basic installation problem-no arduino port?

[mountainman13]

I am trying to install my arduino uno for the first time and while following the start instructions on the arduino site I am stuck on installing the drivers because it lists nothing but COM3 under ports, nothing titled arduino. I am running windows vista, if that matters.

Any suggestions?

Thanks from a grateful newbie

[adafruit_support_rick]

it lists nothing but COM3 under ports, nothing titled arduino

You are referring to the list in Device Manager?

Does the arduino appear under "Other Devices"? (or anyplace else?)

[mountainman13]

Driverblock
Yes, under device manager.
I cannot find the arduino anywhere under device manager. Where else would I look?

[adafruit_support_rick]

It may not be called "arduino". I just plugged a Uno into an XP system, and it shows up under "Other devices" simply as "USB device".

While you're looking at the Device Manager, try unplugging and replugging the Arduino. Look for anything that disappears and re-appears.

[mountainman13]

You are awesome. It showed up under other, without a name. I would never have figured that out. Thank you. My 9 year old daughter thanks you too!

[adafruit_support_rick]

You're welcome!