Garmin offers to transfer my City Navigator software

[+grateful cacher]

I purchased my Oregon 300 about 3 months ago, and also got the City Navigator NT 2009 DVD with it. When I purchased the 550t, I couldn't unlock it for the 550t, even though I had removed it from my 300 and removed the 300 from the my.garmin page. When I tried to, it sayd the product code had been consumed. I called Garmin not once, but twice, asking if I could do that, I had it for three months, only wanted to use it on one device, etc, etc. Was met with nothing but short curt replies from the support staff that it couldn't be done, their licensing agreement with NavTeq prohibited it. One even said he asked his manager, and was told nope, it couldn't be done. I followed up with an email, referrung tto the EULA and where it says nothing about what I want to do. So I go out and get a second copy of the program, install and unlock it. Everything is working great. Well, tonight I get an email response from tech support. No problem with doing what I want, they say it can only be unlocked on one device (which is what I wanted), and when the did that it wouldn't work on the other one (DUH!!). Needless to say, between the 550t's inability to read geocaching files from the microSD card, and this, I'm ready to get rid of Garmin totally. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, they are about a 2 in my book.

 

I mention this here because I guess Garmin has a reputation for not letting users do this, and I just want to let everyone know it can be done......

 

Edited July 19, 2009 by ivhs72

[+Red90]

The problem is the way their unlock system works. They gave you a code for the 300. This is simply a code that tells the unit that the maps you have are OK for your unit. Once it is given, it can not be ungiven..... There is no way for you to remove the locking from the unit.

 

They really need a new system where they can remove the locking from the unit via a computer and confirm it back to home base, but the system is NOT designed that way and never has been.

 

It is 100% YOUR fault for not understanding the terms to which you purchased the maps.

Edited July 19, 2009 by Red90

[+Rockin Roddy]

The problem is the way their unlock system works. They gave you a code for the 300. This is simply a code that tells the unit that the maps you have are OK for your unit. Once it is given, it can not be ungiven..... There is no way for you to remove the locking from the unit.

 

They really need a new system where they can remove the locking from the unit via a computer and confirm it back to home base, but the system is NOT designed that way and never has been.

 

It is 100% YOUR fault for not understanding the terms to which you purchased the maps.

 

If this is true, why has Garmin now stated it could be done as the OP asked? If I'm reading the OP's post correctly, that is...

[+Red90]

It can only be done if you send the unit into Garmin. Don't believe everything they say. You can ask 4 tech reps at Garmin and get 5 different answers.

[+splashy]

Right, 2 told him to buy a new map in order to read Gpx data from a SD card in a 550T, as it now turns out, that's impossible.

[+Rockin Roddy]

It can only be done if you send the unit into Garmin. Don't believe everything they say. You can ask 4 tech reps at Garmin and get 5 different answers.

 

And yet, you need to trust them when something goes wrong? Sounds scary to me...

[+Red90]

And yet, you need to trust them when something goes wrong? Sounds scary to me...

 

Basically they just revert to "send us the unit" and that fixes everything.

[Maximus XX!V]

Garmin ultimately offered to do what you asked. How long did it take from their last 'no' to the 'yes'?

[+A.T.Hiker]

It's not really his fault at all. It is a perfectly logical request to want to transfer the license from one unit to another - I tried to do this once too, unsuccessfully, when I wanted to upgrade my e-Trex legend to a 60Cx. Turned out I had to buy a second copy of City Select to work with the Cx, even though I had the same thing already purchased fair and square and installed on my computer.

 

There should definately be a way to re-lock one unit if you at some point, decide you want to use the maps for another, better unit. Many of us on here probably own more than one GPS, and we shouldn't need to buy maps again at full price if we simply want to migrate our maps from one GPS to another.

Edited July 20, 2009 by Team R2

[+grateful cacher]

The problem is the way their unlock system works. They gave you a code for the 300. This is simply a code that tells the unit that the maps you have are OK for your unit. Once it is given, it can not be ungiven..... There is no way for you to remove the locking from the unit.

 

They really need a new system where they can remove the locking from the unit via a computer and confirm it back to home base, but the system is NOT designed that way and never has been.

 

It is 100% YOUR fault for not understanding the terms to which you purchased the maps.

 

Here is the email that I received from Garmin. If you take the time to read the EULA that accompanies the software, you will see that NOWHERE does it state that you cannot transfer the use of the software to another GPS unit. It only states that you cannot transfer the software to another computer, ie, you can't transfer the ownership of the license to another person. Before you state that I am 100% at fault, I suggest that you read the license agreement. Also, NOWHERE on the DVD case or the DVD itself does it say that it is only for use on one device and one device only.

 

Oh, and it doesn't lock the unit. On the Garmin computer system it simply says that the product code has been consumed. The product code is tied to the equipment serial number in their computer and they can change if they want to.

 

Dear Cunningham, Rich,

 

Thank you for contacting Garmin International.

 

I cannot unlock the application to more then one device however I can transfer the unlock to the new unit if you like. That way you can use it with your 550T however it would no longer be operative on the 300. Please advise.

 

With Best Regards,

 

Shawn V

 

Product Support Specialist

 

2nd Shift Outdoor/Fitness Team

 

Garmin International

 

913-397-8200

 

800-800-1020

 

913-440-8280 (fax) Att: Shawn V

 

www.garmin.com

 

 

 

Original Message Follows: ------------------------

 

To Whom it may concern,

 

 

I have purchased an Oregon 550t on July 15 to replace my Oregon 300 which I purchased new in mid-April this year. When I purchased the Oregon 300, I purchased a copy of Topograpic 2008 1:100,000 DVD and a copy of the City Navigator NT North America 2009. When I purchased the 550t, I tried to install the City Navigator onto it, and it would not unlock the maps. I tried to unlock it on my.garmin website, and it said the product code had been consumed. When I called tech support, I was told that this product was sold to only be used on one device and one device only. He said that it was because of the agreement that you have with NavTeq and their requirements. I find that mentioned NOWHERE on the product disc, manual or case that I have. In your EULA on the disc, it only states that you license to the software is non-transferable, which I take to mean that I cannot give or resell this software:

 

 

LICENSE: GARMIN ("we" or "us") provides you with its certain computer software in a downloadable or other format (the "Software") and grants you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable and non-sublicensable, revocable license to use the Software in accordance with the terms of this License Agreement. The copyright and all other rights to the Software shall remain with us.

 

 

NOWHERE IN YOUR EULA DOES IT STATE THAT THIS CAN ONLY BE USED ON ONE DEVICE!!! Furthermore, in the NavTeq portion of the EULA, nowhere does it even state this.

 

 

I am thoroughly upset by this. I have spent over $1200 on your products in the last 3 months, and now I find I have to spend another $100 just to get my 550t to do what my 300 did? That is totally unacceptable. For heaven’s sake, Microsoft allows copies of MS Office to be installed on up to 3 machines and that’s included in the price. I’m not trying to rip you off or get something for nothing. I’m not trying to use this on more than one device, I simply want to install it so I can use it on my 550t. To me, this really is very deceptive sales policy that you have in place. If you are placing limitations on what can be done with you software, then that policy needs to be clearly stated on the case (either inside or out), so that the end-user has the option of not installing if they so choose. You shouldn’t bury it on the FAQ section of your website, which is where I finally found it. Remember, even in this day and age, not everyone has internet access.

 

 

If it is not possible for you to accommodate my request, I plan to return the 550t and purchase another device (and it won’t be a Garmin).

Edited July 20, 2009 by ivhs72

[+grateful cacher]

Garmin ultimately offered to do what you asked. How long did it take from their last 'no' to the 'yes'?

 

I recieved the 550t on Wednesday, and when I tried to install the City Navigator that night is when I ran into the problem. I emailed them on Thursday and got an answer Saturday night. I tried using the contact support section on my.garmin but it never would work, I kept getting connection errors when I tried to send it. I finally got just a designated email address that I could use ( techsupp@garmin.com). After being told the same thing twice by tech support over the phone, I gave up and purchased another copy of the program on Friday.

[+A.T.Hiker]

Well said. The one unit, non-transferable license aggreement is not well spelled out and is often learned the hard way (in your case and mine).

 

It was a shame to lose the two-unit unlock agreement, which they used to have, some time ago.

[+grateful cacher]

Well said. The one unit, non-transferable license aggreement is not well spelled out and is often learned the hard way (in your case and mine).

 

It was a shame to lose the two-unit unlock agreement, which they used to have, some time ago.

 

I really only wanted it unlocked on one unit, the 550t. I never expected them to let me use it on two of them. I had already given my 300 to a friend who wanted it for hiking not geocaching so the City Streets was not a big issue for them. But having to spend another $99.95 - that leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

 

[+Renegade Knight]

....I cannot unlock the application to more then one device however I can transfer the unlock to the new unit if you like. That way you can use it with your 550T however it would no longer be operative on the 300. Please advise. ....

 

I'd be curious how they do this. The new terms make it very clear that you get one unlock for one device and you are done. I know what you are saying. (Relock on the 300, unlock on the 550) Plus how they unlock would tend to remain unlocked for the other GPS.

 

The new lisence terms for the maps are a huge annoyance. I factor that into what I'm willing to pay for Garmin. On the 300 I waited for a deal that actually paid for the map and accessories for less than the retail on the GPS. I had to wait awhile for that to happen though.

 

This past fall I bought a Nuvi and had to work with them to get the maps updated. They had a record of the "first satalite lock" and used that as the "first date of operation" for the maps which was several months before I actually bought the GPS. It took a bit of work but they did update the maps. It also told me that my GPS wasn't "New in Box" and had been taken out and played with at least once.

[+Red90]

Oh, and it doesn't lock the unit. On the Garmin computer system it simply says that the product code has been consumed. The product code is tied to the equipment serial number in their computer and they can change if they want to.

 

That is not how the code works. It is just a simple code that the software knows is related to the map ID and the unit ID. Once it is given it will work on that unit forever. It can not be "ungiven". The only way to remove the key function is to have the unit send to Garmin to have a new unit number burned into it. Garmin has no way to remotely deactivate the unlock code.

 

As to the EULA, read "non-transferable". It is pretty plain.

 

Now... I personally do not agree with the policy, but that is the way it is and it is easy enough to figure it out in advance.

[+grateful cacher]

That is not how the code works. It is just a simple code that the software knows is related to the map ID and the unit ID. Once it is given it will work on that unit forever. It can not be "ungiven". The only way to remove the key function is to have the unit send to Garmin to have a new unit number burned into it. Garmin has no way to remotely deactivate the unlock code.

 

As to the EULA, read "non-transferable". It is pretty plain.

 

Now... I personally do not agree with the policy, but that is the way it is and it is easy enough to figure it out in advance.

 

The EULA makes reference to the software program and how it can only be used per the agreement. Noting in the agreement mentions anything about limiting the numuber of devices. You have to admit that they do a very good job of making this information very clear. The only place I know that they fully explain it is on the FAQ of their website:

 

"Question: What is Garmin's Unlock Policy?

 

Answer:

Your MapSource coupon or registration code is valid for use with your own Garmin GPS unit. This agreement provides a one-user license, and it is illegal to share this data with others.

 

If you would like to obtain additional regions or utilize more than one Garmin GPS unit you own, you will need to purchase another code for each unit. (The exception to this is with MapSource BlueChart CD data. The region you have unlocked to one compatible Garmin unit you own from a specific BlueChart CD you may unlock to ONE other compatible Garmin unit you own for no additional fee.)

 

Important note: Once you complete the unlock process, Garmin cannot make changes to your coverage area, transfer unlock codes to different Garmin devices or give refunds or exchanges for MapSource unlock codes. Unlock codes are GPS unit specific and cannot be transferred to another GPS unit. Please be very careful to select the regions you want to unlock. Please pay close attention to the Unlock Policy statements and FAQ’s on this website for very important information on how unlock will apply to your specific situation."

 

Why can't they put that on their discs, or on the fine print of the jewel case???? The thing is they have no pricing structure for a second unlock code. I guess it must be full price.

Edited July 21, 2009 by ivhs72

[+jotne]

Garmin will never ever let you unlock a map to two different units.

When it's unlocked, it can not be revoked, so the map will work all time on the old unit. There are no way Garmin can stop a map from working.

 

There are one exemption. If you have a broken unit and you send it to Garmin or a Garmin authorized dealer, the will make new codes for you to the replacement GPS. (they keep the old GPS)