UNO R3 error avrdude: stk500_getsync(): not in sync: resp=0x00

Using Arduino IDE 1.x
1

I cannot seem to get my first test program "Blink" to upload without giving the error "avrdude: stk500_getsync(): not in sync: resp=0x00".

I just purchased this in June. Download the IDE Arduino 1.0.1, selected the driver in the Arduino 1.0.1 drivers folder, it recognizes the board fine on COM4, I opened the IDE and the Board was already selected as Arduino UNO, Serial Port COM4. The board showed the LED next to "L" blinking continuous, and the green LED for power "ON" continuous. All seemed fine. I selected the "Blink" sketch and it looks fine. I uploaded using the "arrow" upload button, it says "Compiling" then "Uploading" and says "Binary sketch size: 1,084 bytes (of a 32,256 byte maximum)", waits a couple seconds, then says "Done uploading" and "avrdude: stk500_getsync(): not in sync: resp=0x00".

I am an EE, but my programming skills are far behind the times. I have searched many forums and read everything I can, but can't find a solution.

Any ideas? Thanks!

2

Try this:
Open device manager:

Go to Control Panel\Hardware and Sound and click "Device Manager".
Once on Device Manager go to Ports, click on your Arduino, go to driver and hit "Update driver".

Tell me how that goes.

3

I have the same exact problem except my program doesnt run when i have the bluesmirf bluetooth module attached to the pins 0 RX and pin 1 Tx. It works when i remove it. please help. thx