i'd make the suggestion to help everyone be clear on things... the terminology used.
instead of "programming" i'd like to you flashing for when you are attempting to load firmware onto a pic using a pickit device.
and use "configuring" when you are trying to use a software utility to update settings on a pic that already has firmware loaded on it.
if i started a test topic and said that i'm having trouble programming my ssc, half of you would think the first issue, and half would think the 2nd...
it's just my 2 cents, and hope it will clarify.