Programming the Baofeng UV-5R can be accomplished easily with the Baofeng programming cable and CHIRP software. However, if the correct programming cable and driver are not used, it can become an issue. Unfortunately, counterfeit radios and cables exist. This is why it is important to verify the source of the equipment.

As an authorized Baofeng dealer, Buy Two Way Radios provides genuine Baofeng radios and accessories, such as the Baofeng UV-5R Dual Band Amateur Radio and the Baofeng UV-5R USB Programming Cable. The programming cable we offer comes with a CD we created that includes an improved working driver that is fully tested and verified to work with Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and WIndows 8. The CD also includes the latest stable version of CHIRP, which is tested to work with the UV-5R and other Baofeng amateur two way radios.

More information about CHIRP is available at http://chirp.danplanet.com/projects/chirp/wiki/Home and complete instructions for programming the Baofeng radios are available at http://www.miklor.com/ .

Additional resources:

A Real Baofeng UV-5R Owners Manual
http://www.buytwowayradios.com/blog/2013/05/a_real_baofeng_uv-5r_owners_manual.aspx

How to install the Baofeng USB cable driver and software
http://www.buytwowayradios.com/blog/2013/11/how_to_install_the_baofeng_usb_programming_cable_and_software_1.aspx

The Two Way Radio Show Podcast TWRS-54 - An Introduction To Amateur Radio (This episode features a review of the Baofeng UV-5R)
http://www.buytwowayradios.com/blog/2013/03/twrs-54_-_an_introduction_to_amateur_radio.aspx

The Two Way Radio Show Podcast TWRS-80 - Baofeng Radio Myths and Facts
http://www.buytwowayradios.com/blog/2014/09/twrs-80_-_baofeng_radio_myths_and_facts.aspx

Baofeng UV-5R Amateur Radio Unboxing
http://www.buytwowayradios.com/blog/2013/06/baofeng_uv-5r_amateur_radio_unboxing.aspx

How to connect the Baofeng UV-5R amateur radio to the Tram 1185 mobile antenna
http://www.buytwowayradios.com/blog/2013/05/baofeng_uv-5r_amateur_radio_mobile_antenna.aspx

How to check the firmware version of the Baofeng UV-5R
http://www.buytwowayradios.com/blog/2013/05/how_to_check_the_firmware_version_of_the_baofeng_uv-5r.aspx

You can also request assistance in the Two Way Radio Forum, a community of two way radio experts and enthusiasts at http://twowayradioforum.com. The forum is online 24/7.