Mapsource unlock codes _ aaarrrrggh!!!

[Poucher]

Hi Chaps,

Any suggestions as this is driving me nuts


Been getting a laptop lately so tried to install mapsource on it last night, well the disc loaded ok but when it came to the unlock codes that's when the fun began!

I put the codes in that came with the disc, hit return and the screen refreshed with a message in green saying I'd successfully unlocked the maps, but when I opened up mapsource it said the maps were still locked, so I went back onto the Garmin site to check the unlock codes and after about 40 mins of trying to remember old passwords I got to the area that had my unlock code so that I could check I'd used the correct one in the first place.

The unlock code was listed, but a note underneath it said that it had expired in Dec 2010, are these codes time limited??

Anyone got any ideas, or is it a matter of calling Garmin and shelling out some money for new unlock codes, or even worse, do you have to buy the software again?

Fekkin putors do my head in sometimes!!!!

Cheers,

Poucher ( self confessed computor nugget )

 

[ChasMill]

The unlock code was listed, but a note underneath it said that it had expired in Dec 2010, are these codes time limited??

Yes they are

Anyone got any ideas, or is it a matter of calling Garmin?

That would be my first port of call - 0808 238 0000

 

[Poucher]

Thanks Chas,

I'll call em on Friday and see if they can get me up and running, just want them on the laptop as its easier than being tied to the pc.

 

[Bumpkin]

I didn't think that the unlock codes themselves expired, I've got codes going back to 2005 that are still valid.

However, Garmin will not sell unlock codes for mapping that is no longer current. Once the new version of the mapping is out that's it, in fact if memory serves me correctly they stop a few weeks before hand. Now the selling of mapping has gone on-line things may have changed. If you purchased the code when the mapping was current, registered it and it's listed in your myGarmin account then you should be able to use it.

Admittedly the note you found about the expiry is a new one on me, when did you originally purchase the mapping/code?

Having said all that a lifetime update is only £50 these days. That's assuming that you have an NT capable sat nav

 

[Poucher]

I think it was about November 2009 when I bought the unit, so its probably a year and a couple of months old, I'll call them on Friday cos I'm off work and have a bit of time to sort it out.

I'll let you all know what the crack is

Cheers,

Poucher

 

[Bumpkin]

Just had a look at my myGarmin account to try and see if I can spot anything that might be relevant.

Given that it was the end of 2009 when you bought the unit I think you're probably looking at the expiry date for the mapping download. These expire a year after activation. Are you looking in the 'Map Downloads' (short 8 character key next to it) or the 'Installed Maps' (with the full 24 character unlock code) further down the page? If the former then the following is probably why.

As part of the NuMaps 60 day guarantee, assuming that was available in Nov 2009, you would have been provided with the latest mapping as a download when registering the new GPS on your myGarmin account (install this up to 60 days after registration, you then have it available as a download for a year). The unlock code you see on-line is for that mapping update, the mapping on the disk that came with your GPS will, most likely, be an earlier generation and have a different unlock code. The date of expiry that you mention ties in with this theory.

For my SP2720 I have many mapping versions listed going back to 2005, each has the unlock code against it. However, with the later versions of Mapsource with it's tight rights management I expect that only the latest mapping that I've purchased and unlock code for can be used. I could, in theory, use them but would need to do so in an older version of Mapsource.

Give Garmin a call, they should hopefully make the download available to you again if you explain the circumstances.

 

[Poucher]

I used the disc that came with the unit and that had an 8 digit unlock code with it, and thats the message that I get on the Garmin website that this 8 digit code has expired.

I'll call them tomorrow and see if they can sort me out.

Thanks for the help Guys

 

[Rasher]

They are quite helpful, I had to phone because mine had been turned on in the shop and I was unable to register it for the correct updates, as some muppett had turned it on it remembers the date and I think I only had 30 days to get the free updates.

Should be able to sort it by phone I would hope.

 

[Poucher]

Quick update guys, rang Garmin this morning and explained the problem and a young guy called Mark gave me an unlock code over the phone foc, which did the trick and unlocked the maps - result!!!

What did seem strange though was that on my Garmin webpage, the unit was initially unlocked 25/12/09 ( what makes you think it was a Christmas present then? ) but the unlock code expired on the 8th Jan 2010, that's only 15 days or so, not long enough I think

Can't grumble though, its cost me nowt this morning - happy bunny!

If anyone has problems in future the Garmin helpline is very good.

Cheers,

Poucher

 

[ChasMill]

If anyone has problems in future the Garmin helpline is very good.

+1 - my experience also

 

[Bumpkin]

Glad you got it sorted