Problem With Uploading Code

Using Arduino Project Guidance
1

Hey guys, im trying to update the code on my chip. Its drawing power from my dell 64 bit windows7 laptop, but the software throws up an error message saying that serial port com3 is already in use when trying to upload code. Ive had the problem before and got around it by restarting the machine, unplugging and plugging the usb into the machine etc. But this time it just is'nt letting up.
When i go to device manager a small exclamation mark is on top of the logo for the serial port, also the arduino software wont allow me to even select a serial port.
I understand this can be because of other programs which may require serial communication clashing with the arduino software. I can't think of anything running that would effect it, as i don't have much software installed on the computer.
Could it maybe be a background process?

Thanks
si

2

This happens to me all the time and its really, really annoying. And it does not just happen on 64bit Windows 7. Usually I go to the device manager and disable the serial port, then re-enable it. Sometimes I can;t do that and i have to reboot. I think what is happening is that there is an instance of avrdude still running somewhere.

Wish I could offer more help.

3

yes, i have noticed it before on my desktop, disabling and enabling the device dosen't work, fortunately the code i want is on the chip at the moment, but i do want to update it!
thanks for the suggestion ill bear that in mind..

anyone else shed some light on this?
si

4

Even after rebooting it fails?

5

yes unfortunately :frowning: ill try in another computer

6

nobody else had this problem? or had it solved? ive seen similar topics on the board?

7

If the problem persists accross a reboot, the only thing I can suggest is to completely reinstall the drivers. I have had the problem where the port becomes inaccessible, but never seen it persist accross a reboot.

8

i havent tried uploading a code but i think ive solved the problem. if you go to device manager, right click on the com port, update driver, browse computer, then click 'let me pick from a list of devices...', press next, com port is registered again...