Quote Originally Posted by Demon View Post
Look at the datasheet and confirm the MCLR pin can be used as an output. MCLR on the 18F44K22 can only be an input; making it an output can have unexpected results.

Robert
I was able to program the chip by pressing the "program" button on the meProgrammer about a half second after the chip powered up. This prevented the program from reaching the "end" statement.