This is a general instruction for updating your TT. It is dedicated to users who are inexperienced in updating their TT, but are computer literate. You must know how to download, unpack various archives using WinRAR, and ideally run a program from the command line. Some packages are distributed using the program jDownloader or CryptLoad to ensure long-time availability of the download. These packages are distributed via a .dlc file.
jDownloader: http://jdownloader.org/
CryptLoad: CryptLoad - The Next Generation of One-Click-Hoster Downloader
This procedure almost guarantees a running system with a new map version 8.15/8.25/8.30/8.35/8.40/8.45/8.50. All services are available, including mapshare. It has been tried and tested with all Start's, One's, XL's, and GO's, as long as they accept a navcore (TT software) version 7.901 or later.
If you want to update your system, some effort from your side is required. Read the threads, especially the sticky ones. Most questions are asked and answered.
You are welcome to post a question, including 'newbie' and 'trivial' questions, but check that:
* you use the appropriate (sub-)forum and/or thread
* the question has a descriptive title
* the question is detailed and specific
* is written clear and simple
* includes details of importance, e.g.
model: Go720
serial: M6****G***** (these 3 characters only!)
navcore: 8.351 (9982), patched with EasyUseTools
bootloader: 5.5128
map: Western Europe 830.2306, keygenned with EasyUseTools
* does NOT include DeviceID or full TT SerialNumber
* you report back successes (failures tend to come back like a racquetball)
What are we going to do?
1 Update the software (navcore) on your TT
2 Modify the new navcore to accept a new map (patching)
3 Find a new map, suitable for your TT
4 Make the new map accepted by your TT system (generate a key)
All tools, instructions, and maps on this forum are provided by kind experts and donators. Please give them credit and be nice.
1 - System Update
Make a full backup of your TT (check it!). You can use this to get a running system again if you mess-up things. You can use the TomTom program HOME for this, but most hardcore users prefer WinRAR: When you connect your TT to a PC, it shows itself as an external hard drive. Backup the entire content of this drive! (Disconnect using the OS mechanism for safe removal.)
Check the navcore version of your TT. On a running TT, tap the speed area, and than tap the small area above where the speed was.
It is on the second line, the first number after App (e.g. 7.221). Navcore v9 has the same information in the menu-system, last page. This page provides all essential information when asking for help.
Another way is to have the TT connected to your computer, and view the file ttgo.bif in the root of your TT. The version is after ApplicationVersionVersionNumber=
HOME can also report the system version.
You can check the TomTom website for the latest version, status and fixes: Application update overview
You can also check the overview in here Updating TomTom - FAQ's
If you want to know which TT-model you have: What device do I have?
Update your system using HOME.
Latest HOME: TomTom, portable GPS car navigation systems - _TomTom HOME
But be aware of some TTHome restrictions http://gpsunderground.com/forum/tomt.re-update.html
Make sure your battery is fully loaded before you start. Keep your TT on the cradle while updating.
Do a soft-reset (consult this forum, the TomTom website or your manual): Reset
It should run fine now.
Now make a new full backup from the updated system (you can exclude the map, it is already in the original backup).
You now have a TT with the latest official navcore and with its original map. Functionality and the colour scheme may have changed.
If it does not start: Device stuck at start-up or flashing cross
Another option: see this post Updating TomTom - FAQ's
As a last resort: format the TT internal flash and put back your backup
2 - Patch the Navcore
The map you are going to install will not work with the official navcore. For it to work you need to patch (modify) the file 'ttsystem' on your TT. Patching the ttsystem file is easy. Simply run the yDGpatch (made by yDdraigGoch). It allows you to select ttsystem from your TT and do it's magic. It can patch the .dll for the emulator in HOME ('operate my TomTom') too. Get it here: TomTom Open Tools & Tweaks
The latest generation of keygen tools can patch too: patch and generate a key in one go. This has become the preferred way. See below: '4 - Generate a Key'.
If you cannot or do not want to patch yourself, there are prepatched navcores. Find the one you need, and unpack to the root of your TT:
TomTom Navcore
To be able to use emulation on HOME ('operate my TomTom'), place the included .dll according to the instructions of the patch-tool (above).
Your original map will work with a patched navcore.
For the experienced patchers: You can decide on using a SE navcore. See this post for more details Updating TomTom - FAQ's
3 - New Map
You probably want a new map. Newer maps are better. Your updated navcore runs the newest maps for all areas, but may not provide the latest features. The map version must match the navcore version.
Find out which map versions fit your navcore in compatibility charts: TomTom Maps
Some maps have _1GB or _2GB in the name. These maps have less additional information (POI's, rivers, etc) included to make them fit in 1GB or 2GB flash. The actual roads are the same.
If you want: to use an SD Card, to preserve your Favorites or if you wonder what ALG, ASR, and C-Speech mean: see the post Updating TomTom - FAQ's
Do not copy a new map over an old one; remove the old map first. Each map resides in its own directory. A map of Western Europe will be in a directory Western_Europe in the root of your TT (or the SD card). Do not place a map-directory inside another directory.
Speedcams and POI's go inside the map-directory.
Some more details: TomTom POI's
4 - Generate a Key
A map will only work on your TT if you have a valid key that matches your TT hardware. Get a map, you are going generate a key for it.
Generating a key takes some effort. I will explain what needs to be done. You have a map, within the map-directory a meta-file, e.g. Western_and_Central_Europe-19.meta. You need to make a dct-file,
e.g. Western_and_Central_Europe-19.meta.dct to go with it.
For this you need four things:
1 a keygen program, e.g. EasyUseTools available here (made by TTuser):
TomTom Open Tools & Tweaks
Also have a look at the new keygen tools, referenced below.
2 a file Meta.txt, with encryption information about the map. It comes with the tools.
If the Meta.txt it is out-of-date (due to new maps):
TTuser frequently updates the EasyUseTools, and Albert's tool has special functionality in his tool to get the latest meta-data (thank you Guys).
A last resort: Add new meta-data yourself.
3 the identifier of your TT (device id), to be found on the first line of the page of your TT you looked up earlier (nav version). Delete the space in the middle and type it in CAPITALS. (It is also in ttgo.bif, after DeviceUniqueID=)
4 the map-directory with the meta-file
You can simply run the keygen program (from EasyUseTools) from the command line but there is an easy tool that does the hard work for you. See above for the URL. EasyUseTools will create v6.xx map codes, v7.xx and v8.xx map dct-files, and will patch navcore's.
TTusers Easytools