> I have seen in the new MPLAB 3.40.09 readme notes that
> there is an upgrade to the PICSTART Plus programmer.  It says
> that you need to program a 17C44 with the new firmware
> software (PSF15000.HEX ?).  I have searched on Microchip's web
> and cannot find it - does anyone know what the procedure is?
It will be in the MPLAB directory when you install it.

> Also I have an older PICSTART-16C - can this be upgraded
> so that it could be recognised by MPLAB and then used to program
> some devices as it is a shame to waste it.
>
No on MPLAB. Can be upgraded to PHOENIX software (unsupported) from
DONTRONICS for
newer chips. This also requires using NEWFOUND's TM4 software.