I can't get the example project to load in the AT91SAM7X-EK using SAM-ICE and IAR EWB V4.31A. When I try to debug the program I get the enclosed dialogue boxes.

The same setup works fine with the AT91SAM7S-EK

Is there some reason that SAM-ICE is not recognising the AT91SAM7X256 micro?

hello
afaik this is a problem of the j-link driver.

download the latest version of the j-link from www.segger.com and install it.
copy all of the .dll files in the installation directory of ewarm (..\arm\bin\)
and then it should work.

btw: the sam-ice is an oem-version of j-link.

regards
gerhard

http://www.atmel.com/dyn/products/faq_c ... aq_id=1977

This FAQ shows up if you search for "SAM-ICE" on the atmel.com website. Note their is a download of the User Guide available, too.

The update is required since the SAM-ICE dll checks the chips ID to validate it is allowed to function. As new chips are released, their chip IDs are going to change requiring this update.

Repost of information from link above for searching capabilities:
SAM-ICE software update
Post Date: 04/28/06
Question: How do I update my SAM-ICE software?
Answer: The SAM-ICE software update requires some additional delivery modules contained in a zip file available on the www.segger.com/at91.html web site in the “SAM-ICE/J-Link/J-Trace related software”, then “J-Flash” sub-areas. To proceed with update, carry out the following steps:
Download the “SAM-ICE/Jlink_ARM” zip file.
Unzip this download.
Run the .exe file contained in it.
Check the update in the “Doc\ReleaseNotes”.
Run the new J-Link.exe to update the SAM-ICE firmware.
Check if your PC driver is up to date with the delivery driver in the “USBDriver” folder contained in the .exe.
Copy the 2 DLLs to your development tools (JLinkARM.dll and JLinkRDI.dll).

This completes the software update.

Related Documents
and Software: AT91SAM-ICE User Guide (User Guide, 27 pages, updated 11/24/2005)