I'm new to all this but these instructions are so simple... thanks!

Thanks. This works on my Treo TT Navigator too.

Sometimes the files are in .zip format. I downloaded the files to my PC hard drive, unzipped them and copied the unzipped files to my HP iPAQ device running Tomtom software and this worked too.

Yes the zip format is used when you want to have the logo (icon) too. I prefer that.

I have done this and still don't get the poi's on my tomtom one 3rd edition. I guess i'm doing something wrong, but 3 hours later, i don't know what.
I connect the tt to the comp and turn it on.
hit 'back'
hit 'operate my one'
go to poi friend
go to alpha poi's (the instructions say 'show poi's' but I don''t see that anywhere on my screen)
go to mcdonalds from gpsfreak
click on 'download to my gps'
make sure it says 'tomtom' in the box
check top box 'zip file with data and icon'
hit 'download'
click on 'save'
where to save, go to 'usa and canada' (I also have 'tomtom' and 'tomtomf' (f drive, i guess? Should i be trying these?
hit 'open'
hit 'save'
says 'download complete'
x out of this screen
disconnect my device safely, turn it on, go to poi's, nothinig there.?????????
Any suggestions? What am I doing wrong? Am I missing a step somewhere?
I have mcdonalds on my computer 7 times, but nowhere in the tt???????????

Are you extracting the files out of the zip file? if you include the icon, you should have two files in the zip and these have to go into the usa and canada directory.
You need .bmp and .ov2 files in the USA and Canada directory.

herbfellows .By any chance are you selecting Tom Tom direct instead of Tom Tom?

Ok, I finally have these files on my tomtom. Now, I get an email saying 'there are updates to the files you have downloaded, please go 'here' to get them. I go there, and there is not a single word that says 'update' It is taking me to a full download again, which I don't have room for on the tt one 3 edition. I put update in the search box, Canadian poi's unrelated to what i have come up!!
What, exactly, should I do to 'update'?

The only way to update a POIgroup on the TomTom is to download the full individual POIgroup again. Don't worry about it taking extra room since you are going to just be over writing that POIgroup with the update one on your Tomtom. Also you probably don't need to download the icon again, since it's already on your Tomtom unless they change the name of the POIgroup.

If you are having problems...the easiest way for you to get them on your TomTom is to plug your TomTom into the computer and click on 'yes' when it asks if you want to connect the unit to the computer. Then when you download a group choose 'TomTom (direct)' and it will walk you through the process (very simple).

I agree that selecting "TomTom (Direct)" is the easiest way. I started out doing that, but then I upgraded my browser from Firefox_2 to Firefox_3 and that method stopped working. I never figured out why. :(

I also noticed that on my TomTom (GO 720) when I used "TomTom (Direct)" it copied the POI files into two folders: "H:\North_America_2GB\" and "H:\Guam\". So if your device is *really* short on storage space you might also want to check your "\Guam\" folder and clean out the duplicates. (Unless you live there, that is!)

Thanks for the tip Gord...I will have to check that out. By the way...I use Firefox and the direct feature and I haven't has a problem at all so that might not be your problem afterall.

Yup..they were in my Guam folder. I erased them...thanks...but I wasn't close to running out of room. Still nice to know though.