK, that solves the mystery.
As I guessed, the device does not have the detailed maps for the whole of Europe installed. Or, if they are installed, they are not active ie. ‘Ticked’. That is why it cannot create or display routes.
The XT is capable of updating its software and maps wirelessly over the internet, which is the method I use. It seems to do it reliably (touch wood) over a reasonably fast internet connection.
Try:
1. Turning on the device, without connecting it to your PC.
2. Connecting the device to your home wifi.
3. Go to the updates section and see if you can perform an update, including an update of the maps.
If that works, great. Problem solved.
If it doesn’t work…..
1. Back up whatever data the device holds, favourites for example, to your PC.
2. Perform a hard re-set of the device. This will delete your personal data but it won’t delete anything that Garmin installed from new. If you are not bothered about losing any personal data, skip stage 1.
3. Then update the software and maps wirelessly, ie. without the device being connected via your PC.
Does that work?