I don't use an EPIC so don't ask me questions about it...

However, I have on several occasions come across batches of PICs (these are factory new) that NEED to be erased prior to programming. Some PICs will program straight out of the tube, some will fail. But if an ERASE operation is performed first, they all program first time.

By default for the last year, I've preset 'Erase before Programming' and I've not had any such programming errors since.

btw... a forum SEARCH on "error 0000" brings up this topic which has been discussed several times. Perhaps there is something in an old thread which may help.