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Tyre is a piece of free software that allows you integrate your Google Maps routes into your TomTom Rider. A must have for any motorcyclist...

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Welcome to Tyre’s helpcenter. You called to our aid?

Although Tyre speaks for itself, you could have some further questions about our piece of software. Through our helpcenter we want to help you find your way around and help you with any problems. You can go to the help pages by clicking here or you can view the frequently asked questions below.

Here some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are collected.

Please read this page before sending an email with your question.

Make sure you have MS Internet Explorer installed and that you keep it up to date: Tyre is using a built-in version of it!
If you are using an older version of Tyre (older than 5.70), it is also important that you have Adobe Flash player installed properly as a plugin for MS Internet Explorer.

Click here to use our troubleshooter:
the easy way to consult the FAQs!

The Frequently Asked Questions are sorted in five sections:

A. Tyre itself
B. Tyre and TomTom or Garmin
C. Tyre and Google Maps
D. Tyre and Google Earth
E. If nothing helps...


A | Tyre Itself



B | Tyre and TomTom or Garmin



C | Tyre and Google Maps



D | Tyre and Google Earth



E | If nothing helps…



A. Tyre itself


1. Is Tyre available in my language?
Answer
All available languages are displayed in the main page.
You can select your own language directly after downloading: start the setup and choose your own language.
These languages are only available for the program and for the help pages. The website you are reading now, is only available in English.

If you are interested in translating Tyre into your own language: Contact me!
Tranlating is really easy: you don't have to know anything about programming.
The only thing you need to know, is your own language...

2. After starting up Tyre, I don't see a map. What can I do?
Answer
Most likely your computer is infected with malware, that is prohibiting the map to be displayed.
Use the malware scanner from Malwarebytes to clean your computer: www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_free
For your information: some people who were thinking that their computers were free from malware (because they were using a malware scanner themselves already), discovered that the scanner from Malwarebytes detected some other malware, and that removing that malware solved their problem!
More information can be found by clicking here.

3. The characters on the map are too small: I cannot read the street names etc.
Answer
This problem is caused by some setting on the Google Maps server. (It was not there before.) You will have this problem when your screen settings are different from the default Windows screen settings. Obviously the display size for items on your computer has changed from 96 dpi to (most likely) 120 dpi.
If you have this problem, go to the 'Preferences' window, and select one of the 'Google Maps' tabs. (For newer versions of Tyre, select the 'Google Maps - Map' tab, for older versions, select the 'Google Maps 1' tab.)
Go to the slider that says 'Size (map, font, images)', and move the slider to the right. In most cases two ticks will do. (Move the slider to the center of the bar.)
If you don't have that option in your preferences window, download and install the most recent version.

4. I downloaded the setup file, but when I try to run it, I receive the message that it is not a valid Win32 Application.
Answer
If you are using internet protection software, e.g. a sophisticated firewall, that software may prohibit downloading EXE files or it may cause an incorrect download.
In that case, shut down your protection software an retry downloading. After downloading, reactivate your protection software.
OR: you can download a ZIP file containing the setup file from the download page. To go there, click here.

5. I seem to have lost some data from my file (kmz, gpx, etc.). How is that possible?
Answer
Tyre will only save the waypoints (or the points of interest) with their coordinates, and (if the relevant option is set) information about the route and altitude. It will not save any other data, such as references to additional images.

6. I try to install Tyre, but there are lots of error messages...
Answer
If you want to run the setup and install Tyre on your computer, you must have administrator rights. Otherwise, you may encounter error messages.
So, if you do not have administrator rights (i.e. if are using an account with limited access rights), it maybe impossible to install Tyre properly.
If you receive error messages about missing files or about files that cannot be installed, here is what you have to do: log off from your current account, log on as a user with administrator rights and rerun the setup application.
To install Tyre from your computer to a portable device (USB stick), you don't need to have administrator rights.

7. Some options cannot be set. The installation of Google Earth cannot be repaired either.
Answer
Some options can only be set and some functions can only be executed if you are logged in with administrator rights.
If you are unable to connect (associate) file types with Tyre (*.itn; *.ov2; *.gpx; *.csv), or in case you cannot repair the Google Earth installation, you should log off and then log in again with administrator rights. Or you should contact your administrator.

8. Will there be a version of Tyre for Mac computers or for Linux/Ubuntu?
Answer
No, unfortunately not. At least not in the near future. If I learn how to write applications for Mac computers or for Linux/Ubuntu, I will reconsider this question.
For the time being, you might consider installing a Windows emulator (like WINE, a piece of free software) on your computer. It will create a Windows environment on your computer. You can use that environment to run Tyre.

9. Tyre uses a subfolder named 'Tyre' in the User Application Data folder. Can I change that particular folder?
Answer
Yes, you can. But you should do this only if you have to!
After installing Tyre, follow these steps:

  • Create the new folder that you want to use in stead of '<User Application Data>\Tyre'. The '<User Application Data>' folder is:
    For Windows XP: 'C:\Documents and Settings\<User Name>\Application Data'.
    For Windows Vista and Windows 7: 'C:\Users\<User Name>\AppData\Roaming'.
  • Move all files from '<User Application Data>\Tyre' to the new folder and delete the old folder.
  • Open NotePad and enter the following text:

    [Tyre]
    NewPath=Path

    For Path you enter the new path.
    Be sure to enter an existing path that you have access to. Otherwise the old path will be created and used again.
    Be also sure NOT to end the path with a backslash, e.g. 'D:\Tyre' is correct, 'D:\Tyre\' is not correct.
  • Save the file into your Windows folder as 'TyrePath.txt';

10. If I use 'Reverse' to ride/drive my trip the other way round, the route seems to have errors.
Answer
If you have used 'Reverse', you will have to check your itinerary. Some waypoints need to be moved, e.g. when on one side of a highway.

11. I try to run Tyre, but I get an error message, saying 'Range check error'.
Answer
This message means that some variable does not exist or cannot be initialized. Try this for a solution:
- Remove Tyre from your computer.
- Remove the following key (and all of its sub keys) from the registry: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Tyre
If there are still Tyre files on your disk, remove them too:
- Remove the folder C:\Program Files\Tyre and all of its contents.
- Remove the Tyre Application Data folder and all of its contents.
 You can find the Application Data folder here:
For Windows XP: 'C:\Documents and Settings\<User Name>\Application Data\Tyre'.
For Windows Vista and Windows 7: 'C:\Users\<User Name>\AppData\Roaming\Tyre'.
Done this? Then restart your computer, download and install Tyre again.

12. I try to run Tyre, but I get an error message, saying 'Invalid floating point operation'.
Answer
This message is pretty much the same as the previous one.
Therefore: execute the actions mentioned above.
In addition, (re-)register the jscript.dll and the vbscript.dll files. If you don't know how to do that, follow these steps:
- Press WinKey+R (WinKey is the key with the Windows flag, next to the Ctrl-key on your keyboard).
- You will see a window in which you can enter a command.
- Enter this command: regsvr32 jscript.dll
- Then press Enter.
- Repeat the same steps for this command: regsvr32 vbscript.dll

13. Can Tyre be used for cyclists or walkers, so that routes will go by pathways?
Answer
Yes, that is possible, if you have installed one of the newer versions of Tyre (at least version 5.26).
For older versions there is this workaround:
You can place waypoints anywhere you like, just by setting the relevant preference.
Select 'Preferences' from the 'Tools' menu. Then go to the 'Google Maps 1' tab. Unselect the 'Place waypoints exactly on roads' option. Then select the 'Walk' option from the 'Google Maps 2' tab.
You should be aware that Google Maps may calculate a wrong route, because it does not know all available roads for walkers and cyclists.
(If you want to calculate routes for cycling, it is best to set the speed (on the 'Google Maps 2' tab) to 'Racing'.)

14. I am using a proxy server and Tyre seems to be unable to access Internet.
Answer
You have to make sure that debugging for Tyre is on.
From the main Tyre window press Ctrl+Shift+F10 until you see this message: "Debug has been set to ON!"
Now you should be able to access Internet.

15. In the 'Preferences' window there is an option to save some files in UTF-8 format. Why is that?
Answer
This is an option for some file types: *.gpx (GPS Exchange files), *.kml and *.kmz (Google files). Normally these files are saved in the UTF-8 format. If you don't encounter any problems, leave the preference the way it is (checked).
There are some applications, however, that are not able to handle these file types in UTF-8 format, e.g. POIEdit. If you want to use one of the file types mentioned in such an application, uncheck the preference before saving the file. The file will be saved in ANSI format.
But you have to realize that the ANSI format has less possibilities than the UTF-8 format. Therefore, if you use ANSI instead of UTF-8, you may get error messages from Google Earth or other applications.

16. Tyre does not use Google Maps. Whatever I do, it only runs Google Earth.
Answer
You must have administrator rights to run the Tyre installation. If not, the installation will not be executed properly. Some necessary files will be missing. This will cause errors when you try to run Tyre.

17. I get a message about a missing file, such as 'UTF8Code.txt'.
Answer
This is the same as above: you must have administrator rights to run the Tyre installation.

18. Can Tyre be installed on a portable device (such as a USB stick)?
Answer
Yes, that is possible, but you cannot use the setup file to do that. To install Tyre on a portable device, you have to install it on your computer first.
Once Tyre is installed on your computer, you can install it to a portable device from there: from the 'Tools' menu, select 'Install Tyre to USB stick...'
If you have a U3 stick or if you have PortableApps.com installed on your USB stick, you can even install Tyre as a U3 application or as a PortableApps.com application.

19. I like a route that I have downloaded, but I want to change start and finish. How is that done?
Answer
Tyre has the perfect way to solve this problem: select the waypoint that you want to use as your first waypoint.
Then, from the 'Waypoint' menu select the 'First waypoint...' option.
That is all! Your route will be reorganized with a new start and finish.

20. Street view has a problem in that it will not show the pictures, only a faint line of the route. What can I do?
Answer
Clear the cache of your MS Internet Explorer. That will solve the problem. Street view will show proper images again.


B. Tyre and TomTom or Garmin


1. I receive the message that my TomTom or Garmin device cannot be found.
Answer
Tyre has been created to be uses with a TomTom RIDER. However, it can be used in combination with other TomTom systems, but on some systems the above mentioned message will come up, because TomTom systems are different from each other.
Since version 5.43 Tyre can also be used for use with Garmin devices. But maybe this is not true for all of them. Read below for more information.

TomTom
If you receive this error message and your TomTom is connected to your computer properly, your problem can be solved this way:

  • Just to be sure, check if your TomTom is properly connected to your computer! Did you answer 'Yes' when your TomTom asked you to connect the device to the computer?
  • If you are using a TomTom RIDER, GO or ONE, the root folder of your TomTom should contain a folder, called 'ITN'. Check if this folder exists. If not, create it yourself.
  • If you are using a PDA with TomTom Navigator software (version 5 or up), the storage card of your PDA should contain a folder, called 'ITN' ('\Storage Card\ITN'). Check if this folder exists. If not, create it yourself.
  • If you are using TomTom Navigator software version 6 (or up) on your PDA, there should be a folder with the same name as a subfolder of the Navigator software as well ('\Program Files\Navigator\ITN'). Check if this folder exists. If not, create it yourself.
  • If you have a TomTom 'network' device (like the GO 1000), it is not possible to use Tyre in combination with your device. These devices do not have the itinerary planning feature.
If the problem still exists (your TomTom cannot be found to copy route files or files with points of interest onto it), try another solution: save the files onto your computer first, and then copy them from there onto your TomTom, into the 'ITN' folder (itinerary files) or into the map folder (POI files), using your computer's operating system (Windows).

Garmin
Tyre will cooperate with your Garmin device, if it meets these requirements:
  • Your device must be visible for Windows as a 'drive' (you can check this in 'My Computer').
  • Your device must have the proper folder structure:
    • A folder called '\Garmin\GPX'. This is the folder where your itinerary files will be stored.
    Or:
    • Two separate folders from the root: '\Garmin' and '\GPX', where the latter will be used to store your itinerary files.
  • In case of a Garmin Nüvi it is also necessary to change the default setting from 'TomTom' to 'Garmin'. This can be done in the 'Preferences' window (available from the 'Tools' menu).

2. I do not have a TomTom RIDER, but another TomTom device or a PDA. Can I use Tyre as well?
Answer
Although Tyre initially has been developed for TomTom RIDER, Tyre does not depend on your hardware, but on the software that has been installed on it. So, it can be used in combination with other TomTom devices or with a PDA as well.
There is only one condition: you should have the right software installed on your TomTom or PDA: TomTom Navigator version 5 or up.
Although I do not have any experience myself, from other people I hear that they use Tyre together with their TomTom GO or ONE or their PDA successfully.
As far as I know, this does not count for the TomTom ONE 3rd and 4th Edition. Those devices do not have itinerary planning functionality. It is not possible to load, save and use itinerary files therefore on those devices. Unless you manually edit the menu structure of the TomTom ONE 3rd/4th Edition: you may use the TomTom Menu Designer to do that: click here for more information.
However, if you use another system than a TomTom RIDER, it might be possible that you receive the message that your TomTom cannot be found. To solve that problem, see above.

3. I do not have TomTom software, but a completely different system. Can I use Tyre as well?
Answer
Maybe, maybe not.
Tyre can save your itineraries (route files) as different file types: *.itn (TomTom Itineraries), *.ov2 (TomTom Points of Interest), *.kml / *.kmz (Google Earth), *.rte / *.rt2 (OziExplorer), *.gpx (Garmin GPS Exchange) and *.csv (Garmin Points of Interest).
Most other systems do not accept itn files or kml files. Maybe they accept gpx files, because that file type is common for GPS files.
So, if your system accepts gpx files, you can use Tyre.
Since version 5.43 Tyre is fully compatible with Garmin devices. That means: if you connect a Garmin device to your computer, Tyre will notice and switch to 'Garmin mode'.

If you are using iGo software, you can use Tyre this way: save your route in the Google KML format. If necessary, create a folder 'userdata' on your SD-card, with a subfolder 'route' in it. Copy your route (in KML format) into that folder.
If you are using Navigon software, you can use Tyre this way: save your route in the Google KML format. Then copy the file to the proper folder on your navigation device.

4. Where can I find the folder where my itineraries (route files) are stored?
Answer
If you have a TomTom RIDER or another regular TomTom device, your itineraries will be saved in a folder called 'ITN'. You can find this folder in the root folder of your TomTom.

If you have a PDA, your itineraries will be saved into another folder.
With TomTom Navigator 5 software, your itineraries are stored in the folder '\Storage Card\ITN'.
With TomTom Navigator 6 software, your itineraries can be stored in two different folders: in '\Storage Card\ITN' and in '\Program Files\Navigator\ITN'.
If you still cannot find the folder that contains your itinerary files, you can do the following:

  • Create a simple itinerary using your TomTom device (one or two waypoints will do).
  • Give that itinerary a name that can be recognized easily.
  • Save the itinerary.
  • Search the itinerary name using your operating system (Windows).
  • If you found the itinerary, you found the name of the folder as well.

5. Where can I find the folder where my POI files (points of interest) are stored?
Answer
All POI files are stored in the same folder as the map they belong to.
E.g.: a POI file containing all the cheap gas stations in Western Europe can be found in the folder that contains the map of Western Europe (usually called 'Western Europe').
If you are using a TomTom RIDER, GO or ONE, map folders can be found on the storage card (or on the internal card) in your TomTom (e.g. 'F:\<map name>').
If you are using a PDA with TomTom Navigator software, map folders can be found on the storage card in your PDA ('\Storage Card\<map name>').

6. On my TomTom device, I cannot find the 'Planning preferences' option to set the 'Ask me every time I plan' option.
Answer
If you open the preferences of your TomTom device (touch the screen somewhere and tap 'Edit preferences'), you can see how many preference screens you have in the upper left corner. If it says '1 of 3', you will be unable to find the planning preferences. They are hidden. But do not worry: you can make them appear. Follow these steps:

  • Go to the third preference page ('3 of 3') and look for an option that says 'Display all menu items'.
  • Tap that option. Your TomTom device will tell you that all menu items will be available from now on.
  • Open the preferences again: touch the screen somewhere and tap 'Edit preferences'.
  • Now you will have 7 preference screens ('1 of 7'). Go to page 4. There you will find an option called 'Planning preferences'. (It comes with an icon that contains a car, a bike and a walking person.)
  • Now you can choose the 'Ask me every time I plan' option.
As far as I know, this does not count for the TomTom ONE 3rd and 4th Edition. Those devices do not have itinerary planning functionality. It is not possible to load, save and use itinerary files therefore on those devices. Unless you manually edit the menu structure of the TomTom ONE 3rd/4th Edition: you may use the TomTom Menu Designer to do that: click here for more information.

7. I cannot find any itinerary planning functions on my TomTom device. What can I do?
Answer
If you have a TomTom GO 1000 (or similar device), it is not possible to have your device cooperate with Tyre: the device does not have itinerary planning.
If you have a TomTom ONE 3rd or 4th ed. the same is true. But in these cases there may be a solution available:
Although I have no experience myself, from several other people I understand that the software inside the 3rd/4th ed. does have the possibility for route planning. It is waiting there to be activated: by changing the menu.
There is a small application, a menu editor, that can help you to change the menu (and unlock the ‘hidden’ possibilities). If you use that application, you do it, of course, at your own risk.
I have been reported that the menu designer does not work properly with TomTom firmware version 8: the TomTom device freezes on using the newly added menu items. Try to install version 7 if you want to use the 'advanced' menu.
You can download the menu editor from here: http://www.gregoryduncan.com/ttmd/index.php
Unfortunately, this site seems to be down from time to time. In that case, just perform a Google search on 'tomtom menu editor' fo find other menu editors.

8. In my TomTom device my route is different from the route that I planned in the map window. What am I doing wrong?
Answer
You are not doing anything wrong. If you create a route, you should be aware that in fact you are NOT pointing out a route, but ONLY one or more waypoints. You feed these waypoints to your TomTom device and it will calculate a route, using the waypoints that you gave it and using the conditions that you have entered (avoid highways, fastest route, shortest route, etc.).
Therefore, it is always important to place your waypoints properly, to make sure your TomTom device will lead you the way you want: the locations you want to be or the locations you want to avoid.
This also means the following: you cannot trust the route lines in Google Maps blindly. Your TomTom device may calculate another route (using the conditions you have entered) than Google Maps. That is why it is important to use enough waypoints: the more waypoints, the more accurate the route will be. (A waypoint on each step of your route would guarantee a super accurate route, but that is impossible to do, of course.)
You should also realize that the map in your TomTom may be different from the map that Tyre is using (from Google). One of them may be more actual than the other one. Or there may be errors on one of them.

9. My TomTom device does not accept itinerary files that were created by Tyre. There is an error message. What can I do?
Answer
Apparently, you are using an older version of TomTom navigator software. Older versions do not accept the author's name in the itinerary file.
So, disable that option from the 'Preferences' window: from the 'Tools' menu, select 'Preference'. Then select the 'Files' tab. Finally, uncheck the 'Add your name to newly created files' option.

10. My TomTom is always sending me back to a particular waypoint that is unattainable, due to road constructions or due to some other reason.
Answer
Your TomTom will calculate your route, using your waypoints, until you have visited them all.
If some waypoint is unattainable, mark it as visited. That will make your TomTom to ignore it on calculating the trip.
This is the way to mark a waypoint as visited:
- From the main menu of your TomTom, select 'Itinerary Planning'.
- You will see a list of your waypoints.
- Tap on the waypoint that you want to be ignored.
- You will be offered some options for this waypoint.
- One of the options is called 'Mark visited'. Tap it.
- You will return to your list of waypoints automatically.
- Tap 'Done' to have your trip re-calculated.
If you have a TomTom Rider Urban or Pro, there is an easier way to do this:
- From the quick menu (the blue hand on the screen), select 'Go to next waypoint'.

11. How do I activate a route in my Garmin device, once Tyre has copied the file to the device?
Answer
I am not familiar with all device types, but here is a description that can be used for the Garmin Zumo.
(Maybe it is useful for other device types as well.)
Once the Tyre prompt says that your route has been copied successfully to the Garmin, unplug the USB cable and start your Zumo.
Go to 'Tools' -> 'My data' -> 'Import route from file' -> select <your route name> -> 'Import'.
When finished it may say 'The route is too long'; click OK!
It is now found on your Zumo under 'Where to' -> 'Custom Routes' -> <your route name>.


C. Tyre and Google Maps


1. When I try to open Google Maps for editing files, I receive an error message.
Answer
If you want to use the Google Maps option, executing JavaScript must be enabled on your computer. Make sure this is the case.
This setting can be changed using your web browser.
Click here to find out how to do it.
If you are still using Internet Explorer 7, update to the most recent version for your operating system!

2. When I use the built-in version of Google Maps, are route lines draggable?
Answer
Yes, they are. If they are not in your instance of Tyre, maybe you have an older version of Tyre, or maybe you have disabled that particular option.
1. To enable draggable route lines, select 'Preferences' from the 'Tools' menu. The 'Preferences' window will appear. From that window, select the 'Google Maps 1' tab or the 'Google Maps - Route' tab (corresponding to your Tyre version), and check the option that says 'Use draggable route lines'.
If there is no such option, you have an older version of Tyre.
2. If you have an older version of Tyre, things work a little bit different from the way it works on the website of Google Maps:
- Click the route line somewhere.
- A new waypoint will be inserted on that location.
- Drag that new waypoint to the location where you want it.
- The route line will be adapted accordingly.

3. On calculating, I receive the error message that the directions cannot be computed. What is going on?
Answer
This problem can have several causes:

  • You have placed one or more of your waypoints too far from a road. Relocate them.
  • You have placed one or more of your waypoints in an area (or country) that is not part of the Google Maps directions database yet.
    You should realize that Tyre uses the functionality of Google Maps. Not all roads on earth are in the Google Maps directions database. That means: you can see those roads and locate waypoints on them, but Google Maps will not be able to calculate directions for those roads (and waypoints).
    There is one positive element: the Google Maps directions database is still growing...
  • Maybe you have selected 'Cycle' from the preferences. You should realize that coverage for cycling routes is rather limited in Google Maps until now. If you want a cycling route to be calculated for an area that is not covered yet, you will get this error message. In that case we recommend to use walking routes instead.

4. I want my waypoints to be displayed using Google Map, but I receive an error message.
Answer
Maybe you have a very active firewall that prohibits Tyre to access the Internet. Try this:
- Shut down your firewall temporarily.
- Try to run Tyre. If there are no error messages, the 'error' came from your firewall.
- Rerun your firewall and adapt its settings to allow Tyre to access the Internet.

5. Any time I create waypoints, they are moved to the nearest roads. I don't want that. What can I do?
Answer
Normally, waypoints will be moved to the nearest road, if you create them on another location (no road). This is done to make plotting routes easier.
But if you do not want that (for whatever reason), you can change that: select the 'Preferences' option from the 'Tools' menu. Then select the 'Google Maps 1' tab or the 'Google Maps - Map' tab (corresponding to your Tyre version), and uncheck the 'Place waypoints exactly on roads' option.
If you do this, you better uncheck right away the 'Calculate' option, because routes will always be calculated using the roads. So, if you are calculating a route, using waypoints that are spread out over the map, your route will look terrible.
Note: your TomTom will only use the waypoints that you have created, not the complete route! Your TomTom will calculate the route itself, using the waypoint that you provide.

6. On opening the Google Maps window, I get an error message saying 'access denied'.
Answer
Apparently you have an older version of Tyre (5.212 or earlier). Due to changes on the Google Maps server, it is no longer possible to use this older version together with Google Maps.
Update your version of Tyre to the most recent one.

7. Can miles be used instead of kilometers when using Tyre and Google Maps? If so, how would it be changed?
Answer
This can be done easily:
- Open the 'Preferences' window from the 'Tools' menu.
- Select the 'Google Maps 1' tab or the 'Google Maps - Route' tab (corresponding to your Tyre version).
- Check the 'Display distance in miles' option.

8. I try to locate destinations and waypoints using postcodes for a place, but Tyre always seems to put the waypoint at the wrong place.
Answer
From version 5.80 on, it is important to localize Tyre for a proper postcode search. Localizing Tyre can be done on the 'Google Maps 2' tab or on the 'Google Maps - Map' tab (corresponding to your Tyre version) from the 'Preferences' window: set the 'Google Maps' location to your own country. E.g. http://maps.google.co.uk
From version 5.40 to 5.80, there is a special feature for searching postcodes. Start your search with 'PC:', followed by the postcode that you are looking for, e.g.: PC:TR13 0AQ
Since version 5.81 the prefix is no longer needed.
For versions older than 5.4, read this:
For executing search actions, Tyre will approach the Google database. There seems to be something wrong in the Google database as it comes to postcodes. In stead of searching for postcodes, you better search for addresses.
 Google seems to use different databases, because if you search for postcodes on Google's own website, the proper place is returned. Programmers like me cannot use the Google's website interface directly. We have to use API functions (if that means anything to you). Using those API functions, another interface and another database is used. I don’t understand why. But that is how it is.

9. I try to locate waypoints on the map, but they are moved to another location on the map instantly.
Answer
Tyre reads the Google Maps database using your internet connection. If the map does not accept a waypoint on a particular location, the location is not a valid road or it is closed (according to Google Maps).
If you want your waypoints on that location anyway (you are sure there is a road and it is open), you can do the following:
- Open the 'Preferences' window and select the 'Google Maps 1' tab or the 'Google Maps - Map' tab (corresponding to your Tyre version).
- Uncheck the 'Locate waypoints exactly on roads' option.
Now you can place your waypoints anywhere you want them.
But: calculating your trip will not work properly (it will use the Google Maps database again).
That is no problem, if your TomTom knows that the road is open: your TomTom will calculate its own route, using the waypoints that you feed it.

10. I am planning a route that will go along a pass, but Tyre does not use the pass to calculate my route. What is going wrong?
Answer
This problem is caused by an error in the Google Maps database. For some reason several passes in the Alps (and maybe elsewhere) are not known as roads that you can drive on. That is why Google Maps is calculating a weird route to get you to your destination.
But don’t worry: on copying your route to your TomTom, you are not copying the full route, but only your waypoints. Your TomTom device will recalculate the route, and if the roads are known by the map in your TomTom, you will get a properly calculated trip.

11. On opening the Google Maps window, I get an error message other than the above mentioned.
Answer
There might be an error in the settings of your Internet Explorer. Follow these steps:
- Open your Internet Explorer.
- Select 'Tools' -> 'Internet Options' -> 'Advanced' tab -> 'Restore Advanced Settings'.
- Restart Tyre and your Internet Explorer.

12. I want to activate Street View, but I don't see anything.
Answer
This feature only works if street view is available for a particular area.
AND: Use of the Street View Panorama object requires support for the Flash® plug-in on your MS Internet Explorer for versions of Tyre older than version 5.70. In that case, make sure you have installed that plug-in!
If you don't have it installed yet, you can download and install it here: http://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/

13. I want to print my route as text or as an image. How is that done?
Answer
A route can only be printed, if it has been calculated. So, make sure this is done first.
If calculating does not start automatically, click the 'Calculate' button.
After the route has been calculated, there are two options for printing the route:
- Print your route as text (road book).
- Print your route as image (map).

14. I try open the map window, but I don't see anything. The window does not appear or its content is just empty.
Answer
There might a problem with the security settings on your computer.
Maybe you have a very active firewall that prohibits Tyre to access the Internet. Try this:
- Shut down your firewall temporarily.
- Try to run Tyre. If there are no error messages, the 'error' came from your firewall.
- Rerun your firewall and adapt its settings to allow Tyre to access the Internet.
If the problem remains, you may have to change the settings of MS Internet Explorer: if the security setting is not Normal-High (default) change it to Normal-High.

15. Tyre is very slow or seems to freeze. What is going on?
Answer
This behavior occurs when MS Internet Explorer is not installed on your system or when it is not up-to-date.

Furthermore it may occur when your file contains a lot of waypoints (or POIs). It is just Windows slowing down as memory fills up. Depending on the number of waypoints/POIs and the speed of your computer, Tyre may seem to hang. It is not really hanging, but it might take a lot of time for the activity to complete.
I recommend to use a maximum of 100 waypoints or POIs for one file. If there are more, split the file, using 'Split' or 'Reduce' from the 'File' menu.

16. I am trying to open the map window, but there are error messages that start with "Access violation at <address number>..."
Answer
In most cases this message means that your MS Internet Explorer is not installed properly: repair the installation, as Tyre needs it. It is using a built-in version of MS Internet Explorer.
This message may also mean that the Adobe Flash player has not been installed properly for your MS Internet Explorer. Maybe the Flash player has been installed for another browser. In that case: make MS Internet Explorer your default browser (temporarily) and (re)install Adobe Flash player.

17. When I try to open the map, I don't see a map.
Answer
Is one of these images displaying your problem:


If that is true, there is a problem with your MS Internet Explorer, but until now the cause of the problem could not be located yet. We are sorry about that.
There is a workaround however: if you have this problem, just create a new user account on your computer. Tyre will work as designed for the new user.
It is mysterious why this solution works. There must be some security issue in IE that we did not detect so far...
If you want to know more about this problem or if you think you might have a solution, please read the message page about this problem.
Most users will find a solution after clicking here.

18. I want to insert a waypoint into an existing list of waypoints. How is that done?
Answer
The answer to this question depends on your preferences and on the Tyre version that you have:

If you have an older Tyre version or if you have disabled the 'Use draggable route lines' from the preferences, things are like this:

  • Make sure that the route has been calculated (the route line must be visible).
  • Click the route line somewhere.
  • A new waypoint will be inserted on that location.
If you have an newer Tyre version and if you have enabled the 'Use draggable route lines' from the preferences, things are like this:
  • Make sure that the route has been calculated (the route line must be visible).
  • Move the mouse cursor over the route line.
  • You will see it getting another shape (a small circle will be added on the route line).
  • Grab the route line with your mouse and move it to another location.
  • A new waypoint will be created (an inserted into the list) on the location where you release the mouse.


D. Tyre and Google Earth


1. I receive the message that Google Earth cannot be run.
Answer
Just to be sure, check if you have Google Earth installed.
If necessary, click here to download and install Google Earth.
If you still have problems running Google Earth, maybe the installation of Google Earth should be repaired.
This can be done with the 'Google Earth' tab in the 'Preferences' window.
To learn more, click here.
If this still doesn't solve the problem, remove and reinstall both Google Earth and Tyre.

2. When I try to display a route or some points of interest, I receive an error message or some other application (e.g. PoiEdit) is activated in stead of Google Earth.
Answer
Just to be sure, check if you have Google Earth installed.
If necessary, click here to download and install Google Earth.
If you still have problems showing a route file or a file with points of interest within Google Earth, maybe the installation of Google Earth should be repaired.
It is possible that KML files (or KMZ files) are no longer connected to Google Earth. This can easily be repaired:
Select 'Preferences' from the 'Tools' menu. The 'Preferences' window will be opened.
Select the 'Google Earth' tab and click the button to repair the Google Earth installation.
If this button is disabled (you cannot click it), click here to go to question A7 and learn how to solve that problem.
After you have clicked that button, KML files and KMZ files will be connected to Google Earth again and your itineraries will be displayed in Google Earth.
To learn more, click here.
If this still doesn't solve the problem, remove and reinstall both Google Earth and Tyre.

Still no solution? Then you can try this:
Be sure to have administrator rights before following these steps!
For Windows XP:
1. Open Windows Explorer (e.g. 'My Computer').
2. Select 'Folder Options' from the 'Tools' menu. Select the 'File Types' tab.
3. Select KML in the 'Registered file types' box.
4. If the 'Delete' button is enabled, just press it. If it is disabled, press 'Restore' and then 'Delete'.
5. Repeat steps 3 & 4 for the KMZ file type.
6. In the Explorer window go to the .KML file and double click on it. Windows will open a popup to ask us for the appropriate program to use to open the KML file.
7. Select the 'Select the program from a list' option.
8. Another window will come up to choose the program you want to use. Normally is enough to use the 'recommended program'. If you don't want to use that program, you should press the 'Browse' button and select Google Earth from the installation directory. Usually it is "C:\Program Files\Google\Google Earth\googleearth.exe". Click 'Open' to select it.
9. Check the 'Always use the selected program to open this kind of file' option.
10. Click 'OK'.
For Windows Vista and Windows 7:
1. Right click any KML file and select ´Open with...´.
2. Click 'Select default program...'.
3. Select any program, but NOT Google Earth. Check the 'Always use the selected program to open this kind of file' option.
4. Click 'OK'.
5. Repeat steps 1 - 4 for the KMZ file type.
Now both file types are connected to a wrong application. That may seem strange, but it will clear all rubbish in your settings, before you follow the next steps:
6. Right click any KML file and select ´Open with...´.
7. Click 'Select default program...'.
8. NOW select Google Earth. Check the 'Always use the selected program to open this kind of file' option.
9. Click 'OK'.
10. Repeat steps 6 - 9 for the KMZ file type.

3. Both Tyre and Google Earth are installed onto my computer. But Google Earth is not running from within Tyre.
Answer
This can sometimes (not always!) happen if Google Earth has been installed onto your computer from another account.
So, if you encounter this problem, make sure that Google Earth can be run by each account on your computer.
Or you can install another copy of Google Earth onto your computer. You can do this on the same location. (So, as a matter of fact, only one copy of Google Earth will be running on your computer.)

4. Is there any way to display the full route in stead of just straight lines between the waypoints?
Answer
If you see only straight lines for a route, there are two possibilities: either you are running an older version of Tyre (older than 5.5) or there is a problem to get information from the Google database.
If you have a recent version of Tyre,
- check the 'Files' tab from 'Preferences' window: the 'Use route tracks' option should be checked. Furthermore:
- check your firewall to be sure that Tyre may connect to the internet. If that does not solve the problem, rerun the setup.
If you have an older version of Tyre (older than 5.5), read this:
It is best to display to full route with the built-in version of Google Maps (if necessary, adapt this setting from the 'Preferences' window). If you persist in using Google Earth, there is no way display the full route. At least not in Google Earth directly.
There is a workaround, however: click the name (description) of your itinerary that is displayed in Google Earth. A popup window will appear. That window also has a line: 'Show route (Google Maps)'. Click that line and your route will be displayed in Google Maps, not just by straight lines, but following the roads from one waypoint to another.
To show your route this way in Google Maps, your itinerary may not contain a lot of waypoints! The maximum number is 25.

With Google Earth, there is another way to show your route from waypoint to waypoint: if you have your route displayed in Google Earth, each individual waypoint comes with a description that says 'Show route (Google Earth)'. If you click this description, the route will be calculated and shown from that waypoint to the next one.
Until now, Google Earth does not have the possibility to calculate a route with more than two waypoints. I hope that will change in the future. That will make it possible to make the full route displayed in one time in Google Earth as well.


E. If nothing helps…


I cannot find a solution for my problem. What can I do?
If you cannot find a solution for your problem (error message etc.), you can try this:
First restore the advanced setting of your Internet Explorer:
- Open your Internet Explorer.
- Select 'Tools' -> 'Internet Options' -> 'Advanced' tab -> 'Restore Advanced Settings'.
- If the security setting for Internet is not Normal-High (default) change it to Normal-High.
- Make sure your MS Internet Explorer is up-to-date.
Then install a clean version of Tyre:
- Remove Tyre from your computer.
- Remove the following key (and all of its sub keys) from the registry: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Tyre
If there are still Tyre files on your disk, remove them too:
- Remove the folder C:\Program Files\Tyre and all of its contents.
- Remove the Tyre Application Data folder and all of its contents.
You can find the Application Data folder here:
For Windows XP: 'C:\Documents and Settings\<User Name>\Application Data\Tyre'.
For Windows Vista and Windows 7: 'C:\Users\<User Name>\AppData\Roaming\Tyre'.
Done this? Then restart your computer, download and install Tyre again.

Still problems you cannot solve?
Contact me!

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