Download Garmin MapSource for Free and Install Without Media
Garmin GPS receivers come packaged with free MapSource application. MapSource is required for Garmin users to upload and download maps data, POI (Points of Interest), waypoints, tracks, and routes to and from GPS unit. In other words, those without GPS unit or map product such as Topo, City Navigator and MetroGuide will not have MapSource CD or DVD installer. If you for some reason need to install MapSource on your computer, there is a workaround trick to get MapSource for free.
Garmin officially provides a MapSource version update download, which will only work if there is previous version of MapSource installed. If no MapSource software is detected, the MapSource update setup will abort with error message saying that it cannot find previous version of MapSource. Follow the following trick to hack the setup file so that it can be used to install MapSource clean and fresh without any prior installation of MapSource.
- Download MapSource software updater from Garmin. The version as of December 4, 2007 is 6.13.6, and the trick also works on Map Source version 6.13.5.
- Unpack or extract the content of MapSource_6136.exe
downloaded using WinRAR. - From the extracted files, run MAIN.msi.
- Then, run Setup.exe.
Note: The sequence to execute Main.msi and then Setup.exe is important to avoid “Previous MapSource not found!” error.
- Garmin MapSource now installed.
The trick is useful is you have lost or forgotten the MapSource installation disc and wants to upload and download maps and other data to Garmin GPS receivers, or for GPS addicts who needs Map Source to open files in gdb, mps, gpx and loc formats, create waypoints, routes and tracks; view maps especially free maps; save point, route or track data in gdb, mps, gpx, tab-delimited text and DXF formats; and export waypoint, route and track data directly to Google Earth.
However, if you have any Garmin maps, installing the maps will also install the original and genuine copy of MapSource.
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Entries (RSS)
January 31st, 2008 16:39
want information about canon IXU-75
February 21st, 2008 09:26
I FOLLOWED YOUR STEPS.. AND THE ERROR MESSAGE
CAME FROM THE INSTALL MAPSOURCE.
PLS MORE DETAILS TO RUN THIS PROGRAM
March 2nd, 2008 03:04
Great tip!!! Thanks!!
juancarlos80: You need to install a map after installing mapsource for it to run.
March 3rd, 2008 21:00
“juancarlos80: You need to install a map after installing mapsource for it to run.”
What does it means?
I’ve installed Mapsource and I have the Map Update 2008 DVD from Garmin.
Mapsource doesn’t run and say that it can not find a mapsource productt.
What have I to copy (and where) from DVD to HD?
Thank you,
mcz
March 6th, 2008 09:53
Thank you for the information.
It worked fine to me.
March 7th, 2008 05:37
I’ve also have installed Mapsource and I have the Map Update 2008 DVD from Garmin.
Mapsource doesn’t run and say that it can not find a mapsource product.
I followed directions above, am I doing somthing wrong?
March 14th, 2008 02:39
Excellent this really saved my day! Many thanks!
April 5th, 2008 10:49
i have the same pro i run what it says to do but it gives me an error can someone help
May 13th, 2008 08:40
Dude! You are the best man…
For those that isnt still working, remember to EXTRACT first ALL files, then click on MAIN, and then bla bla bla…. I didnt exctarcted first and I was having trouble,… Thanks again
May 20th, 2008 05:49
This works - thanks. Please note that it works with version 6.13.6 (using the link above) but NOT with the latest Mapsource software from Garmin (currently 6.13.7) so make sure you install the correct one!
June 3rd, 2008 04:05
formidable
June 17th, 2008 02:37
What is WinRAR (step #2)? When I click on this text, nothing happend.
June 25th, 2008 11:47
I installed it, as instructed, but it’s giving me an error message.
http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/7218/mapsourceerrorjf9.jpg