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I am frequently asked, what version of software comes with your unit? Is it version 7.0 or 8.0? (Many sellers also make it a point to advertise v8.0 software.) The answer to both of these questions is that it really does not matter. Why? you might ask. The reason is that buyers of Garmin products are entitled to FREE software upgrades. If you purchase a unit with v7.0, you will get a free upgrade to v8.0.
This is a Q&A from the Garmin FAQ at the garmin dot com website:
Q. I have an older version of a specific locked MapSource CD-ROM/DVD-ROM product. How can I update?
A. Garmin offers free and charged updates for locked MapSource products.
FREE UPDATES:
If you ORIGINALLY & NEWLY unlocked a NEW locked MapSource CD-ROM/DVD-ROM product ON or AFTER the release date of an update for that same product, you are eligible to unlock on that specific update what you unlocked on the original for no charge. In other words, you can update to the latest data for free!
You must order a free Update Disk for that particular MapSource product. Do that on the Garmin website, starting at: MapSource Updates
Find the link to the specific MapSource product you have, and click it. You will find a page asking if you live in the United States or outside the United States. Click the appropriate link, and you will find instructions on getting an Update Disk.
The Update Disks are free of charge.
When you get that Update Disk, you must install it on the same computer on which you have the previous version of that specific MapSource product. Instructions for unlocking it will come with the Update Disk. You will need your Garmin Customer Code for the unlock system (depending on what you owned first, it will be an original 8 digit coupon code that you used to get a 25 digit unlock code or a 7 digit registration code that came with a unit and a particular software product). Please see "What is the difference between a 7 digit unlock registration code and an 8 digit original coupon code?")
You will not be charged in this scenario to get your new unlock code(s).
Bottom line is that you have nothing to fear. You will have the latest software with your purchase.
This is a Q&A from the Garmin FAQ at the garmin dot com website:
Q. I have an older version of a specific locked MapSource CD-ROM/DVD-ROM product. How can I update?
A. Garmin offers free and charged updates for locked MapSource products.
FREE UPDATES:
If you ORIGINALLY & NEWLY unlocked a NEW locked MapSource CD-ROM/DVD-ROM product ON or AFTER the release date of an update for that same product, you are eligible to unlock on that specific update what you unlocked on the original for no charge. In other words, you can update to the latest data for free!
You must order a free Update Disk for that particular MapSource product. Do that on the Garmin website, starting at: MapSource Updates
Find the link to the specific MapSource product you have, and click it. You will find a page asking if you live in the United States or outside the United States. Click the appropriate link, and you will find instructions on getting an Update Disk.
The Update Disks are free of charge.
When you get that Update Disk, you must install it on the same computer on which you have the previous version of that specific MapSource product. Instructions for unlocking it will come with the Update Disk. You will need your Garmin Customer Code for the unlock system (depending on what you owned first, it will be an original 8 digit coupon code that you used to get a 25 digit unlock code or a 7 digit registration code that came with a unit and a particular software product). Please see "What is the difference between a 7 digit unlock registration code and an 8 digit original coupon code?")
You will not be charged in this scenario to get your new unlock code(s).
Bottom line is that you have nothing to fear. You will have the latest software with your purchase.
Guide created: 09/10/06 (updated 08/12/08)
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