I have downloaded the Arduino IDE 1.5.2 on my Windows 8 Surface Pro.
I have successfully setup my Uno with driver, and used the IDE to compile and upload the Blink test example.
I have not yet done the same with my Due, but it should work.
The problem is that the Tools menu takes a very long (frustrating) time to show the drop down menu. I have been using the IDE with my Windows XP for some months, without any problem. Is there an issue with Windows 8 and the Arduino software?
Update:
I installed the Arduino software on another (desktop) Windows 8 computer, and the Tools menu works fine.
I have deleted and reinstalled it on the Surface Pro, and the same thing happens. It takes a LONG time for the tools menu to drop down. But everything seems to work.
This is very frustrating. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks Eried.
Your installer looks impressive. Does it install Arduino IDE version 1.5.2 ? (I have a Due)
I will work through the thread about what can be done about the slow Tools menu problem, but it looks like it will take a bit of time and thought.
Does using your installer take care of this problem?
If I use it, will it be confused by the fact that I already have installed a driver for one Uno board?
Yes, it should solve the problem 
but it is only for the 1.0.5
Eried: Thank you for your help.
Can I use this: http://servicios.ried.cl/arduino/temp/rxtxSerial-2.2_fixed_2009-03-17.rar
to replace the rxtxSerial.dll in the Arduino IDE version 1.5.2?
Thank you.
I had this problem too. Once I disabled ALL other virtual COM ports in windows device manager the Arduino IDE worked perfectly.
Once I disabled ALL other virtual COM ports in windows device manager the Arduino IDE worked perfectly.
Yes, I have found this also. However, my current project involves communicating with the Arduino itself via Bluetooth, so I am looking for a way to make them compatible.
This patched version of RXTX may be similar to the link you already posted: