Garmin pros... need help with locked maps.
 

My pa-inlaw gave me his old Garmin StreetPilot III along with the map CD (City Navigator v5) and unlock codes. Everything went fine installing the software including entering the 25 digit unlock code.

I loaded the SW US to the 128 Mb card using the external card reader. That went fine too. But, when I put the card in the SPIII and turned it on it came up with an error that the maps were locked. I'm confused because I tried loading the maps before I realized there was an unlock code and the software warned me I was trying to load locked maps. I got no warning this time from the software so I thought everything was OK. Any suggestions?

Have you unlocked the maps online?

I think you need to go here, create an account and enter the GPS ID for your device and then you'll be able to unlock the maps.

Most likely the unlock code your pa gave you does not belong to the SPIII, or has never been registered for it. Unlock codes are specific to a unit id. Look up the serial number and internal unit id of the SPIII (via the settings menu), call Garmin and ask them about which unlock code has been registered with the unit (if it has). If not, you will be able to register online.

Your version of maps is WAY old. I am using V8 on my SP3 and its at least 2 years out of date.

If I burn a chip in my computer will it work in ANY SP3? Or is it locked to work in only my personal SP3 that its registered to? Reason I am asking is that if I could burn the data that Lee needs to a memory chip and give it to him he could get the unit to work.

Lee, problem is that I am heading out of town in 24 hours and not returning for 2-3 months. If you want to try doing this let me know but am real busy today.

Thx,

Joe

Joe -- The way I understand it the unit matches the unlock code. I doubt my SPIII would read the card burned on your machine.

What I don't understand is that pa-in-law gave me his codes, which the software says worked to unlock the maps. But, when the SPIII tries to read the maps from the card it says their locked.

I called Garmin last week to get help getting the card reader to work. They have good support, but limited hours. I'm guessing they'll be able to help once I get through to them. I have a profile set up on Garmin.com and they added the gifted SPIII and software to show I own them.