> OK, looks like I've found the issue, and guess what - nothing to > do with the PIC, not surprisingly Always in the last place you look eh ? hehe. How's it feel - not banging your head on a brick wall anymore ? > Many thanks to all those who posted suggestions and useful ideas, > hope you don't feel I've wasted your time ! Not at all. I learned a few little tidbits about EEPROM, and knowing more than you did the day before is no bad thing -- http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different ways. See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details.