I can build this in Visual Studio code with platform.io, but I really want to use VS17. However, while I can build it, when I go to "build and upload" I keep getting this error.

Why doesn't the viusal micro put this error in context....?
What file?
Where is it looking?


Compiling debug version of 'TestSend' for 'ATmega168/328 w/ Atmega328P @ 16MHz w/Arduino as ISP'
Program size: 3,378 bytes (used 10% of a 32,768 byte maximum) (1.74 secs)
Minimum Memory Usage: 399 bytes (78% of a 512 byte maximum)
 
Uploading 'TestSend' to 'ATmega168/328 w/ Atmega328P @ 16MHz w/Arduino as ISP' using 'COM3'
The system cannot find the file specified

This doesn't seem to have fixed anything. I still get the same warning as I originally posted. 
However, if I change the programmer (to either of the two options) I get a slightly different message that might give more details to what is going on (maybe).
The hex file path is shortened with tilde '~' at a length of 8 char. 
When I navigate to that location I do see the hex file and I have even used Xloader to load that file and it works.
Is the error referring to the hex file?

If so, why is the path being shortened?

Uploading 'AnotherTestSend' to 'ATmega168/328 w/ Atmega328P @ 16MHz w/Arduino as ISP' using 'COM3'
Uploader started for board ATmega168/328 w/ Atmega328P @ 16MHz w/Arduino as ISP
Upload method will be: bootloader
Uploading via Bootloader 
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio\2017\Community\Common7\IDE\Extensions\3hu2iyqt.s0h\Micro Platforms\visualmicro\ide\hardware\tools\avr\bin\avrdude -C"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio\2017\Community\Common7\IDE\Extensions\3hu2iyqt.s0h\Micro Platforms\visualmicro\ide\hardware/tools/avr/etc/avrdude.conf" -v -v -v -v -patmega328p -c -P\\.\COM3 -b115200 -D otherTestSend.ino.hex":i
The system cannot find the file specified

Ok, sorry I didn't see the last part of your previous post. I just sent over the log to the email you gave me.

Thanks for your help.

The board is Gikfun V3.0 ATmega328 CH340G

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SGMEH7G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s01?ie=UT...

I didn't get the board where you thought I did. The driver seemed to already be there when I plugged the board in (via the USB cable).

I was able to go to vMicro>Uploader and selected "always use for uploads". 
However, the only programmers I have to choose from are:
AVR Dragon as ISP
Atmel mEDBG

When selecting either of those I get a different error:

Uploading 'AnotherTestSend' to 'ATmega168/328 w/ Atmega328P @ 16MHz w/Arduino as ISP' using 'medbg'
Uploader started for board ATmega168/328 w/ Atmega328P @ 16MHz w/Arduino as ISP
Uploader will use programmer name: medbg
no5\bin\avrdude duino5/etc/avrdude.conf" -v -patmega328p -cstk500v2 -Pusb egax8_328_16\Debug/AnotherTestSend.ino.hex:i"
avrdude: Version 6.0.1, compiled on Apr 15 2015 at 19:59:58
         Copyright (c) 2000-2005 Brian Dean, http://www.bdmicro.com/
         Copyright (c) 2007-2009 Joerg Wunsch
         System wide configuration file is ino5/etc/avrdude.conf"
         Using Port                    : usb
         Using Programmer              : stk500v2
avrdude: usbdev_open(): did not find any USB device "usb"
Error during upload using programmer
The uploader process failed

The uploader process failed
The uploader returned an error

Ok, I was able to get it working now.

I switched the board to Arduino Nano w/ATmega328 and actually de-selected the "use when uploading", but I am using the 'Arduino as ISP'


Thanks again for your help!

Trevor