Buying software for Garmin gps devices

The purpose of this guide is to help keep bidders from making costly mistakes when it gees to buying Garmin gps hardware and software. When buying any software for Garmin gps devices, only purchase NEW, unused products. City Navigator, City Select, LakeMaster, and Bluechart products require an unlocking code that is specific to a particular unit. That unlock code can only be generated with an unused registration code that is included with the software. Without that registration code, there is no way to generate the unlocking code. An unlock code can't be sold or transferred because, as stated earlier, that code can only be used with the unit for which it was registered. If used software is purchased here, Garmin will not sell you an unlock code as is often stated in auctions and you will be stuck with a purchase that will be of no use to you.With the exception of the City Navigator NT 2009 update that's needed for preloaded units (i5, c330/340, c5xx, 27xx, 28xx, Nuvi, Zumo, and the 496) update disks have no value and shouldn't be purchased. Update disks for the non-preloaded units can be obtained at no cost but the unlock code for that update must be purchased. Also, the unit to be updated must be registered and have a previous map version associated with it. For the preloaded units, the device must be registered and the update disk or download file must have an unused product key (located on the backside of the DVD case on a green sticker).The downloaded version of the City Navigator update needs a product key just as the DVD version does. The update file without an unused product key is useless.If purchasing a gps unit that has software included, the previous owner must contact Garmin to have the registration changed to reflect the new ownership, otherwise, when the new owner wants to update to the latest map versions in the future, he/she will be told that the gps in question is registered to someone else and the only option to acquire new software will be to purchase a new, full version product.The exceptions to the above are US Topo, Canada Topo, Trip and Waypoint manager, Inland Lakes, and Worldmap. These products do not require registration or unlocking codes to use.If you are considering bidding on hardware or software but aren't sure you'll get your money's worth, call Garmin. They will be more than happy to give you all the information that you need.