I am trying to use my garmin etrex (original version) to use on my mountain bike. I want to use what I have already to decide if I really want to use GPS before buying a newer and better model. When I connect the etrex to my laptop I get a message that laptop cannot find device.

So far I have uploaded the latest updates from Garmin for my GPS. With this I have been able to download routes sent to me by friends.

I have downloaded driver for the 5 pin to USB adapter cable that I needed to connect to laptop.

I have selected proper interface setting on GPS unit.

Operating system is Windows 7

Any ideas (other than visit Garmin dealer) much appreciated.

Which Garmin program are you using on the laptop to manage maps, routes, waypoints, tracks etc. - MapSource, BaseCamp or something else? You do realize that the Garmin eTrex (original version) lacks many features of a full function GPS.

Edited September 12, 201114 yr by InterestedObserver

I am using MapSource and as mentioned before am hoping to experience using the GPS a bit to help decide if I really want to buy and use a new GPS or if it would end up collecting dust on the shelf. It would be interesting to hear if anyone has an etrex that IS recognized by their computer

Which Garmin program are you using on the laptop to manage maps, routes, waypoints, tracks etc. - MapSource, BaseCamp or something else? You do realize that the Garmin eTrex (original version) lacks many features of a full function GPS.

Doesn't mapsource "recognise" your gps?

I use gps trackmaker, free software for communicating with my etrex. Good for editing tracks. Reads GoogleEarth files.

Edited September 12, 201114 yr by MESmith

Connect the eTrex to your computer and to Garmin WebUpdater on the internet. If WebUpdater runs successfully then the eTrex is connected and MapSource should recognize it in [utilities > Get Unit ID]. Are you sure that MapSource is unlocked, where did you get it?

web updater runs successfully, maybe the Mapsource is locked as came from a disc copied from my friend, will try again tomorrow with the original disc

Connect the eTrex to your computer and to Garmin WebUpdater on the internet. If WebUpdater runs successfully then the eTrex is connected and MapSource should recognize it in [utilities > Get Unit ID]. Are you sure that MapSource is unlocked, where did you get it?

web updater runs successfully, maybe the Mapsource is locked as came from a disc copied from my friend, will try again tomorrow with the original disc

Connect the eTrex to your computer and to Garmin WebUpdater on the internet. If WebUpdater runs successfully then the eTrex is connected and MapSource should recognize it in [utilities > Get Unit ID]. Are you sure that MapSource is unlocked, where did you get it?

The original MapSource disc should have an unlock code associated with it and the included map. You need an unlocked map on the computer before MapSource will work..

Edited September 12, 201114 yr by InterestedObserver

I have an eTrex Legend® Cx and have no problem using Map Source.

I have an eTrex Legend® Cx and have no problem using Map Source.

As I recall you are using Rotweiler's All Thailand road map along with MapSource. The OP could use that map if it meets his requirements.

I have an eTrex Legend® Cx and have no problem using Map Source.

As I recall you are using Rotweiler's All Thailand road map along with MapSource. The OP could use that map if it meets his requirements.

I use the Rotweiler maps in Map Source but use the ESRI Thailand V11.1 in the Etrex.

I have an eTrex Legend® Cx and have no problem using Map Source.

As I recall you are using Rotweiler's All Thailand road map along with MapSource. The OP could use that map if it meets his requirements.

I use the Rotweiler maps in Map Source but use the ESRI Thailand V11.1 in the Etrex.

I believe the OP's Garmin eTrex (original version) does not have the ability to add/store maps. He would therefore be limited to working from the MapSource map in his computer. Rotweiler's All Thailand map is MapSource compatible and could be an easy solution for the OP.

A friend's Garmin will work on my computer so software is OK. I maybe clutching at straws but now wonder if the is a problem with the adapter (serial to USB) that I need to use since laptop has not serial port. Next will try on a computer with serial port to eliminate adapter.

I have an eTrex Legend® Cx and have no problem using Map Source.

As I recall you are using Rotweiler's All Thailand road map along with MapSource. The OP could use that map if it meets his requirements.

I use the Rotweiler maps in Map Source but use the ESRI Thailand V11.1 in the Etrex.

I believe the OP's Garmin eTrex (original version) does not have the ability to add/store maps. He would therefore be limited to working from the MapSource map in his computer. Rotweiler's All Thailand map is MapSource compatible and could be an easy solution for the OP.

A friend's Garmin will work on my computer so software is OK. I maybe clutching at straws but now wonder if the is a problem with the adapter (serial to USB) that I need to use since laptop has not serial port. Next will try on a computer with serial port to eliminate adapter.

Are you using a Garmin supplied Serial/USB adapter and driver?

No- the cable to/from the GPS unit is Garmin, but the adapter to USB is off the shelf. The driver downloaded itself.

A friend's Garmin will work on my computer so software is OK. I maybe clutching at straws but now wonder if the is a problem with the adapter (serial to USB) that I need to use since laptop has not serial port. Next will try on a computer with serial port to eliminate adapter.

Are you using a Garmin supplied Serial/USB adapter and driver?

No- the cable to/from the GPS unit is Garmin, but the adapter to USB is off the shelf. The driver downloaded itself.

Did you update your MapSource software to the latest version from the Garmin website?

Hooray- Success!! turned out to be the serial to USB adapter :)

No- the cable to/from the GPS unit is Garmin, but the adapter to USB is off the shelf. The driver downloaded itself.

Did you update your MapSource software to the latest version from the Garmin website?