Thread: Garmin Express won't instal map update to SD card

1. Try using a PC, i've had no problems updating to microSD for multiple 3xxx devices including 2GB memory 3590 AU versions when using the Win version of GE. BTW, MapInstall only writes a detail image file from a PC Install version/gmap folder. Perhaps you meant MapUpdater.
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2. Write the files directly to a microSD in a card reader with a copy of GarminDevice.xlm in a Garmin root folder. Then move files and folders as required to either the unit itself or elsewhere on the card. Voice, Vehicle etc files need to be on the unit itself as do the language-related SRD files need to be in the unit's .System/ASR folder. Other files such as map-related ASR/SRX & JCV files can function from the card's Garmin folder in appropriately named sub-folders.
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3. Move everything possible off the unit if it's an 8GB unit and then move the maps to the card and replace the other files.
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4. If you want to drive yourself crazy email Garmin UK for help. [Don't bother, reportedly they don't answer emails but their phone support is great].

No MapUpdater for Mac it's Win only software, sorry i forgot.

I was hoping to have a Garmin App do the install to the SD card so that when I download 2015.40 from the Garmin site it goes to the SD Card. If I manually copy the files I'm not sure how it can do the update as there wouldn't be enough room on the internal drive but there wouldn't be a recognised install on the SD card?

Well, you can do that with GE as I said in point 2 above. To further explain, when the Garmin software [eg: GE, MI, WU] sees a valid GarminDevice.xml file on a flash drive or media card it will assume it to be the actual device and treat it accordingly. It's often referred to as 'a fake nuvi', i like to call it 'a nuvi stunt-double'. The advantage of using the actual intended unit's microSD in a usb card reader is that you then have to do minimal moving/copying of files. Some you will have to move to the unit as explained before and others can remain on the card but moved almost instantly just to appropriately named folders. Maps and gma/unl codes can stay on the card and best to keep them in the same folder you use for their associated map's storage. In Garmin folder for 3590 on card, not only will gmapsupp.img be recognised but also 'any_name'.img eg. CNNTU_EU_2015-40.img. You should rename the associated gma/unl files the same as the img name of course. The map 'anyname' is also usable in a separate 'Map' root folder of a card.

PS anyone know what map files gmapbmap.img and D2249750A.img are?

The first is the basemap, it'll work in the card but better it remains on the unit. D2249750A.img is the stupid name that GU gave to EU DEM map when it loaded it back to units from which gmapdem.img had been mistakenly wiped in an earlier update. Rename it to gmapdem.img if you leave it on the unit. It can be used on the card in Garmin or Map folder as gmapdem or anyname including D2249750A i think. See [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] for further info.

np, thanks for the thanks but it's my pleasure and i'm happy to have helped. Be sure to put the xml in a root folder named Garmin. Unless you use a USB1 port it's quite true that it's always quicker to write in a card reader than to the card in the unit itself as you've noticed. Read speed is the same regardless of the speed rating of the card, only write speed changes though.

Good luck.