Serial Communication

In windows 7 x64 I have complied firmware and generated configuration file and placed on SD card via mass storage device drive. However, I cannot access the board via serial port. Windows drivers have been installed per instructions but terminal program or Pronterface will not connect. Could be a serial port or drive problem but nor sure how to tell. Suggestions?

Imported from wikidot

Figured out that I can connect using Pronterface immediately after flashing firmware but only once. If I disconnect and reconnect no response. i still have not been able to connect via terminal program.