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I know the last post was made several months ago, but I thought I would add a note for others who stumble across this thread. I have a Garmin Oregon 450t - it's my first GPS unit, and I've had it for two weeks - and I had no problem getting it to download and display a cache listing with attributes from Geocaching.com with my account set for "GPX 1.0.1" files. I have Garmin's TOPO U.S. 24K Southeast DVD, and it comes with a copy of BaseCamp on it. When I installed BaseCamp and the map on my computer (Windows XP-SP3), it also installed Garmin Communicator as an extension in my browser (Firefox v.3.6.18). I connected my GPS unit to my computer with the unit interface set to "Garmin Serial" (Setup> System> Interface). Then I selected a nearby cache on Geocaching.com, clicked the button labeled "Send to My GPS," and a pop-up window opened in which I selected my unit. Garmin Communicator asked whether I really wanted the website to have access to my GPS unit. I told it "Yes," and the cache file loaded directly into the unit. When I disconnected the unit from my computer, I went to the "Geocaching" profile and tapped "Geocaches" on the main menu (the button with the treasure chest icon). Then I tapped the button with the name of the cache on it. The map opened with the name of the cache on a button at the top of the screen. I tapped it, and got this wonderful listing on my unit: You can read the whole description on the unit by sliding the screen up the same way as you would slide a map. For those of you who like the background I'm using, it is one of a series of custom background images available at GPSFix. Having a white background does help to make the menus, compass, and trip computer easier to read. I hope this helps to clear up the confusion - especially for newbies like myself!

Strange, I used to connect my old yellow etrex to my Mac with the adaptor... Maybe it's the newer Macs that have the problem? hello, I just buy a cable usb to serial (with pl2303 prolific driver) to connect my gps etrex H with my MAC, it works good with "load my tracks" but when i go to geocaching.com and i try to click on "send to gps" button, the garmin communicator plug in don't see my etrex H. so, it works perfectly on windows seven and xp. have you an idea please ? thx

I have a Garmin Etrex. Often I have had to re-install the latest plugin from Garmin before it is detected on geocaching.com ( "Send to GPS" ) however now whatever I do I get these messages : "Communicator Plugin is properly installed and up to date, version >> 2.9.3.0. >> >> Garmin GPS device is NOT detected. To complete test, connect device and >> refresh" Of course this does not work. In Device Manager, Other Devices USB-SER! is shown together with a yellow exclamation mark. One opinion is it is Vista's fault ( " a failed product" ) & advises me to junk it for Windows 7 , another is to reset the firmware in the unit - apparently the manual would show how to do this, if I had it. I will try it with a computer using something other than Vista Others tell me to do exactly what I have already done - ensure plugin and drivers are installed. Anyone any suggestions ? Is it a Vista problem ? It worked ok on XP.

Im having trouble downloading caches to my PC to install in my Garmin 60 csx. I can download them but I cant view the file or save it to my gps sd card. I have the Garmin communicator software and im using Windows XP pro. Im new to this sorry if this has been addressed I didn't find any thing. Thanks Nate

Its been awhile since I've tried to download geocaches into my Oregon 400t. I'd like to go out today, but having a hard time!. With my Oregeon plugged into my USB port, it's display pops up the computer graphic. I have installed the latest and greatest version of Garmin Communicator plugin for firefox. The test page indicates it can find my device and communication is working. The computer bings a couple timesand pops up the standard Windows XP window "What do you want windows to do?" with a variety of options for an external storage device. When I select a geocache and hit the "Send to GPS Device", windows asks me what I would like to do with the .loc file. Save it , or open it with some application which I must choose. From there I get nothing? Any advice? Jenn

I received a new Garmin 60CSx yesterday. Of course then proceeded to do install the software and USB drivers. And checked for updates, which existed for both the software & drivers. My newer Laptop is running Windows 7 & Internet Explorer 8. The software has no problems reading and delivering files to the GPS through the USB port. So the GPS is connected.. On to downloading Caches, installed the latest version of Communicator, ran a test, everything checks out. But when I try to download files to the Garmin, it says I have to install Communicator. If I select install, the pop-up informs me that Communicator is successfully installed. So, went through the all installation procedures on my older Laptop, running EP, and IE6 (never updated IE for good reason), and behold, files download directly to the Garmin. That said, any clues how to get downloads working through Windows 7 & Internet Explorer 8? TIA, George

I'm following your directions as close as I can. Hope this works. As of yesterday, I can no longer Send to GPS using Firefox. Screen stays light grey even though Garmin Communicator site confirms it's reading my ETrex H and the software is up to date. We're talking Firefox 3.6.3 only; Send to GPS works fine on IE8 (but I prefer Firefox). Using Windows Vista. Problem occurs with every cache I've tried over the past day. If you need a specific, the last one was GC28F8P. Thanks

Hi all I am new to Geocaching and could use some help. I just bought an Oregon 450. Went to garmin web site and downloaded the Garmin Communicator plug in. when it gets done installing the message says it is installed correctly but doesn't recognize the Oregon even though it is hocked up. Does this on both my mac and windows computers. Any help would be greatly appreciated Thank You in advance Grandpa Grumpy

You'll need to let us know what specific model your car GPS is in order for us to help. OK well now I have even more problems but my car GPS is the Garmin c330 and I just got the Magellan Triton 400 which has mixed reviews but it seems my imacpro is not allowing it to connect to it and therefore I cannot Magellan and apparently none of their GPS units are Mac compatible...however there is a thing on the user guide instructing mac users to click here and nowhere does it say I cannot use them together. Need software to allow GPS (Magellan) to connect with Groundspeak to download query. The Garmin uses the Garmin Communicator and I can "send to GPS" one by one but the Magellan won't allow it; there must be a way. Apple says I can use Bootcamp in my utilities and then install windows and hopefully it will allow it to work since its a windows application. I don't think I have windows Xp, Vista or 7 to download so I may be screwed for a while. Thanks so much!

We (our family) has a newly purchased Garmin etrex Venture HC. For the last 2 days, I've been trying to load it with coords in prep for our next hiking/geocaching/camping adventure. But it's not working! I feel like pulling my hair out! The kids use the unit, so hopefully I just have something set wrong. Any help would be appreciated. Here's some details: previously loaded approx. 50-100 caches using a direct USB connection and the simple "send to GPS" command on several occasions (I did some, my son did others) Garmin Communicator correctly finds my gps (check for latest software - all good!) Write command briefly flashes 0% complete, then declares a success gps does not beep or otherwise acknowledge If I go to Find->Geocache - none found Find->Waypoint - none found (Well that's because I cleared the memory while trouble shooting, so the "old" caches aren't in there anymore to confuse me.) I'm running Windows IE7, then switched to FireFox 3.6.3 same problem. I also tried EasyGPS with .loc files - basically the same problem. (However I am able to receive from the gps, the gps acknowledges, and when the "old" caches were still in there it correctly retrieved them.) Now I'm getting really frustrated: I manually entered a geocache: coords, GC# and title (in the notes) and it wouldn't let me save because it already existed, but when I go to Find there is still nothing there. so I change the GC# +2 and save it. Now when I "receive" from EasyGPS I get that geocache and the ones that I've been trying to send to it back!!!!! Even though the manually entered cache (in the Recent Finds section) is the only thing I can "see" on the GPS. I give up! As I am writing this, I'm talking myself through it...Could it be that I'm to far away from these caches to "see" them...YES!...When I send a "local" cache, it's there! Clearly I'm missing something really simple! Shouldn't I be able to enter caches in GPS off mode? (I've tried both!) What's going on here? Any ideas?? Thanks, -Renee

I've recently switched over to Ubuntu, and I'm trying to get my GPS to work with it...... I've got the Windows version of Firefox running in Ubuntu, and I have the garmin communicator plugin for geocaching.com..... I get as far as opening the communicator plugin, but my GPS is not detected, and I get the message "NO DEVICES FOUND".. Any help appreciated, Thanks in advance, Simon.

Okay, downloaded the correct driver....Device Manager says "Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port (COM4)". Sent coords from website to EasyGPS as LOC file. When I try to send cache from EasyGPS to Garmin Rino 130, I get the following error - "This program received data it could not understand" Also tried to download directly from Garmin Communicator, but that was unable to recognize a device. Windows XP Any other thoughts? Thanks!

I have Windows XP with FF browser, and i have installed the latest Garmin Communicator Plugin for FF which is what i get directed to if it doesn't work.. and you are right i'm finding the usb to serial converter is a right &^%&!

Communicator Plugin for Windows software version 2.9.2 http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=3607 Added support for 2GB aviation data cards. Made GetBinaryFile function available to non-Garmin websites. Switching to indeterminate progress if the calculated progress is greater than 100%. Communicator Plugin for Mac software version 2.9.2 http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=3739 Made GetBinaryFile function available to non-Garmin websites. Switching to indeterminate progress if the calculated progress is greater than 100%.

I had the same problem with the latest IE and emailed them. There response was get Firefox. When I emailed back that I didn't think that that was an appropriate answer they sent this. Dear Walter R. Cullop, Thank you for contacting Garmin International. The plug-in works with Internet Explorer, however something specific to your computer is preventing the plug-in from running. If you are not able to identify the offending program and you you cannot install Firefox, I can walk you through these steps to maximize Internet Explorer for compatibility with the Garmin Communicator Plug-in. First, we will configure Internet Explorer's Internet Options. Please open Internet Explorer and follow these directions: 1. Click Tools 2. Click Internet Options 3. Click the Connections tab 4. Click LAN Settings (in the bottom right corner) 5. Check the box next to ‘Automatically Detect Settings’ 6. Click OK 7. Click the Advanced tab 8. Scroll down the list to 'Security' 9. Disable 'Check for publisher's certificate revocation' and 'Check for server certificate revocation*' 10. Click Apply, at the bottom of the window 11. Click the Security tab 12. Click 'Trusted sites' 13. Click Sites 14. Disable 'Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone' 15. Add the following website to the zone: http://*.garmin.com/ 16. Add the following website to the zone: https://*.garmin.com/ 17. Press Close 18. Press OK, at the bottom of the window 19. Close Internet Explorer Second, please disable any anti-virus or firewall software running on your computer. Rather it is Norton, McAfee, AVG, or other security software, this is the most likely source of interference. I cannot provide specific direction for this step. There are many versions of each developer's anti-virus software and the methods for disabling it are different for each one. If you are unsure of how to deactivate both the firewall and anti-virus software on your computer, please contact your security software's developer. Third, we will remove a file whose possible corruption may lead to an installation error. Please follow these steps to regenerate this database: 1. Open My Computer (Windows XP) or Computer (Windows Vista / Windows 7) 2. Open the Garmin drive 3. Open the Garmin folder 4. Right-click the file GarminDevice.xml 5. Click Delete 6. Disconnect your Garmin from the computer and power the unit on. 7. Wait twenty seconds; reconnect the Nuvi to your computer. Finally, we will eliminate temporary files which may taint newly created files. This simple procedure may take anywhere from five minutes to more than an hour. This wide range depends on how much old, unused data has collected on the hard drive and the length of time since the routine was last run. Please follow these steps clean temporary data from your computer: 1. Click the Start button 2. Click Programs (Windows XP) or All Programs (Windows Vista / Windows 7) 3. Click Accessories 4. Click System Tools 5. Click Disk Cleanup 6. Choose your C: drive 7. Click OK 8. Once the calculations are complete, you presented with a list of option of data to remove. Please check every box on this list with the exceptions of Office Setup Files and Old Windows Installations. It is highly likely the list will not contain these options. If these options are not available to you, simply move to the next step. 9. Click OK If after following these procedures you are still unable to install Garmin's Communicator Plug-in, please attempt the installation on another computer or use Firefox. With Best Regards, Brian J Software Support Specialist Software Team Garmin International 913-397-8200 800-800-1020 913-440-8280 (fax) Att: Brian J, Associate #5988 www.garmin.com Original Message Follows: ------------------------ It seems strange that you can’t get it to work in the most common browser used but here is my info if you can help me get it to work in IE8> What type of internet connection are you using? Wide area wireless network How much free space do you have on your C: drive? 375G Which web browsers have you attempted the download in? IE Which version of Windows are you running? (XP, Vista, Windows 7) Windows 7 Is this computer your personal computer or has it been provided by a company? Personal Lastly, what anti-virus / anti-malware / firewall / other security software do you have installed on your computer? Windows Live Essential From: techsupp@garmin.com [mailto:techsupp@garmin.com] Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2010 9:58 AM To: Walter R. Cullop Subject: Re: Garmin Communicator (KMM16008816I15977L0KM) Dear Walter R. Cullop, Thank you for contacting Garmin International. I am happy to help you install Garmin's Communicator Plug-in. You may be able to avoid these errors by using Firefox, an alternative to Internet Explorer. Firefox uses a different plug-in, utilizing Java, to run our both our Communicator Plug-in and Download Manager. Many secured computers disable Active X, which is used to run our plug-ins in Internet Explorer. I very highly recommend downloading this free alternative to Internet Explorer. In order to use Firefox, please follow these directions: 1) Download and install Firefox: http://www.firefox.com/ 2) Download and install Garmin Communicator, through Firefox: http://www.garmin.com/products/communicator 3) Once the Communicator Plug-in is installed, the installer will exit and launch the Test Page. If the Test Page launches in Internet Explorer, please close IE and open Firefox. If you require further assistance with this installation, please reply directly to this email. With your response, please answer the following questions: What type of internet connection are you using? How much free space do you have on your C: drive? Which web browsers have you attempted the download in? Which version of Windows are you running? (XP, Vista, Windows 7) Is this computer your personal computer or has it been provided by a company? Lastly, what anti-virus / anti-malware / firewall / other security software do you have installed on your computer? With Best Regards, Brian J Software Support Specialist Software Team Garmin International 913-397-8200 800-800-1020 913-440-8280 (fax) Att: Brian J, Associate #5988 www.garmin.com Original Message Follows: ------------------------ I am using a brand new Dell with Windows 7 64x IE 8.0.7600.16385. I downloaded and installed Garmin Communicator 2.9.1 and installed it. When I go to the uninstall feature it shows it as installed. I run the test page and it says not detected. There is no bar at the top requesting permission to run the ActiveX control. Any thoughts or suggestions? ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- This e-mail and any attachments may contain confidential material for the sole use of the intended recipient. If you are not the intended recipient, please be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of this e-mail or any attachment is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please contact the sender and delete all copies. Thank you for your cooperation.

Oooops sorry It's an OLD etrex vista ( no usb ) but last time after a loooong time trying I got the new port/usb cable intaled the software and Bannnnnnnn , I got the problem solved. 1 month ago I had to instal a new version of windows and now I went to get some cache coord and no luck. the garmin site has some software and I did install all new stuff. The only one that I CAN NOT get it going is the one ( communicator plugin ) I think I have IE7. so I have been doing the Coord by hand, It's a pain..... Any help ? thanks

I was just wondering if anyone else has had any issues with their GPS (specifically Garmins) no longer seeing the USB connection after they upgraded to Windows 7. We had to get a new home computer, and now my Rino 520HCx does not see that it is connected to the computer via USB, and none of the Garmin utilities (Communicator, WebUpdater, MapSource) can see the device. GSAK does not see it, either. I've been working with Garmin -- they first sent me a replacement unit, but it is having the same issue. I've downloaded the USB drivers 3 or 4 times, made sure Communicator is the latest version, etc. Garmin also asked if the computer had USB 2.0 or 3.0 -- it is USB 2.0. The chipset on the new computer is an AMD Athlon TF-20, 1.6 GHz, single-core. The laptop is running Windows 7 Home Premium, 64-bit. Previous computer was running XP Professional (Service Pack 3) with an Intel Pentium M chipset (1.6 GHz). Any thoughts or ideas as to what is going on?

I installed the Garmin Communicator on my new machine (Windows 7) and it failed the test page saying it wasn't installed and told me to look up and see if a message was in the top of the browser about Active X. There wasn't. If I go to the uninstall folder it shows it installed. I uninstalled and did it again with the same results. Emailed Garmin and got this response. You may be able to avoid these errors by using Firefox, an alternative to Internet Explorer. Firefox uses a different plug-in, utilizing Java, to run our both our Communicator Plug-in and Download Manager. Many secured computers disable Active X, which is used to run our plug-ins in Internet Explorer. Has anybody had any success with Garmin Communicator and the latest IE.

If you're using pocket queries do like The Yinnie's suggested and just drop the .gpx files from the zip file you are emailed into the garmin/gpx directory on your GPS. When you hook the GPS up Windows should just mount it as removeable storage. I have a microSD card with maps on it installed in my GPS (a Dakota 20), when I hook it up to the computer the GPS's internal memory is E:\ and the microSD card is F:\, but it may be different on your computer. If you are clicking on the "send to GPS" button make sure you have Garm Commmunicator installed. http://www8.garmin.com/products/communicator/ If you're using GSAK make sure you're running the most recent release and you have it configured for your GPS (the Dakota 20 is listed in the GPS selection list).

It's definitely something with your computer. I've had no problems with the Garmin Communicator plugin on Windows 7 (32-bit). Are you by chance running 64-Bit Windows 7? That could be a factor.

But to get things to work, don't I have to buy and load windows for Mac? Man, I do not want to do that and it seems that if I do not, that there is little that I can do to regain my previous usage of GSAK and pocket quieries. No, you don't need to load windows ... I don't have it on mine. The minimal thing you'll need on your Mac is the Garmin communicator plugin. If you don't already have it, you will find it here: http://www8.garmin.com/products/communicator/ The plugin will allow communications between your GPSr and your Mac. Any other software is not really necessary, but you might want to look around to see if you find something you're interested in. Personally, I really like BaseCamp.

I use an Oregon 400t and a Macbook Pro. Unfortunately, unless you want to load windows on your Mac, there aren't a lot in the way of up to date programs that you can use. You can check out the resources pages and download programs for the Mac that you can try. What I use is BaseCamp, but it's no GSAK. You can download BaseCamp for free from Garmin's website. The newest version of BaseCamp will allow you to use topo maps from gpsfiledepot.com so you won't have to pay for the Garmin maps. Also, you'll need Garmin's communicator. If you use Safari as your browser and have the plugin flip4mac installed, you might have trouble. There have been recent updates to each of them and now they all play well together. I love my Mac too, but I sure would like to see GSAK come out in a Mac version. Come to think of it, there was a recent thread about a program you can load on your Mac and have GSAK work to some degree. I can't remember he name of it though. Maybe someone else can help you with that. As fegan mentioned, you can still get things to work without special software.

I'll be darned! Safari, communicator, and Flip4mac now appear to play well together. Since I downloaded the Camino browser, I hardly ever use Safari to know if the problem had been solved. Thanks to those who pointed out that the combo is now working. Garmin Communicator Plug-in Version 2.9.1.0 Flip4Mac Windows Media Web Plugin 2.3 Safari Version 4.0.4 (6531.21.10) So maybe what you should do is check to see if you have the most recent versions of everything.

I have a brandy new PC running Windows 7. I have loaded the Garmin Communicator and have attempted to load caches to my Colorado 400t (using the "Send to GPS" button). It seems to take forever but then I get the message that the Save was successful. Problem is, there is no cache loaded to my Colorado. Any idea what's going on?

My GPS unit is no longer registering most of the GPX files (from geocaching.com) that I am sending to it. I went to a geocaching event on 10/03/09 and have had this issue ever since. Information: GPS unit is a Garmin nuvi 265WT. I use Windows Vista, Internet Explorer 8.0.6, and GPS Communicator Plug-In 281. At the cache webpage, I just choose the Send To GPS box (which previously worked just fine). It seems that since 10/03/09, the majority of the caches that are over 30 miles from my home coordinates won't load into the GPS unit. However, a couple of them are successfully loaded. But, in doing so, some of the caches that were loaded onto the unit right before 10/03/09 are being reloaded (whether the original ones are still on the unit or not). This week, I used a friend's computer (he has the same model Garmin as I do) to attempt to download some caches. He runs Windows XP and the Communicator Plugin 281. We've used both Internet Explorer and Firefox (not sure what versions) to download. The same thing is happening. We decided to download the same caches to his Garmin. The caches loaded (using the same method of just choosing "Send to GPS"), however, he has the same duplication problem that I have with mine. A second issue is that the Traffic function (as this model came with lifetime traffic) is no longer working either. We're both just about ready to Reset our units and wipe out all the cache information that is already loaded and start all over again. However, I thought that I'd consult with this forum before taking this drastic step! We're hoping to get this all straightened out as we're thinking about attending another cache event this coming weekend. Note: We are both premium members with geocaching.com. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks so much.