PICkit3 and 16F1827 with MPLAB X programming naughtiness

[PerranOak]

Previously, I have been programming the 16F1827 with a proprietary programmer and all was well.

Now, I'm trying to do the same using the PICkit3 and MPLAB but I keep getting:

Connecting to MPLAB PICkit 3...

Currently loaded firmware on PICkit 3
Firmware Suite Version.....01.51.08
Firmware type..............Enhanced Midrange

Programmer to target power is enabled - VDD = 5.000000 volts.
Target Device ID (0x3fe0) is an Invalid Device ID. Please check your connections to the Target Device.

Device Erased...

Programming...

The following memory area(s) will be programmed:
program memory: start address = 0x0, end address = 0xcf
configuration memory
program memory
Address: 0 Expected Value: 2810 Received Value: 3fff
Failed to program device


I have programmed a 16F1829 with no problem (with PICkit3 and MPLAB) both C and assembler both in and out of a circuit. The "invalid device ID" happens when I programme the 16F1829 in assembly but not in C. Either way it still programmes and runs ok.

I've lifted the 16F1827 out of the circuit into an empty breadboard, connected it up and the same happens.

Could anyone give a few pointers as to what I can try next please?

Cheers.

[NorthGuy]

Looks like you have a broken chip.

[JPortici]

sometimes i get 0x3FE0 and it's usually two things
- the firmware in the PK3 is corrupted, or i'm using a very old version like when the PK3 was used by someone else with MPLAB and i have to use it with X/IPE so i have to force a new PK3 firmware download.
- problems in connections, the PGC/PGD pins are shared with something else or are swapped or whatever

[PerranOak]

Well!
I started today with a view to finding the problem and hey presto! the programming of the chip went on with no errors at all.
I tried a different USB port and kept everything away from the bench and it worked but then I tried it back exactly as yesterday and it still worked.
I thought that the PICkit firmware might have updated automatically but it reports the same version?