Freezing PIC !

[Bruce]

Strange problem for sure. I would create two copies of the same program. Something simple
like blink1.bas and blink2.bas. Compile blink1.bas and keep it in a separate directory outside
of my usual code files directory.

Compile blink2.bas and compare the two .hex files. The next time this happens, recompile
blink2.bas and compare the .hex files again.

If they're different you have it narrowed down to some part of the compile process. That
should make it easier to nail down.

I would also try reinstalling stuff one at a time. I.E. reinstall MCS, then test it before you
reinstall PBP or MPLAB. It may be only one of these getting screwed up.

I had some odd problems recently after installing XP service pack 3 where XP would not allow
me to save a ton of various file extensions. I had to do this;
http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/re...in-windows-xp/

[wayne2056]

I have experienced this when my programming cable is left plugged into the board.
It doesn't release the PIC from reset is my theory.

Also check to be sure your haven't left your PIC programmed for debug.
Not sure that causes anything your experiencing but I had done that once before and while running the PIC would occasionally lock up and have to be reset.

Good Luck

[Bruce]

Good point on the debug thing. A while back someone here was having a similar problem
when using MCS to compile.

They were clicking on ICD Compile/Program VS compile/program. And of course the PIC
did nothing since it wasn't being controlled by the MCS ICD.

[PICante]

It’s now all re-installed and works just fine again! Tried different variations of hardware and software but I couldn’t provoke it to fail again. There are no problems leaving the programmer connected all the time, the PIC starts running as soon as the programmer is finished. Only difference now is a slightly newer version of MPLAB the 8.10. I have followed Bruce advice to create two copies of a simple program and store one of them in a safe place if (God forbid!) it ever happens again.

Wayne>
Once I made a mistake using an NC micro switch on one of the pins used by the programmer and the programming failed. I can imagine some programmers can when connected disturb the PIC in a similar way. When I discovered my mistake I just needed to push and hold the switch while the programmer was running and it worked fine. (I took me awhile to find it though!).

Thank you very much guys for being here!