CP2102 UART disconnecting

[gech]

HI, I have a curious problem driving me a bit .... well.

I have a CP2102 serial UART / USB, which ( seem to) disconnect, or at least renders inaccessible when I connect
the cable to the UART pins of my bord.

Strange is that this happens when using my (antique )Win XP laptops, while using a Win10 it works ok!!

Thing is that IT HAS worked fine on the XP for a long time.....

when just inserting the CP2102 in the USB port, all is fine, PUTTY (terminal util) finds it OK on COM3 port,
but only if the 3 lead (RX,TX, GND) is not connected to the board (tested with several different bords), and
as soon it is connected, the processor goes haywire

ALSO I have a ISP /USB (USBASP) programmer, which acts about the same way !! as long as the cable to ISP pins is not connected, avrdude finds the programmer fine, but as soon as connecting to bord its no longer found by avrdude.

What is going on ? Thankfull for help and ideas

[Ballscrewbob]

As there have been no updates to XP (dead OS) for a very long time it will not be that aspect.
If it is a more recent issue then first check any additional software you may have installed especially terminal connection type programs.
Usually using an external programmer requires a fourth wire for the reset maybe that would help.

Could you also take a few moments to Learn How To Use The Forum.

Other general help and troubleshooting advice can be found here.
It will help you get the best out of the forum in the future.