>One thing I would like to do is read back the option & fuse
>bits to see if this is in fact what happened.

YOu can always read the fuses - they aren't copy protected.  That would be
a good place to begin.

If the code protect fuses are blown (0 -> protected, 1 -> not protected)
then you CAN erase them, but it takes a long time.  I personally have blown
the CP fuses on several different chips, including the 73.  It took about 2
hours of UV (with the chip almost against the bulb, using the Digi-Key
eraser).

Some people believe Microchip about the chips being garbage.  That's just a
ploy to make you buy another $25 windowed chip.  Turn on the sunshine and
let it cook!

Andy

==================================================================
Andy Kunz - Montana Design - 409 S 6th St - Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
          Hardware & Software for Industry & R/C Hobbies
        "Go fast, turn right, and keep the wet side down!"
==================================================================