1.2.1 Programming Tool Errors
Sometimes errors may occur even before communication with the microcontroller begins. When a tool error is indicated, there are a few possible things to try.
First, retry the operation to verify this was not a one-off glitch. If the issue persists, try restarting MPLAB X IDE/IPE. In some cases, a full computer restart is needed, due to a thread/process crash behind the scenes.
Next, check for updates to the Device File Pack (DFP), Tool Pack, and MPLAB X Plugins. The DFP and Tool Pack updates can be accessed from Tools → Packs while MPLAB X IDE plugin updates can be accessed from Tools → Plugins.
Finally, in extraordinarily rare cases, a new version of the IDE/IPE or compiler may be required. New versions of MPLAB X IDE/IPE and MPLAB XC8 Compiler are available at the links.