Bruce,
PWRT is already disabled. Here is the whole configuration line:

@device pic16f819,intrc_osc_noclkout,wdt_on,pwrt_off,mclr_ off,bod_off,lvp_off,cpd_off

@ device ccpmx_off,debug_off,wrt_off,protect_off

I will try M's cap fix. The approach makes sense because it creates a transient path to gnd for the spurious voltage. Can't do this right away though...will have to wait.

Dick