Why would bootloader get lost

JimG:

jmosk:
Is thre a specific diode that I should place between the 5v and RESET line to prevent this? Could one just use an LED as the diode which would also show that power was present?

I have used 1N4148 because I have a bunch of them. I think others have used 1N914. It should be a small signal diode because a fast response time is needed. An LED won't work.

Here's a link to the thread where the problem was clearly identified:
http://arduino.cc/forum/index.php/topic,64256.0.html

Jim

An LED may work and it wouldn't hurt to try. I suggest getting the proper diode though.