New Arduino Nano Failing to Connect to Computer

When I connect my Arduino nano to my pc, it is not recognized in the device manager. Originally, I thought this was a cable issue, however when I used a brand-new USB A to mini-B sync cable it still was not recognized. My Arduino uno rev 3 is instantly recognized with no issues so the USB port in my PC is operating normally. In addition to this, the nano is clearly turned on and the "L" LED is blinking like it should. From my understanding, when the nano is plugged into the PC it should immediately install its own drivers. This is not the case.

Please help.

Thank you,
Emmett

What kind of Nano is it? Genuine, clone? Nano Classic or Nano Every?

It's a genuine Nano.

Classic or Every? Both are genuine.

Classic, although the box only says "Nano" so I am not entirely sure.

Have you done a close up visual inspection? Is anything warm to the touch? Is anything else connected to it while you attempt to upload?

Yeah I recently checked to make sure all the connections were okay and everything looks good. The ATmega chip is does not feel warm and the FTDI chip also seems to be operating with a normal temperature. I only have it plugged into my PC with all of the additional pins open.

Did it ever work? When you upload, do the RX/TX LEDs flash?

Unfortunately, no.

Well, it might be defective. You should return it to the vendor.

I was hoping it would not come to this but oh well. Thank you so much for your quick response.

Unfortunately it's harder to troubleshoot things that don't work than things that do. :slight_smile:

I would be checking solder joins on the board... especially the USB connector...

Have you tried:

  1. A different usb cable, or at least verified that the usb cable you are using works with other devices?
  2. A different USB port
  3. A different PC/laptop,
  4. A different Nano with the same cable, port & laptop
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I've tried a new USB cable, a different port, and a different laptop. The only thing I have not tried is using a different nano because I only have one. I have used a different type of Arduino (uno rev 3) but that uses a different USB cable.

Ok, it's good you have tried those things. Most beginners don't think to try these things.

At this point, I am leaning towards @anon57585045 's diagnosis. Buy another Nano, from another vendor. At least then you will have a spare Nano, at the least.

Yeah I am content with just getting another board. Thank you both for providing sound inputs.

Once you have a known working Nano, keep it safe. Don't use it in the the final version of any project. That way you always have something to compare against when things don't work as expected! I have kept my known/working Nano for almost 10 years now. Same goes for any non-trivial component. For example I wish I had kept my original DFplayer mini for the same reason.

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