Memory is apparently full, but it is not

Hey OldTimer,

Could be a couple of reasons and not knowing your computer leaves a few options...

1. Are you using an Apple device to view and/or clear your memory? If so, whilst connected to your device you must empty the device Trash to actually remove files.
2. Do/did you back up data to a "service" cloud, remote server or similar? You may need to delete any connected backup data to actually remove the history or waypoints or bike data from the device.
3. Have you deleted History & Activities folders? There could be a corrupt file providing the file system with bad information suggesting that it is a massive file when not. As I don't know if you're using Win, iOS, Mac, Linux... Try virus scan first, any utility similar til Win "Scan disk" second. AVG and AVAST both offer free versions with multiplatform support (including Android) with the same virus database and functions as paid version.
4. Still no joy? If you are prepared to almost definitely reconfigure the Garmin with your bike and personal profile... Hard reset is your last way out! 😲

Hard Reset:

(Option 1)

• Power off device & ensure no connection to another device.
• Press "Power/Light" in the upper left corner AND the "Lap/Reset" button in the bottom right corner at the same time and hold.
• A prompt will appear after the display shows "Garmin" asking if you want to reset all user data. NOTE: "ALL". Unless you're extremely lucky all data custom to your bike profile(s) and data screens will need to be reset. However, a backup of this data after device working properly will save agony if you ever need to do this again.

Hard Reset:

(Option 2)

If the above does not work try the following;

• Power off device
• Press "Page/Menu" and "Start/Stop" and hold. Wait 5 seconds
• Keep buttons held and ALSO depress power button.
• Keep holding all 3 until Garmin logo appears on the screen.
• As the Garmin logo fades release all buttons.

Please also note that reading and deleting data from the Edge 500 via another device is usually trouble free but adding data or unrelated files to your device (eg, as if it were a USB storage device) can often cause data errors or corruption.

It is always better to delete your history via the device. To delete all select History folder and delete. Or, open History folder and selectively delete. This is the same for all user data held on your device.

If nothing here works for you, I have heard Garmin can provide software to reset/restore your device but you will need to contact Garmin to be sure.