Unable to upload to Arduino Nano

Development Tools IDE 1.x
1

I have been using the Arduino Uno successfully and decided to get an Arduino nano (Chip: ATMEGA328, 16Mhz). But, when I connect the nano and try to run the example blink program, the code will not upload with this error:

Arduino: 1.8.13 (Windows 10), Board: "Arduino Nano, ATmega328P"
Sketch uses 924 bytes (3%) of program storage space. Maximum is 30720 bytes.
Global variables use 9 bytes (0%) of dynamic memory, leaving 2039 bytes for local variables. Maximum is 2048 bytes.
avrdude: ser_open(): can't open device "\.\COM3": The system cannot find the file specified.
Problem uploading to board. See http://www.arduino.cc/en/Guide/Troubleshooting#upload for suggestions.

The Tools>Port option always remains greyed out. I get a "bing" sound from my computer when I plug in the nano so it appears to recognize that the board is attached. I also get a very brief flash of a red light and then is a continuous green light with blinking orange light (about 1/sec) from the nano.

My troubleshooting steps:

  • Bought a new Mini-B USB cable but same result
  • Made sure the Mini-B USB is plugged all the way into the board. I'm afraid if I push it in any harder it will break something.
  • Reinstalled the Arduino software on my computer
  • Tried the online Arduino software version at create.arduino.cc/editor. Everything works fine when I plug in my Uno (even automatically recognizes it) but when I plug in the nano and select the Arduino Nano as the board, there is always a red "X" to the left of it in the selection window. Error is "Error uploading, check if the selected board is currently available." In contrast, when I plug in the Arduino Uno board, the red "X" goes away, code uploads and runs fine.
  • Looked in the forum and found this topic "Port grayed out under tools port" and tried running the steps specified there without success. My computer device manager does not see the port (shows "Other devices, FT232R USB UART")
  • I returned the nano board and received a replacement. The new board is doing the EXACT SAME THING! I'm completely at a loss.

Please let me know if you can offer any advice. I really appreciate that you are volunteering your time to help.

2

decided to get an Arduino nano (Chip: ATMEGA328, 16Mhz).

Where did you get this? Is it an Arduino, or another brand? Have you installed any other drivers? can you post a link where you bought it.

3

What does Windows device manager think of your board?

If it's a clone, there is a good chance that you need to install the driver. Check the chip at the bottom of the board, it probably is a CH340 in which case the driver can be downloaded from the chines website; i think it's WCH.

Once you have taken the driver hurdle, you will probably have to select the old bootloader option under tools -> processor in the IDE.

4

I am having the exact same problem and I have a genuine Arduino Nano board. I also bought a new cable and reinstalled the IDE etc. I have even tried to upload a new bootloader from a genuine Arduino Uno but that fails as well. The nano blinks when pugged in but Port menu is greyed out. I am also at a loss. Please Help. Thanks.

5

@noob1

Could you also take a few moments to Learn How To Use The Forum.

Other general help and troubleshooting advice can be found here.
It will help you get the best out of the forum in the future.

When you have finished those links and done as they suggest then add all the info that is missing please.

6

I am having the exact same problem and I have a genuine Arduino Nano board. I also bought a new cable and reinstalled the IDE etc. I have even tried to upload a new bootloader from a genuine Arduino Uno but that fails as well. The nano blinks when pugged in but Port menu is greyed out. I am also at a loss. Please Help. Thanks.

Please give a link to where you bought the nano.

7

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