If you don't already have Garmin's WebUpdater utility installed on your computer, go to www.garmin.com/webupdater and install it. Then connect your nuvi 7x5 to your computer using a USB cable, and launch WebUpdater.

The program will report that an update is available. Click Next to begin downloading and installing the update.

The description for the 3.60 firmware update says it corrects the looping problem that has caused many units to lose GPS reception, or bricked the device altogether.

Click Next to continue

Installation time varies depending on your Internet connection speed, but in general the update should take no more than a few minutes to complete. When the updater application finishes, exit it and disconnect your nuvi.

The nuvi will then re-boot, and begin installing the update.

Once the update is finished, you can verify that the new 3.60 firmware version is installed by tapping Settings > System > About.

And what if your device won't even turn on anymore? Use this page on Garmin's website to setup an RMA. Send Garmin your broken unit, and they'll ship you back a replacement unit.

Hopefully this whole debacle has been a sobering experience for Garmin's QA department, and it won't happen again any time soon. In the plus column, Garmin did manage to get a patch out the door within 24 hours, and is offering free replacement units to anyone affected by this bug.