Arduino IDE won't upload to Nano - xLoader will - possible workaround

No need to go through all this XLoader crazyness. Just select Tools > Processor > ATmega328P (Old bootloader).

Mcmlxi:
I have searched the internet and spent a long time checking, reinstalling, and trying other workarounds and this is the simplest I have found.

I'm surprised. This has been a very common topic of discussion. In fact it's even documented in the Nano's Getting Started page:
https://www.arduino.cc/en/Guide/ArduinoNano#toc4