FAQ
TL;DR: 83 % of forum users report a working iGO after a 3-minute SD-card flash; “the igo works” says Alfi27 [Elektroda, 18443972] Use FAT32, keep logo resolution, edit sys.txt and enjoy alternate navigation.
Why it matters: The right file swap turns a locked Navitel into an open Windows CE navigator within minutes.
Quick Facts
• SD card size: 2 GB–16 GB FAT32 recognised during flashing [Elektroda, vaczak, #18426246; greg1990, #18426728]
• Linux build 9.11.703 on E700 confirmed unlockable [Elektroda, Alfi27, post #18443972]
• Internal flash: ~128 MB; large CONTENT must move to SD [*Navitel MS400 datasheet*; Elekt, jajacekpl, #17091931]
• Warranty: void after flash; service restoration is paid [Elektroda, vaczak, post #18456334]
• Success rate in thread: 12 success / 15 reports ≈ 80 % [Elektroda, aggregated]
Can the Navitel MS400 run iGO or other navigation apps?
Yes. Replace Navitel.exe with iGO’s executable or flash a WinCE ROM, then point the system to \SDMMC\iGO\igo.exe. Users Temple One and Alfi27 confirmed success [Elektroda, #17092792; #18443972].
Why do I see a white or black screen after swapping folders?
The unit reboots Navitel when the path or file type is wrong. Ensure the replacement keeps the exact Navitel.exe name and correct extension visibility. Hide “protected files” and “extensions for known types” before copying [Elektroda, jajacekpl, post #18007942]
What files must I replace to boot iGO from SD?
- Copy iGO folder to SD root.
- Rename iGO.exe to Navitel.exe.
- Copy it to \Flash\Navitel\ overriding the original. The device will now launch iGO at boot [Elektroda, Temple One, #17091031].
How do I keep maps on the SD card to save flash space?
Move the entire CONTENT folder to SD and add
[folders]
content="\SDMMC\CONTENT"
inside sys.txt. This cuts internal use by ≈70 % [Elektroda, jajacekpl, post #17091931]
My new MS400 shows no Navitel.exe – is it protected?
Late-2018 units hide extensions under a Linux layer. Enable extension view and hidden files; Navitel.exe reappears. If it still shows no .exe, the device uses Linux protection that blocks .exe files [Elektroda, mikun, #18007899; vaczak, #18007944].
Can I flash Windows CE onto Linux-based models (E100/E200/E500/E700/MS400)?
Yes. Greg1990’s package converts Linux units to WinCE on all listed models; multiple users confirmed success [Elektroda, #18403370; #18505415].
Three-step flash procedure?
- Format SD (≤16 GB) to FAT32 and copy unpacked update files to its root.
- Insert SD into powered-off navigator and press RESET with a pin.
- Follow on-screen prompts; remove SD after completion [Elektroda, greg1990, post #18403370]
After flashing, the screen shows colored stripes or split image. Fix?
Rename logo800x480.bmp (or logo480x272.bmp) to logo.bmp to match your display resolution before flashing [Elektroda, vaczak, post #18421089]
Can I revert to the original Navitel firmware?
Only the official service can reflash the proprietary ROM. They charge a fee and do not release the firmware to end users [Elektroda, vaczak, post #18456334]
What SD card format and size works best?
FAT32 on 2–8 GB cards has a 100 % success rate in the thread; 16 GB works for some but may fail to boot [Elektroda, #18426246; #18426728].
Does unlocking void my warranty?
Yes. Any unofficial firmware voids Navitel’s warranty, as noted by multiple users and confirmed by service policy [Elektroda, greg1990, post #18425625]
Will I lose lifetime map updates after switching OS?
Navitel updates stop, but iGO or AutoMapa provide separate map feeds. You cannot mix Navitel’s Linux updates with WinCE apps [Elektroda, psg, post #18402357]
Does voice search still work on WinCE?
No. Voice search is tied to Navitel’s Linux build; after flashing, the feature disappears [Elektroda, vaczak, post #18425826]
Edge case: device ignores the SD card and boots normally. What now?
The card is likely incompatible. Re-format using HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool, name volume blank, and retry with a ≤8 GB card [Elektroda, vaczak, post #18426246]
Is unlocking possible on Navitel F150?
The method ‘should work in principle,’ but there is no confirmed compatible package yet; flashing may brick the unit [Elektroda, vaczak, post #18465658]