GO 910 Frozen and PC will not recognize.

[mechanix19]

My TomTom GO 910 froze on my last week and I tried to do the normal reset. This didn't work so I tried the holding it for 15 seconds 4 times in a row and still nothing. It just stays at the startup screen. When I connect it to my PC and turn it on, the PC recognizes a device but it says it?s an unknown device. It doesn?t come up on my computer as a separate drive so I can't even access the files on it. I tried this on two other computers thinking it was my PC but I got the same result. I tried contacting TomTom customer service about this but they said there was nothing they could do. So I'm basically stuck with a broken unit according to them. Is there any way to salvage this thing? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[dhn]

Just to double check.........

Tried everything listed here??

Especially the last 2 links at the bottom?

 

[mechanix19]

Just to double check.........

Tried everything listed here??

Especially the last 2 links at the bottom?

Yes I tried all that and did it again just now to double check. Still nothing

 

[dhn]

When you tried on 2 other computers, were you still using the same usb cable you tried with in your first computer? IOW, maybe the cable is the issue???

 

[mechanix19]

Yes I did use the same. I don't think the cable would be the issue if the computer can see the device but just not recognize it. If I check under the driver for the unknown device, it's not using the correct one. I've tried the deleting it or looking for a better one to use but it still doesnt work. Does anyone know the name of the driver file? Or even how to format the hard drive without the PC recognizing it so I can use the backup I have of it?

 

[dhn]

It may be the cable providing some power but not enough for a 'full' connection. Can you at least try with another usb cable with a mini sub connector?

 

[mechanix19]

I only have the one connector for the 910. What connector are you talking about using?

 

[dhn]

Sorry, didn't realize your model had the dock.

okay, plan B:

Send a pm to SuperMod mikealder, who has (or had) a 910 model and may be able to help you further.

 

[mechanix19]

Just did, thanks for the help.

 

[mikealder]

This doesn't sound too good but please try resetting the device with a pin rather than a paperclip, can you feel the reset switch depress when you apply pressure to it? - Mike

 

[mechanix19]

Yes I without a doubt can. I definately am resetting it right.

 

[mikealder]

My only other thought on this one is to charge it up in the desk cradle with it plugged in to the mains, make sure the plug isn't loose as its a known fault on these devices, leave it on charge over night and try it again in the morning. If it still won't start up and the PC cannot see the device there is very little you can do, its a big job to strip out the hard drive and even then it could be the USB interface on the main board in the device thats shot - Mike

 

[andrius]

Hey there,
(Sorry about man language )
I have similar problems with Go910
1. Doesn't boot properly (Blinking 'X')
2. Does'nt connect to PC (Shows "formating..."), PC does not recognize USB device (tried few PC - different OS)
3. Soft reset doesn't help.
4. Hard Reset (While holding Reset button i switch "On" my GO.) It shows only information about my GO and stops on "Retrieving disk info..."
It looks like HDD problems, any other suggestions?

 

[mikealder]

It is possible to change the HDD in the device but there is no way of knowing if this will fix the issue as it might not be the drive, bearing in mind the cost of a replacement drive and the effort needed to change it I would bin the device and purchase something newer as this will work out cheaper IMHO - Mike