Thanks for the reply. I do lack the experience that most people posses here on this forum, however, I think I should be able to answer both of your questions.

1. How is my PIC handling MCLR? Internally or Externally?

I believe it's external because in my code I have "MCLR_OFF" and the only thing connected to RA3 (16F688) is the pin from the ICSP plug.

2. If I have anything connected to the MCLR pin externally, am I likely to blow it up by applying a high programming voltage to it?

As I answered above, nothing else is connected to MCLR. On the schematic, it goes +5V.....diode.....10K......RA3 (MCLR).

So, if I'm assuming correctly, which almost never happens :-), the answer is yes that I can use just a 10K resistor to program. If that's true, what happens if the MCLR is left disconnected (no voltage) when the program is running? Will there be no effect in operation?

Thanks,

Chris