For the simple reason that the Red Push button on my PICkit2 does not have any insignia, I do not use it. Its best not touch unidentified things. That fact is if they meant for that button to be used effectively, it would have been very clearly written in silk screen just like the other holes in the plastic case.
Tip, keep the Programmer tool box real close to Output window as I do.
that's a diffrent button. I am talking about a button on the pcb expansion board that comes with the pickit, not the (in my case) black button on the main pickit module
Just a note... the color of that button indicates whether two resistors are included or not.
PICKIT 2 User's Guide said:
Debug Express requires 4.7k Ohm pull down resistors on ICSPCLK and
ICSPDAT. Newer PICkit™ 2 Microcontroller Programmers that have a Red
button have the pull downs internally. Older PICkit™ 2 Microcontroller
Programmers that have a Black button require that the pull downs be added
on the target board.
To get the pushbutton working again in MPLAB, go into Programmer/Settings and select '3-state on relase from reset', then save. Then toggle 'programmer/hold in reset' and then 'programmer/release from reset' - and the button works again...