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Registering your GPS maps MicroSD

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Technical guide – Backroad Map Books

1. Why Register Your MicroSD?

Feature Description
Computer‑based map downloads Access to the latest Computer Maps for macOS & Windows.
Secure license storage Keeps your gmapsupp.unl and gmapsupp.gma files safe in your account.
Discounted updates Receive future map releases at a reduced price.
Priority technical support Faster response for any Garmin‑map‑related issue.

Free Updates – After registration you can download map updates for 60 days at no charge.
If you bought an older version from a retailer, you may upgrade to the latest map release within that 60‑day window.

Important:
• A card that has already been registered cannot be registered again.
• If your card is “used” or already updated, the registration will fail.

2. Prerequisites

Step Action Notes
1 Insert the MicroSD card • If your computer has an SD‑card slot, insert the card directly.
• If not, plug the card into your Garmin GPS and connect the GPS to your computer via USB.
2 Log in to Backroad Map Books URL: https://backroadmapbooks.com/account/login
Create an account if you do not already have one.
3 Locate the license files The required files (gmapsupp.unl and gmapsupp.gma) are in the Garmin folder on your MicroSD.

3. Registration Workflow

All steps are performed on the My GPS Maps registration page.

3.1 Navigate to the Registration Page

  1. After login, click the “MY GPS MAPS” button (top‑right).

  2. On the resulting page, select “Register SD”.

    Registration Button

3.2 Upload the Unlock Code & Map File

Field File How to select
Unlock Code (gmapsupp.unl) gmapsupp.unl Use the Choose File button to pick this file from the Garmin folder.
Gma File (gmapsupp.gma) gmapsupp.gma Use the Choose File button for the second field.

Tip:
Double‑check that the files you pick are exactly the .unl and .gma files from the Garmin folder. Any mismatch will trigger an error.

3.3 Submit

  1. Once both files appear in the form, click SUBMIT.

  2. A green confirmation box will appear, and your product will be listed under “My Products”.

    Success Message

Result: The MicroSD card is now registered to your Backroad Map Books account.

4. Post‑Registration

  • Access the “Computer Maps” – Log in, go to “My Products” and download the latest PC‑compatible maps.
  • Update within 60 days – Download updates for free.
  • Backup your files – Although the unlock codes are stored in the cloud, keep local copies of the .unl and .gma files on your computer for future reference.

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4. Common Error Messages & Fixes

Error Cause Remedy
“No ESN data found with unlockCode” ESN (Electronic Serial Number) missing or corrupted. Contact Backroad Map Books support (email: [email protected]).
“Invalid File Uploaded” Wrong file type chosen (e.g., a .zip instead of .gma or .unl). Re‑select the exact .gma and .unl files from the Garmin folder.
“This card has already been registered” Card was previously registered on another account or already updated. Not recoverable – you must purchase a new card or contact support for advice.

5. Quick Reference

Action Shortcut
Log in Ctrl+L (Chrome)
Open registration MY GPS MAPS → Register SD
File picker gmapsupp.unl → Choose File; gmapsupp.gma → Choose File
Submit SUBMIT button

Prepared by the Backroad Map Books Technical Support Team


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