Garmin etrex venture won't turn on

SOURCE: Garmin etrex legend

I had this problem today, updated the software, now the unit seems to be working perfectly. The unit "crashes" (single line down screen center) as soon as it get enough satelites to work with WAAS.

Go to Garmin site for software updates. Download and install the WebUpdater. Once or unit is hooked up to your computer and you have internet access, the software will download and update your GPS with the latest software fixes. I had software Version 3.7. For the Legend, Version 3.9 fixes the problems with WAAS.

SOURCE: Garmin GPSMap 60 CSx USB Connection

Actually, I just solved the problem myself...

I went to Garmin's driver download site (http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=591) and got the latest USB driver (2.2.1) for the 60C. (Although, it appears that that driver pertains to all Garmin products, not just the GPSmap series or the 60C.) Installation instructions are pretty much standard for Windows drivers, so it's easy.

That: a) Garmin requires special USB drivers for their product is finicky (most USB-connectable products just connect automatically using Windows' generic USB driver), and b) my unit -- which had always worked just fine, and suddenly stopped connecting out of the blue -- remains a mystery. Nonetheless, a driver upgrade was the final step that I needed. (Although, I also swapped USB cables and upgraded MapSource, too, so maybe it's some combination of those things.)

SOURCE: Garmin Forerunner 305 usb cable won't be read

The problem is probably not with the USB cable if the GPS wont even turn on. The older firmware of the Forerunner 205 and 305 have a problem with locking up. This causes the Forerunner to look completely dead. There is a reset procedure: push the mode and reset button at the same time and then let go and hit the power on button. If it powers on that is the problem. Go to the Garmin site and load the newest rev. of firmware into the Forerunner. Fixed mine and a few friends with the same problem.

I do however have a cable problem. Sometimes my PC will come up with unrecognized USB device and my 305 wont talk to the PC, it does charge. It is the cable or dock for sure, because I have tried a different cable/dock and the 305 has no problem. This is the reason I ended up here. I hope the lock fix works for those with the above problem.

SOURCE: Garmin eTrex legend Joystick not working

I see this problem in another forum, and seems the best option, tell me if works

http://www.loshombres.org/californication/2005/11/deconstructing-garmin-etrex-vista.html

SOURCE: Garmin eTrex Vista Cx won't turn on

Call Garmin customer service, they are wonderful. My rubber thing around the outside became loose,and they sent me a new unit, even though it was almost 2 years old.