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How to stop the GPSMAP 66s updating

Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2021 9:37 pm
by THE_Chris
Hi all,

So the two latest versions of the software, v7.6 and v9.6 both brick my GPSr. It won't get any further than the launch screen and can't be switched off without pulling the battery.

This is annoying, but for now I'm happy to stick with an old version by forcing its install. I've done it before to move from v7.6 down to v7.2 via my laptop.

However, the GPS downloads updates automatically via bluetooth (wifi is off and I don't let basecamp update). It places the update file automatically into the usual folder and tries to update on the next boot. Of course, I can say no to that, but if I am on holiday for a week, and I accidentally press YES, then I have a bricked GPSR until I can get at my laptop, which will likely be at home.

Is there any easy way to stop it updating itself? Could a fake update file do the trick or would that just make it worse? Is there a "NEVER download updates" option hidden somewhere, or is there a solution in Garmin Connect somewhere?

Thanks a million.

Re: How to stop the GPSMAP 66s updating

Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2021 11:04 pm
by GPSrChive
I am not aware of any methods to successfully inhibit automatic device updates other than never connecting to the internet vi Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Maybe someone else will have a better option.

Or,

You could remove all your personal info from the device, reset to factory, update, then reload your personal data.....

Re: How to stop the GPSMAP 66s updating

Posted: Sat Dec 11, 2021 8:26 am
by asprin624
I avoid using WIFI or Bluetooth when it comes to any and all updates.

You have better control using Garmin Express on a PC or Laptop.
I saw the update to 9.60 but did not update till I came back from Spain.
Did not want to run into any hiccups using a new update.
Stayed with 7.60 till I got back.

Did the update and now I can test it locally near my home if I run into any problems.

Re: How to stop the GPSMAP 66s updating

Posted: Sat Dec 11, 2021 12:14 pm
by THE_Chris
Thanks. I'll keep Bluetooth and Wifi off for now, seems to be the only way. I'll only ever need it for a GC Live Download occasionally.

I forced back to 7.2 and all is working again. Unfortunately it did a factory reset as part of it, losing all of my settings and waypoints.

Lucky I back up the waypoints weekly! And the profile settings I could restore from backup too. Anything else is simple enough.

Re: How to stop the GPSMAP 66s updating

Posted: Sat Dec 11, 2021 5:39 pm
by g66
there is a trick - you install a version, you like and change the internal version number of the file.
so you always have a newer version than the released one
no updates

Re: How to stop the GPSMAP 66s updating

Posted: Sat Dec 11, 2021 7:06 pm
by DDM
Does anyone at Garmin realises that we have paid a lot of money for that kind of sh.. software?
The solution: "do not install new versions". An other solution "do not buy garmin anymore".

Re: How to stop the GPSMAP 66s updating

Posted: Sat Dec 11, 2021 8:27 pm
by Александр
g66 wrote: Sat Dec 11, 2021 5:39 pm there is a trick - you install a version, you like and change the internal version number of the file.
so you always have a newer version than the released one
no updates
Great idea.
How to do it?
Thank you.

Re: How to stop the GPSMAP 66s updating

Posted: Sun Dec 12, 2021 12:28 am
by GPSrChive
Александр wrote: Sat Dec 11, 2021 8:27 pm
g66 wrote: Sat Dec 11, 2021 5:39 pm there is a trick - you install a version, you like and change the internal version number of the file.
so you always have a newer version than the released one
no updates
Great idea.
How to do it?
Thank you.
Not to be discussed here.

Re: How to stop the GPSMAP 66s updating

Posted: Sun Dec 12, 2021 8:59 am
by asprin624
Very good point gpsrchive.......
Not to be discussed here.

Re: How to stop the GPSMAP 66s updating

Posted: Sun Dec 12, 2021 9:20 am
by Александр
Oops. "Independent Forum"