sorry about the blank message - spastically hit send instead of something nearby. Also sorry to add a post to this topic, but I've gotten confused. If I am NOT using a bootloader, but do have a board set up for ICSP, do I still have a protectable, flashable setup as I think I do? In all of the discussion, the distinction between bootloaders and ICSP has gotten blurred in my mind. Programming environment is a promate attached via cable to target board; target board is complete, including F87x; has been designed to accomodate ICSP. The first time I program, if I set code protect, as far as I know, the chip cannot be read, but can be programmed again. The programming sequence for a code protected chip requires that the entire chip be erased first, thus protecting the contents. Is this all still true? Thanks. -- http://www.piclist.com hint: PICList Posts must start with ONE topic: [PIC]:,[SX]:,[AVR]: ->uP ONLY! [EE]:,[OT]: ->Other [BUY]:,[AD]: ->Ads