Problem solved. Problem: pic16f145x (1459 in this case) does not enter programming mode (hv= p or lvp). Solution: Make SURE all pins are witin -0.3V of gnd or higher under all cir= cumstances, I had one at -0.7V limited by an external 1N4148. Changed to Shottky, -0.3V= , all is well. --=20 http://www.piclist.com/techref/piclist PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist .