Training Centre switches itself off when I connect Garmin to PC

Yes you can restore your data from the TC after a hard reset. You have to go thtrough the setup menu like chose which language etc first.
Well I have exactly the same problem as you and a hard reset did not work either ...
Upgrading / downgrading the firmware also did not work.... the thing keeps on switching itself on regardless....
Do you have found out something more in the mean time?

I have similar problems that have only just started.
Together with Training Centre crashes after uploads forcing rollbacks by deleting a history tree file and using a backup...
Tres frustrating...

Am thinking seriously of ditching it...

If you go into the Garmin Training center software under "File" you should see "Export". On some versions there is a Back up as well.

If you go into the Export and Export everything, Work outs, History, and Courses (all seperatly) you should be able to save these files to a USB stick. Using the USB stick you should then be able to "Import" these files to the new PC. Obviously you will need to install the Training Center onto your new PC first.

Back up your Garmin Training center (File , Export, History...Workouts... Courses.

Then try reinstalling software. My wifes PC has done this a few times. I think it is becasue she is not using the "safly remove hardware" icon in the task bar when disconecting.
Reinstalling the sofware has worked for us.

Unless you created a "back up file" with the Training Center software unfortunatly you will not be able to retrieve the data.

Regular back ups will insure you do not lose information in the future.

To back up your data in the Training Center go to "File" and "Back up" I believe the early version of the Training Center did not have the Back up feature so you would then need to use the "File" Export" option.

I've had the same problem for a few months. Only workaround is to press the lap and mode buttons together and then press the on button. Should come on in about 5 seconds.

Now can't launch training centre and no maps shown in garmin connect.

This turned out to be corrupt data on my machine. I opened the Garmin traing center, backed up all the courses then deleted them inside the Training centre. I then received from device and all was okay.

Mine won't download workout to computer for a while now. It comes up with a bunch of gibberish and asks you to copy the error to clip board and e-mail it to tech support. Well I did that twice and never heard back. I also called twice but the reponse time is very slow - over 15 minutes. When I finally got someone they said they would have to transfer me to someone who handles software issues and it would be another 20 minute wait. Geezzz. Can anybody help? Even when I reinstalled I still got the error. I am using Windows XP. JB

I did have exactly the same problem.
I think what caused the unit to stop communicating with the computer was that somehow I switched to "multisport" mode.
I was cycling and somehow I switch to running.

The solution that worked for me was to download and install the "Webupdater" software from the Garmin site. This will update the firmware on your forerunner 305 (you need to be connected to the internet of course). After 5 to 7 minutes it will be done.

Then, download the latest Garmin "Training Center". This worked for me, I'm relieved now.

my htc phone programs i had on my computer was interupting my connection between watch and computer,so as soon as i uninstalled the htc software it started working again, hope that helps