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How to fix the "The application failed to start last time" error

If your navigation system displays "The application failed to start last time. Do you want to reset to factory defaults and lose all your POIs, tracks, and settings?", the navigation software may be having trouble accessing its saved settings or files.

Follow the steps below to troubleshoot the issue while protecting your saved navigation data where possible.

1. Check whether your SD card is write-protected

If your navigation system uses an SD card, first check whether it is physically locked.

  1. Remove the SD card from your navigation system.
  2. Check the small lock switch on the side of the SD card, if present.
  3. If you use a microSD card with an adapter, check the switch on the adapter.
  4. Make sure the switch is in the unlocked position.
  5. Reinsert the SD card and check whether the navigation starts correctly.

If the issue continues, proceed to the next step.

2. Check the SD card for errors

File system errors may prevent the navigation software from accessing the files it needs to start.

On Windows

  1. Connect your SD card to your computer.
  2. Open File Explorer > This PC.
  3. Right-click the SD card and select Properties.
  4. Open the Tools tab.
  5. Under Error checking, click Check.
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions to scan the SD card.

If Windows detects errors, we recommend creating a copy of the SD card's contents, if possible, before allowing any repairs.

On macOS (Toolbox 4 only)

If you use Toolbox 4 on a Mac, you can check your SD card using Disk Utility.

  1. Connect the SD card to your Mac.
  2. Open Disk Utility from Applications > Utilities.
  3. Select View > Show All Devices.
  4. Select your navigation SD card's volume from the list.
  5. Click First Aid > Run.
  6. Wait until the check is complete.

Important: Do not erase or format your navigation SD card, as this may permanently delete the navigation software and maps.

3. Restore a previous backup (if available)

If you created a backup before the error appeared, restoring it may help recover your navigation system's previous settings and files.

  1. Connect your navigation system or SD card to your computer.
  2. Open the Naviextras Toolbox.
  3. Wait for the Toolbox to recognise your navigation system.
  4. Open the Restore or backup management section, depending on your Toolbox version.
  5. Select a backup created before the error first appeared.
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restoration.
  7. Safely disconnect your navigation system or SD card and check whether the error has been resolved.

Important: Restoring a backup may replace your current navigation data and settings with those saved at the time of the backup.

Not all navigation systems support backup creation. If you do not have a backup available, continue with the next step.

Troubleshooting: If the error continues

The following step involves advanced troubleshooting steps, including modifying navigation files and should only be attempted if the previous steps have not resolved the issue. We encourage contacting support before modifying navigation files.

4. Check the save folder

The save folder contains personal navigation data, such as saved destinations, favourites, routes, and settings.

If some of these files are damaged, they may prevent the navigation software from starting correctly.

To check whether this is causing the issue:

  1. Connect your navigation SD card or accessible navigation storage to your computer.
  2. Open File Explorer on Windows or Finder on macOS.
  3. Locate the folder named save inside the navigation software directory.
  4. Copy the entire save folder to your computer as a backup.
  5. Make sure the copy has been saved successfully.
  6. Rename the original folder on your navigation storage to save_old, if your system allows it.
  7. Safely disconnect the storage and restart the navigation.

If the navigation starts correctly, the issue may have been related to the previously saved settings.

Important: Renaming the save folder may cause the navigation software to create a new folder with default settings. Your saved destinations, favourites, routes, and personalised settings may no longer appear.

Do not delete the original folder or its backup from your computer.

If the error continues, restore the original folder name before contacting support.

5. Check whether the navigation starts

After completing the troubleshooting steps:

  1. Restart your navigation system.
  2. Check whether the error message still appears.
  3. If the navigation starts correctly, check your maps and settings.

If the error continues, your navigation system may require further troubleshooting.

Need help?

If you cannot resolve the issue or are unsure about modifying the save folder, click the Contact us button at the top of the page for further assistance.

Please include:

  • The brand and model of your navigation system
  • A photo or screenshot of the error message
  • A short description of the steps you have already tried
  • Whether the error appeared after a map update

If the issue is caused by a hardware problem or damaged storage, you may need to contact the navigation system's manufacturer or an authorised dealer.