ERROR: avrdude: stk500_getsync()

I have been using an Arduino Uno for 2 months. Occasionally it gave the following error when i tried to upload a code.

avrdude: stk500_getsync(): not in sync: resp=0x00

I just took out the USB cable and re inserted it, and it was solved previously. But from today onwards, nothing is working. It keeps on giving the error when i try to upload a code. I checked all the things i could think of.

  1. the port selection
  2. checked the driver settings, updated it
  3. made sure there were no connections from the arduino while uploading
  4. made sure the bootloader was allright (led 13 was lighting up when powered)

When i open the serial monitor, i can see the previously loaded code being executed, so the arduino is working. But it just cant take in a new code. What other things may i try? Is it possible that the arduino or a part of it is damaged?

The arduino seemed to be working fine even 2 days back with the same configurations. But now, it just cant take in a code anymore.

Someone please suggest some ideas. I tried it on a different system, exactly same result. The only thing left to do is to change the USB cable but there is not the faintest chance that it will do anything. I didnot put it under any sort of pressure or anything.

I am totally at bay with this thing. I am not sure if i need to buy a new arduino or not. And if indeed this one is damaged, i would really like to have some clue as to what went wrong.

are you using any other microcontroller on the rx rx lines ?

I had this problem once and it was an old boot loader as I recall. You might try downloading an older version (pre-1.0) of the IDE and see if your board works with it.

I am not using anything on the Rx and Tx pins. That was about the first thing i checked.

I could download an download an older version and try but as i said my board was working fine with the same version and everything even 3 days back. Only now it has stopped accepting codes.

I think the issue cant be with the USB cable either as the serial monitor is showing the execution of the last loaded code. So the USB cable is transmitting.

tools> board is the arduino uno selected ?

Yes. The right board, along the the correct port is selected. Should i worry about the bootloader? The led is lighting up when i reset so i guess it is allright. But honestly i cant think of anything else at all.

Has this error message ever known to be associated with a damaged arduino?

maybe re installing the driver might help

I would try re-burning the bootloader

I would try rebooting the computer. Mine has been similarly unreliable the entire time.

michinyon:
I would try rebooting the computer. Mine has been similarly unreliable the entire time.

Yes i have thought about re booting my computer (Though i cant exactly understand how it might solve the problem). So before doing that i just tried it on a different computer. And i got exactly the same result as in my computer. So i dint go with the re booting process. Have you been stuck with this issue as well? Has re-booting helped sort it out?