downloading error

Archiver

while i'm asking questions here...has anybody had any problems like
this, and have some pointers...

to program my bs2 i use a serial cable and serial adaptor (with
headers soldered on to pins 2,3,4, and 5 of the serial adaptor) and a
solderless breadboard. i've never had trouble programming my bs2
before, but lately i've been getting really erratic errors, where the
editor sometimes cannot find my bs2. this happens even with new
breadboards. i figure there must be some wear and tear on the boards
after plugging my cable in and out, but how do other people deal with
this? what kind of systems do people use to make sure their
electrical contacts stay secure?

thanks,
katherine