I can not install usb driver for my Garmin Forerunner 305, I tried the driver from the CD and the website also, I have a computer 4GB ram, installed with 64bit win7, what should I do? because the computer does not recognize the garmin due to this problem.

Here's a few options: Soft Rest

- Hold down MODE + RESET for few seconds
- Press the Power button to turn on the device

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Hard Reset
(This will erase all of your data inside the device)

- Hold down MODE + RESET + POWER for few seconds
- Press the Power button to turn on the device

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Firmware Downgrade/Upgrade (2.9 > 2.8 > 2.9)
(This will erase all your data inside the device)

Software Downgrade/Upgrade

- Connect your Garmin Forerunner 305 to the computer
- Press the UP arrow button and hold while doing all the other steps below
- Press MODE + RESET for a moment (the computer will recognize the device)
- Dowload the Firmware from Garmin's website.
- Downgrade Firmware from 2.90 to 2.80. (You are still holding on that UP arrow button!)
- When the update is finished the Forerunner 305 should power on running the Firmware 2.80.
- Let go of the UP arrow button, disconnect the device from USB, connect it again and the computer should recognize it normally
- Update the Firmware to the current version.

I've had this problem. First -- and this sounds weird -- use a USB port on the back of your computer. Do NOT use a "secondary" type of USB port, such as an add-on hub, the ports on the front of a desktop machine, ports built into peripherals like a monitor, etc. Apparently, all USB ports are not created equal. Second, make sure you've the freshest Garmin Communicator plugin (which may entail a fresh download/install).

Glad to HELP YOU!

It's a well-known issue between Windows 7 and Garmin Forerunner.
Garmin company says it's a compatibility issue concerning the USB connection between the computer and the device and usually they recommend to be an Intel Chipset.
Try to download and install using the latest drivers available on their site on WIN 7 and Forerunner 305.m You have them ALL here and the USB driver was released this year and it's the last one on that list.

GOOD LUCK!

Try doing a hard reset of the unit bu holding down "Mode"(reset/lap) and "Power" buttons at the same time. This has worked for me. Thanks!

Did you install from the CD or did you install the latest drivers (dated Dec 2009)? http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=591 has the latest USB driver. Other software updates are at http://www8.garmin.com/support/collection.jsp?product=010-00467-00

The newer drivers are Win7 compatible. Next, do you plug it into the computer or a hub? Try a direct connection. Also look at the contacts on the device and the cable. If there are any dark spots try cleaning the oxidation with a pencil eraser or another non-abrasive material (toothpaste for example).

What version firmware does the software report? If you see 0.0, try reinstalling the firmware https://buy.garmin.com/shop/store/downloadsAgree.jsp?id=3289&product=010-00467-00&cID=142&pID=349 . Download the software, then run it (click run a second time if the UAC comes up). Then connect the Forerunner to the computer. You'll need to allow extra time for a satellite fix the next time you use the device.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

Cleaning the gold contacts on the watch with a pencil eraser fixed it for me.

Charging the battery shows that at least 2 of the 4 wires inside your USB cable work.

A pop-up about communication suggests you may need a newer driver installed. If you're sure you've got the best driver installed, try replacing the cable in case 1 of the 2 data wires is broken.

Try downloading the latest version of the drivers from Garmins web site. This often solves problems.

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.

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