s. rao wrote:

> --> The assembler does not like TRIS portb, etc., and it has been
> suggested to me that `TRIS' is not an opcode at all.

  Add the line (does *not* start in first column)

    ERRORLEVEL -224

to each P16Cxx(x).INC file in your working directory.  This will prevent
the assembler from misleading you.  TRIS is valid in all 12- and 14-bit
PICs ever made.  Using it will save you a lot of heartache.

> --> The assembler also does not like MOVLW d'8' et cetera to move a
> required number of bits; what is the correct syntax?

Unless you set your radix to something strange, numbers less than ten
never need a qualifier.  MOVLW 8 is preferred (because it is so CLEAR to
read).
--
  Cheers,
        Paul B.