Cannot upload code to Arduino Nano with original FTDI driver

Using Arduino IDE 1.x
1

I have an Arduino Nano with an original FTDI driver. It was working fine, till about 2 hours back, but now I can't get it to work. It was just running a simple example sketch, and no smoke was released also. I unplugged it after a little while, and some time later, when I try to run another program, it won't work.

It passes the loop-back test. I'm using Windows 7, 64-bit system.

I have checked and re-checked for any mismatches in the COM ports, but it checks out.

The RX, TX and PWR leds all are lit up when I connect it to my computer.

Another strange bit is that the chip becomes mildly warm when I connect it to the computer.

Is my nano dead?

The only other alternative I have is a Nano clone with a CH340g driver, but I'm not keen on using that.

EDIT: There are no wires/jumpers/connections/solder on the RX/TX pins.

2

RX and TX leds should not be on; so I suspect that your Nano is dead.

In case I'm mistaken:
There is a chance that your board manager was updated to 1.6.21 or higher to support newer original Nanos produced since the beginning of 2018. In that case, try the 'old bootloader' option under tools->processor if you have an older original or a clone.

To make it complete (I don't think that that applies in your case):
If your Nano is an original 2018 model, you need to update the board manager to version 1.6.21 or higher and use the '328' option under tools->processor.

3

Thanks for the answer. I am using the 1.8.7 IDE, and I already tinkered with the 'old bootloader' options a lot, but it's still the same. I think you are right about my nano being dead. I just have to buy a new one with the original FTDI chip.