I see that @ballscrewbob has made some change to the Thread "How To Use the Forum"
Perhaps you can tell us what change has been made?
...R
BUMP
I notice that it seems to show NEW every time I open a section of the Forum - surely it is not being updated that often?
...R
Hi Robin.
A simple troubleshooting section was added to almost every section that had the "how to use" posts in the super short form. Last updated in 2013 I think.
The original LONG FORM versions just had the simple troubleshooting tagged onto the end.
So YES that would affect most of the ones you have been in.
What you should be seeing is something very similar to the list below.
Please READ THIS POST to help you get the best out of the forum.
SIMPLE TROUBLESHOOTING.
These steps may also save you some unnecessary time and effort in the forum.
- If applicable provide your SKETCH inside CODE TAGS ( </> ).
- If applicable provide a schematic even if hand drawn.
- Ensure you turn off any additional security / antivirus just to test.
- Where possible use USB 2.0 ports or a USB 2.0 POWERED HUB to rule out USB 3.0 issues.
- Try other computers where possible.
- Try other USB leads where possible.
- Avoid cloud / network based installations where possible OR Ensure your Network / Cloud based software is RUNNING.
- You may not have the correct driver installed. CH340/341 or CP2102
- There may be a problem with the PC try RESTARTING it.
- You may be selecting the wrong COM port.
- There is a problem with the board check your wiring.
- Remove any items connected to pins 0 and 1.
- Clear your browsers CACHE.
- Close the IDE before using any other serial programs.
- Check you have a COMMON GROUND where required.
- Preferably install IDE's as ADMINISTRATOR or your OS equivalent
As I get decent feedback / suggestions (no long winded paragraph things) I may update again.
Feel free to call me out for it or make valid (SHORT) suggestions.
Just looking to cut down some of the super simple repeated Q's we all see.
Bob.
Oh and I will also be using it as a STOCK answer with a URL reference to the How to use this forum (long form).
I will try personalise a reply where needed too as I often do.
Feel free to use it or refer to it as you see fit (within forum guidelines) or anything else such as the clean up instructions I often provide.
I know you hate change Robin LOL
But how many times have we brought up a topic about noobs not reading the "how to" or similar issues ?
It is just my attempt to make it a little more relevant.
Bob.
Looks good.
I suggest that "Simple Troubleshooting" should be extended by a few words to give context - for example
"Simple Troubleshooting if you can upload a program"
However I think that may not cover the whole list so my suggestion is as follows - but please check in case I have misinterpreted the intentions
SIMPLE TROUBLESHOOTING.
When asking for help on the Forum
- If applicable provide your SKETCH inside CODE TAGS ( </> ).
- If applicable provide a schematic even if hand drawn.
If you have trouble uploading your program to your Arduino board
- Ensure you turn off any additional security / antivirus just to test.
- Where possible use USB 2.0 ports or a USB 2.0 POWERED HUB.
- Try other computers where possible.
- Try other USB leads where possible.
- Avoid cloud / network based installations where possible OR Ensure your Network / Cloud based software is RUNNING.
- You do not have the correct driver installed.
- There may be a problem with the PC.
- You may be selecting the wrong COM port.
- There is a problem with the board.
- You have something connected to pins 0 and 1.
- Remove any items connected to pins 0 and 1.
- Restart your computer.
If you have trouble accessing the Arduino Forum
- Clear your browsers CACHE.
If your Arduino has problems communicating with another program on your PC or with another Arduino
- Close the IDE before using any other serial programs.
- Check you have a COMMON GROUND where required.
When installing the Arduino IDE
- Preferably install IDE's as ADMINISTRATOR
Among other things it is much easier to assimilate stuff when it is presented in short chunks.
Just my 2 cents.
...R
PS ... I think it should say a hand drawn schematic is best
Thanks for the suggestions Robin.
I will be incorporating some of them for sure especially chunking it.
Some context on a couple for you as well.
The browser cache issue covers CREATE editor, the forum, The shop, and Arduino site in general.
It is not specific to the forum.
The common ground also covers external components connected to Arduinos so that is a general item.
I have V3 ready and have added a couple of URL's to it for the off brand boards etc.
I wont put out another just yet but I did want to get something in place that I can run around quickly and wanted to make it sort of "plug and play", "one for all" as much as I possibly can.
Realise that is a bit of a tall order.
If you cannot take Mohamed to the mountain you take the mountain to Mohamed LOL
Bob.
Revised to incorporate some of Robin's ideas.
Please READ THIS POST to help you get the best out of the forum.
SIMPLE TROUBLESHOOTING.
These steps may also save you some unnecessary time and effort in the forum.
-
Always provide as much detail as possible to your issue it may be important.
-
If applicable provide your SKETCH inside CODE TAGS ( </> ) or a CREATE share link.
-
If applicable provide a schematic even if hand drawn.
COMMON ISSUES -
Check you have a COMMON GROUND where required.
-
Where possible use USB 2.0 ports or a USB 2.0 POWERED HUB to rule out USB 3.0 issues.
-
Try other computers where possible.
-
Try other USB leads where possible.
-
You may not have the correct driver installed. CH340/341 or CP2102
-
There may be a problem with the board check your wiring first.
-
Remove any items connected to pins 0 and 1.
COMPUTER RELATED -
Ensure you turn off any additional security / antivirus just to test.
-
There may be a problem with the PC try RESTARTING it.
-
You may be selecting the wrong COM port.
-
Avoid cloud/network based installations where possible OR ensure your Network/Cloud software is RUNNING.
-
Clear your browsers CACHE.
-
Close the IDE before using any other serial programs.
-
Preferably install IDE's as ADMINISTRATOR or your OS equivalent
Performing the above actions may help resolve your problem without further help.
If only all new (and some older) members read this before posting.
Hi Riva..
That's why I will be using it as a stock answer where needed.
They may not have read much coming in but if it is prominent on their posts then they will see it more and maybe take some in.
Clearly I cannot ALWAYS use it but its a start I think.
And I cannot claim credit for it all as many items are from the rest of the users such as yourself.
Bob.
Latest revision also added a link to R2's pic post.
These steps may also save you some unnecessary time and effort in the forum.
-
Always provide as much detail as possible to your issue it may be important.
-
If applicable provide your SKETCH inside CODE TAGS ( </> ) or a CREATE share link.
-
If applicable provide a schematic even if hand drawn.
-
Pictures are an invaluable aid. See THIS TOPIC for help posting them.
COMMON ISSUES -
Check you have a COMMON GROUND where required.
-
Where possible use USB 2.0 ports or a USB 2.0 POWERED HUB to rule out USB 3.0 issues.
-
Try other computers where possible.
-
Try other USB leads where possible.
-
You may not have the correct driver installed. CH340/341 or CP2102
-
There may be a problem with the board check your wiring first.
-
Remove any items connected to pins 0 and 1.
COMPUTER RELATED -
Ensure you turn off any additional security / antivirus just to test.
-
There may be a problem with the PC try RESTARTING it.
-
You may be selecting the wrong COM port.
-
Avoid cloud/network based installations where possible OR ensure your Network/Cloud software is RUNNING.
-
Clear your browsers CACHE.
-
Close the IDE before using any other serial programs.
-
Preferably install IDE's as ADMINISTRATOR or your OS equivalent
-
If you have tried multiple IDE's then you may need to perform additional clean up.
Performing the above actions may help resolve your problem without further help.
Riva:
If only all new (and some older) members read this before posting.
I suggest that an exam / quiz is incorporated after registration 
Redirect the user to How to use this forum. Please read
2)
Next ask one or more questions related to what was just (supposed to be) read.
OMG I would love to see that implemented.
Unfortunately I doubt it would ever see the light of day.
Bob.
sterretje:
I suggest that an exam / quiz is incorporated after registration
Just think how pis**d off you would feel if you encountered that while trying to join a Forum.
...R
sterretje:
Redirect the user to How to use this forum. Please read
ballscrewbob:
OMG I would love to see that implemented.
Unfortunately I doubt it would ever see the light of day.
Robin2:
Just think how pis**d off you would feel if you encountered that while trying to join a Forum.
So drop the quiz but add the redirect to *How to use this forum * upon registration. Include words along the lines of "It's now assumed you've read this post so if you do dumb stuff like start a thread including "NEED HELP URGENT ON PROJECT!!" or, "Here's my Fritzing diagram." or, "What parts do I need to make a widget?" or, "Here's a screen capture of my code." you can expect to be treated harshly.
.02
Latest incarnation below with a typo fix and a couple of minor additions.
Not rolled it out yet so if anyone has any suggestions (besides the rude ones)
Also attached it as a code sample for anyone who wants to CP parts for thier own use.
Please READ THIS POST to help you get the best out of the forum.
SIMPLE TROUBLESHOOTING.
These steps may also save you some unnecessary time and effort in the forum.
- Always provide as much detail as possible to your issue it may be important.
- If applicable provide your SKETCH inside CODE TAGS ( </> ) or a CREATE share link.
- If applicable provide a schematic even if hand drawn.
- How to insert a picture into your post
- If applicable provide a proper LINK to the hardware / sensors etc. you are using.
COMMON ISSUES
- Check you have a COMMON GROUND where required.
- Where possible use USB 2.0 ports or a USB 2.0 POWERED HUB to rule out USB 3.0 issues.
- Try other computers where possible.
- Try other USB leads where possible.
- You may not have the correct driver installed. CH340/341 or CP2102
- There may be a problem with the board check your wiring first.
- Remove any items connected to pins 0 and 1.
COMPUTER RELATED
- Ensure you turn off any additional security / antivirus just to test.
- There may be a problem with the PC try RESTARTING it.
- You may be selecting the wrong COM port.
- Avoid cloud/network based installations where possible OR ensure your Network/Cloud software is RUNNING.
- Clear your browsers CACHE.
- Close the IDE before using any other serial programs.
- Preferably install IDE's as ADMINISTRATOR or your OS equivalent
Performing the above actions may help resolve your problem without further help.
Bob.
[b]
Please[/b][url=https://forum.arduino.cc/index.php?topic=148850.0] READ THIS POST[/url] [b]to help you get the best out of the forum.[/b]
[b]SIMPLE TROUBLESHOOTING.[/b]
[u][b]These steps may also save you some unnecessary time and effort in the forum.[/b][/u]
[list]
[li]Always [url=https://forum.arduino.cc/index.php?topic=148850.0]provide as much detail as possible[/url] to your issue it may be important.[/li]
[li]If applicable provide your SKETCH inside CODE TAGS ([b] </>[/b] ) or a [url=https://create.arduino.cc/]CREATE[/url] share link.[/li]
[li]If applicable provide a schematic even if hand drawn.[/li]
[li]How to [url=https://forum.arduino.cc/index.php?topic=519037.0]insert a picture[/url] into your post[/li]
[li]If applicable provide a proper LINK to the hardware / sensors etc. you are using.[/li]
[/list][b]COMMON ISSUES[/b]
[list]
[li]Check you have a [url=https://circuitdigest.com/sites/default/files/circuitdiagram_mic/Circuit-diagram-for-Controlling-Multiple-Servo-Motors-with-Arduino.png]COMMON GROUND[/url] where required.[/li]
[li]Where possible use USB 2.0 ports or a USB 2.0 POWERED HUB to rule out USB 3.0 issues.[/li]
[li]Try other computers where possible.[/li]
[li]Try other USB leads where possible.[/li]
[li]You may not have the correct driver installed. [url=http://www.wch.cn/download/CH341SER_EXE.html]CH340/341[/url] or [url=https://www.silabs.com/products/development-tools/software/usb-to-uart-bridge-vcp-drivers]CP2102[/url][/li]
[li]There may be a problem with the board check your wiring first.[/li]
[li]Remove any items connected to pins 0 and 1.[/li]
[/list][b]COMPUTER RELATED[/b]
[list]
[li]Ensure you turn off any additional security / antivirus just to test.[/li]
[li]There may be a problem with the PC try RESTARTING it.[/li]
[li]You may be selecting the wrong COM port.[/li]
[li]Avoid cloud/network based installations where possible OR ensure your Network/Cloud software is RUNNING.[/li]
[li]Clear your browsers CACHE.[/li]
[li]Close the IDE before using any other serial programs.[/li]
[li]Preferably install IDE's as ADMINISTRATOR or your OS equivalent[/li]
[/list]
[i][u]Performing the above actions may help resolve your problem without further help.[/u][/i]
- Close the IDE before using any other serial programs.
Suggest also include this line (it is something I regularly forget and then wonder why the IDE can't connect to upload)
* And close any other serial programs before opening the IDE
...R
Latest revision.
Please READ THIS POST to help you get the best out of the forum.
SIMPLE TROUBLESHOOTING.
These steps may also save you some unnecessary time and effort in the forum.
- Always provide as much detail as possible to your issue it may be important.
- If applicable provide your SKETCH inside CODE TAGS ( </> ) or a CREATE share link.
- If applicable provide a schematic even if hand drawn.
- How to insert a picture into your post
- If applicable provide a proper LINK to the hardware / sensors etc. you are using.
COMMON ISSUES
- Check you have a COMMON GROUND where required.
- Where possible use USB 2.0 ports or a USB 2.0 POWERED HUB to rule out USB 3.0 issues.
- Try other computers where possible.
- Try other USB leads where possible.
- You may not have the correct driver installed. CH340/341 or CP2102
- There may be a problem with the board check your wiring first.
- Remove any items connected to pins 0 and 1.
COMPUTER RELATED
- close any other serial programs before opening the IDE.
- Ensure you turn off any additional security / antivirus just to test.
- There may be a problem with the PC try RESTARTING it.
- You may be selecting the wrong COM port.
- Avoid cloud/network based installations where possible OR ensure your Network/Cloud software is RUNNING.
- Clear your browsers CACHE.
- Close the IDE before using any other serial programs.
- Preferably install IDE's as ADMINISTRATOR or your OS equivalent
Arduino specific boards
- NANO (Old Types) some require you to use the OLD BOOTLOADER option.
- NANO (New Types) See the specific sections lower in the forum.
- NANO (New Types) Install your board CORE's.
Language problem ?
Try a language closer to your native language:
- 中文 - Chinese
- Deutsch - German
- Español - Spanish
- Français - French
- অসমীয়া, বাংলা, बड़ो (India)
- Italiano - Italian
- Nederlands - Dutch
- Português - Portuguese
- Русский - Russian
- Svenska - Swedish, Suomi - Finnish, Norsk - Norwegian
Performing the above actions may resolve your problem without further help.
Many thanks to all those who helped and added to this list.
Bob.
I know it is nit-picking but I think the line
Performing the above actions may resolve your problem without further help.
should go above the language section - i.e. before the line
Language problem ?
...R
PS ... I got well paid for this sh*t for over 35 years 
Yes you are correct it should go there.
I c/p'd the language options in from another source.
btw also written a lot of company documentation too
Never really got paid well for it though.
Bob.