AVR Pocket Programmer under Windows 7
Getting this guy to work with Windows 7 x64 is a pain, however it is one of the most economical programmers out there so I feel it was definitely worth the effort. It is based off of the libusb-32 driver package and, like many open-source projects with no cash flow, it has no signed driver support. To fix this involves some pretty nasty hacks, but luckily Microsoft has simplified the process for us with their bcdedit utility for editing Windows boot options. Follow the steps after the break and you’ll be off programming AVRs before you know it!
Warning: Making changes to your computer can cause permanent, hard-to-fix problems. Proceed at your own risk!
- Click on your Start menu and type “cmd”.
- Right click on command prompt and goto “Run as Administrator”.
- Execute the following commands: `bcdedit -set loadoptions DISABLE_INTEGRITY_CHECKS` and `bcdedit -set TESTSIGNING ON`
- Reboot and install the drivers from SparkFun’s site.
- Program away!
As a side effect your computer desktop will now permanently display “Test Mode” 
To undo these procedures simply run the commands again, substituting `-set` for `-deletevalue`.
Hi, I recently bought this programmer from sparkfun and have had lots of trouble. When I plug it in the D-, Stat 1 LEDs are always on. Also I tried the trick you listed above for windows 7 pro x64 and still have trouble. This is what the drivers say under the device properties sub category device status.Windows cannot verify the digital signature for the drivers required for this device. A recent hardware or software change might have installed a file that is signed incorrectly or damaged, or that might be malicious software from an unknown source. (Code 52)I was hoping for some insight
Thanks in advance!
Bon Brannan
4 Jul 10 at 7:42 pm
Hi,I tried following your instructions for Win7 64 bit Enterprise version and it did not work. After 2 commands on the CMD, then reboot. I could see the Test mode text on right bottom corner but even after that when I try to install the software, it still gives me error code 52, same stuff. Any thoughts?Thx
Suhas
15 Nov 10 at 2:49 pm
1. Restart the machine
2. Press F8 on startup
3. Select disable driver signing
4. Install the driver
5. It works!
Shavaj Kallamkote
28 Oct 11 at 1:16 am
Just to confirm.
1. Restart the machine
2. Press F8 on startup
3. Select disable driver signing
4. Install the driver
5. It works!
The above steps Works, Thanks Shavaj Kallamkote
I also found that, if you have installed the driver and have the windows Error, you can skip install driver, as this worked for me.
Tbillers
8 Jan 12 at 11:58 pm