Error "not in sync"

Can anyone tell me what:
avrdude: stk500_getsync(): not in sync: resp=0x30
means, please?

Many Thanks,

Chris.

int num;
void setup() {
  num=0;
  // initialize serial communication at 9600 bits per second:
  Serial.begin(9600);
}
void loop() {
  num++;
  if (num==10) num=0;
  Serial.println(num);
  delay(500);
}

Check this out: http://www.instructables.com/id/A-solution-to-avrdude-stk500getsync-not-in-syn/

Thank you.

I very quickly got to the "your problem is beyond the scope of this guide" bit.

Rather than throw away my Arduino, I will wait hopefully for any other ideas ...
Chris

As in the diagnosis is that the bootloader is missing or corrupt?

In that case you could get another 328p-pu chip preloaded with bootloader for your particular board. Then use that to load the bootloader to the current chip? Then you'll have a spare one you can incorporate into your stand alone project! XD