Saving PIC firmware to a file

[ttp]

This is my second encounter with PIC and MPLABX. I'm trying to fix a gadget that has PIC18F25K80 in it, I think PIC is ok but wanted to save the firmware just in case I'll break the chip. I got access to PICKIT3 and after working out which pins need to be connected where and soldering wires to tiny smd pins I thought it's going to be easy. All connected ok and the proof is here:

Code: [Select]

Connecting to MPLAB PICkit 3...
Firmware Suite Version.....01.28.57
Firmware type..............PIC18F

Target detected
Device ID Revision = 4
2013-03-23T18:21:15+1000- Reading...

The following memory area(s) will be read:
program memory: start address = 0x0, end address = 0x7fff
configuration memory
EEData memory
User Id Memory

Reading...
Read complete
2013-03-23T18:21:22+1000- Read complete

I don't seem to be able to save (or even see) the contents of PIC flash or anything? Am I loosing my marbles or is MPLABX and IPE so intuitive to use?

[AndyC_772]

What do you see when you select Window > PIC Memory views > Program Memory?

It's possible that the device will have code protection turned on, in which case you won't be able to read back the memory contents.

[ttp]

I think you are right, I was sort of expecting protection as its a commercial device. I can only see NOP's.

Now the question to Microchip, if in fact the flash is protected how hard is it to mention it in the log instead of "Read completed"?