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 or MSMAIN.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.
Felix also provided another hack to install Garmin MapSource without CD disc.
- Create a folder named Garmin on local C: drive.
- Inside the C:\Garmin folder, create or rename a file as MapSource.exe.
- Install the MapSouce by running downloaded MapSource installation executable, MapSoruce_XXXX.exe such as MapSource_6156.exe.
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)
November 9th, 2009 11:36
Fantastic! Thank You!
October 26th, 2009 01:06
Worked very nicely! Thanx!
September 11th, 2009 17:04
I’m kind of technologically challenged when it comes to things like this but so far I got the download going of the wizard but I’m stopped at trying to figure out the coupon certificate I have to enter. Where would I find that?
August 27th, 2009 16:08
After installing Mapsource, you still need to install in another Garmin product so that it will work.
Trick is to install in Training Center program from Garmin link: http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=835
August 25th, 2009 14:15
The “training Centre solution” above helped me get it to work as 1st described. Good work and thanks!
August 22nd, 2009 00:34
tried the install, go to start menu, find the mapsource program file, but then it can’t find any installed mapsource map products – I thought I didn’t need one with this?
August 17th, 2009 05:49
the install worked fine.
i have an .img file that i want to upload to a 60CS. Problem is when I open MS it tells me there is no map files loaded and closes.
how do i get it open so i can upload this file?
When I get it open I think I can figure out how to open the img file to upload it — maybe not.
August 6th, 2009 07:59
I tried BOTH methods, and neither one worked for me
July 27th, 2009 02:03
[...] Garmin NUVI 205? Download Garmin MapSource for Free and Install Without Media My Digital Life – this helps. [...]
July 5th, 2009 11:47
thanks for the tips its people like you who make others life Easier Thanks alot to all
June 30th, 2009 06:21
Excellent Tip! Works also with the latest version of MapSource 6.15.6! Thank you!!!
June 14th, 2009 17:20
Trick of fake MapSource.exe file in C:\Program Files\Garmin before intsllation of real downloded program MapSource version 6.15.6 works today as well.
May 30th, 2009 11:33
Instead of going through all of that just to open mapsource without a map you can download Training Center from Garmin and it will install a basemap in MapSource. Wala! No error message….
May 23rd, 2009 11:56
I tried to do this install and just continuously get the error message that I need a previous version of MapSource installed.
May 15th, 2009 04:33
I did the trick of downloading the file like Felix (feb 16) suggested, and it worked just dandy! Thx. Now I have to find a map for mapsource to muck with.
May 12th, 2009 21:51
His worked with the latest version (6.15.6) thanks very much!
May 9th, 2009 07:07
Jacob if you have got a .img file you do not need any install software,
Just put the map “img” file on your mem card into a folder called “garmin” (lower case)
and run it from the mem card….
That’s all I did on my unit and it works as long as you leave the mem card in.
May 3rd, 2009 04:31
Works with Mapsource 6.15.6
April 6th, 2009 00:45
good software
March 27th, 2009 05:52
I’ve got a d/l of European maps onto my computer h/d: garmin city navigator europe 2009 NT full unloxked. How do I install it in the Garmin 760 itself?
Thanks.
March 23rd, 2009 15:31
I have narrowed this registry issue down a bit.
HTe issue appears to occur on Windows XP x64
The install creates registry entries in HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software but not in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE. This is required in order to install img files.
Has anyone seen this or know of a workaround?
March 23rd, 2009 06:46
This works to install MapSource but no registry entries are created. It is impossible to install .img files without the registry entries. ow can this be done?
March 15th, 2009 08:39
Dear friends: THIS ONLY WORKS WITH MAPSOURCE_6136, LINK PROVIDED IN THE TUTO… DONT WORK IN NEWEST UPDATES…
Queridos Amigos, este tuto solo funciona con la versión 6136, provista en el link del tuto… en otras nuevas y actualizadas versiones no…
March 12th, 2009 05:21
Thank you for the explanation how to trick install mapsource……works
March 12th, 2009 01:49
sono stato sul sito di garmin e ho scaricato il software.poi seguendo le istruzioni da lei fornite l’ho inserito nell’archivio winrar lo compresso e ho cercato di estrarre mapsource_6136.exe senza successo.prego posso avere ulteriore aiuto.faccia conto che pc software e quant’altro riguardante l’inormatica,per me e come se fosse ostrogoto.le sarei grato se mi indicasse punto per punto i vari passaggi.cordiali saluti
March 5th, 2009 01:21
THANK YOU SO MUCH IT WORKED
February 16th, 2009 14:41
Hi,
I found another trick to install mapsource without the original CD.
1. In local disc C: create a folder named “Garmin” (without the quotes)
2. In that folder “C:\Garmin” create (or copy) some file, and rename it to “MapSource.exe” (without the quotes)
3. Install MapSource executing “MapSource_6136.exe”
4. Have fun using MapSource
Regards
February 5th, 2009 10:27
hola quiciera saber que pasa con la pa gina que no abren, me urge descargar el mapsource, espero que alguien me pueda ayudar.
February 5th, 2009 00:36
Worked great! Thanks a bunch!
January 23rd, 2009 22:42
It works if you also download and install a free garmin program for your pc called training center. Download it from here: http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=835
January 22nd, 2009 09:15
Wow it’s workin, now will try it to update my gps, thanks again you’re bright!
January 13th, 2009 05:44
Worked neat. Thanks
January 6th, 2009 12:14
Worked just fine. Extract the download to a folder. Then run Main, then setup.. Then once thats installed. Go to Garmin and download the new updated version. Once you have maps installed on your PC it works like a charm. Thanks much
December 28th, 2008 04:57
I can get past the “error” message but I cannot get mapsource to actually open up and run. Whenever I try to open it up, it just wants to reload the program. Am I missing a step here?
December 21st, 2008 04:23
Works. If it doesn’t work for you make sure you’re extracting all of the files contained in the installer to and folder. It can’t be done whilst still archived and it can’t be done with just MAIN.msi and Setup.exe extracted.
December 6th, 2008 16:44
Thank you for the program
November 27th, 2008 09:22
caro amigo onde encontro o mapsource basico…meda o link ou o endereço
grato
November 26th, 2008 14:05
“Previous MapSource not found!”
The trick is not working, any body can help me?
October 30th, 2008 19:37
Do you get one chance at this? and if you mess up the first time can you delete your internet files and try again? I did it the right way the first time but it did not load. Also now I get the error message saying I do not have any mapsource software. I would sure be greatful for any help.
October 23rd, 2008 05:52
Merci beaucoup pour l’information.
Fonctionne aussi avec la version 6.14.1
October 7th, 2008 10:36
this trick is NOT working!!!
October 1st, 2008 11:03
if you dont have M/S installed just use the msi file and install that way. or download the bluechart cd off torrents
September 29th, 2008 18:01
Hi Guys, i have downloaded the stuff as mentioned to another computer for a “testdrive” although I have a “legal” copy of Mapsource. It works fine but I have a question. In SA they updated the maps in March 2008 which I have acquired. How can I these maps with the downloaded version? I have tried to change the file names in my Garmin folder but gets an erroir message saying that I must install the maps. How do I do it? If I copy the IMG files from the new maps folder to the old folder it works fine as long as I don’t start using some of the functions, such as “Find” an address. How can I correct this? Is there sombody who can help?
September 25th, 2008 00:29
I had the same error problem after extraction. I do not have a map to download in order for it to work (as indicated in previous posts). Is there anywhere I can locate a map (free) in order to activate this software so that it runs properly? Thanks.
September 20th, 2008 23:22
“Mapsource n’a trouvé aucune carte installée”
-Comment installer une carte ?
-Où trouver une carte et sous quelle format sont ces cartes ?
(personnellement je recherche la carte marine de Mayotte)
Merci
September 7th, 2008 11:14
Tengo problemas al instalar el garmin que 2.9. Lo comienzo a instalar en mi PDA y y arrojar el error cuando va a finalizar la instalacion ” Erro al instalar Garmin Que.cab”
agradece vuestra ayuda
gracias
September 7th, 2008 05:37
me sigue saliendo error despues de instalr segun las instruciones
September 4th, 2008 03:17
Mocada, baixem o mapsource v6136 aqui
http://www.gpsaustralia.net/forums/showthread.php?t=3702
abraco
August 28th, 2008 06:13
Sirve con la ultima actualizacion de mapsource de garmin testeado por mi sigan el tuto antes descrito y veran el resultado
August 27th, 2008 12:42
gente! muy buena la ayuda! acabo de bajar la version 6.14.1 y tambien funciona! felicitaciones! saludo1
August 15th, 2008 17:48
Sir, does this procedure still apply?
July 27th, 2008 13:26
works for current, 6.14.1
July 19th, 2008 03:01
The trick works with the current version of MapSource as well (6.13.7)
July 17th, 2008 01:29
Hola, me gustaria saber como instalo un mapa?… necesito ese programa y segui tus pasos pero no funciono
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
June 17th, 2008 02:37
What is WinRAR (step #2)? When I click on this text, nothing happend.
June 3rd, 2008 04:05
formidable
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!
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
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
March 14th, 2008 02:39
Excellent this really saved my day! Many thanks!
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 6th, 2008 09:53
Thank you for the information.
It worked fine to me.
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 2nd, 2008 03:04
Great tip!!! Thanks!!
juancarlos80: You need to install a map after installing mapsource for it to run.
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
January 31st, 2008 16:39
want information about canon IXU-75