DriveSmart 50 not recognised by Windows?

Marigold9 · Lifetime Member Joined: Jun 14, 2008 Posts: 14

Hi all.

I'm absolutely stumped.....

I have 2 PC's

On one, I plug the Sat Nav in, it's recognised, appears as a "drive" on "This PC" and Mapsource, POI Loader etc. all connect.

On the other. with the same cable etc.etc. I get the Windows "chime" when I plug it in and it's obviously charging as the display goes much brighter, but there’s nothing in "This PC" and nothing in Mapsource /POI Loader. I'm asked to "Add Device" but then nothing.

I don't understand how I'm getting the "chime" but apparently it's not connected?

I've tried updating all the drivers and reinstalling the Garmin software but still nothing.

I'm not that computer literate so I'm now at a loss about what to do next.

Both computers are running Win 10 Pro. Both are fully up-to-date with updates.

Any suggestions very welcome.

Thanks in advance.

Kremmen · Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2025 2:45 pm Post subject:

I no longer have my Garmins to check but some PC's cannot see a device unless it's in a particular mode

Garmins have MTP or Mass Storage - somewhere in the settings

I found this via a search here :

1. Start NUVI by itself and go to Volume Screen.
2. Press the upper right hand corner of screen for 10 seconds.
3. The Developers Screen will pop up
(may see Configuration and Settings, if so select it)
4. Scroll down to MTP SETTINGS
5. Change from AUTO DETECT to MASS STORAGE
6. Shut down NUVI and connect to PC
7. It should now connect in mass storage mode.
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DashCam:
Viofo A119 V3

Marigold9 · Lifetime Member Joined: Jun 14, 2008 Posts: 14

Thanks.

Sadly that hasn't worked and has made matters worse as the Drivesmart now doesn't connect to either computer.

Is there any way to do some sort of "factory reset" to hopefully be able to start again?

Kremmen · Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2025 4:37 pm Post subject:

You can revert back to the previous mode in the same way

Whilst it worked on one PC I'd be changing the USB cable to one you know is a full data cable

Also, does the problem PC have more than one USB port

The other Windows check is to make sure the USB ports are not set to allow the PC to put them to sleep
I know this says Win11 but the procedure is the same :

https://community.microcenter.com/kb/articles/682-how-to-prevent-windows-11-from-turning-off-usb-ports-when-asleep
_________________
DashCam:
Viofo A119 V3

Marigold9 · Lifetime Member Joined: Jun 14, 2008 Posts: 14

Now I'm completely confused.....

The Unit was unplugged and did some sort of update - I'd plugged it into a mains powered USB just to keep the battery charged.

Now it's working with both computers.

I hate it when this sort of thing happens as I've no idea what's changed to make it work.

Anyway - it does so let's see how it goes.

Thanks again.

PS I've done the not putting to sleep bit as a precaution - cheers.

Kremmen · Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2025 4:48 pm Post subject:

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DashCam:
Viofo A119 V3

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