Ok, i was able to configure the software enough to get the prediction to show up, but wow, I basically had to turn off every filter!
here is the basic of what I did, for those of you that might want to try this.
from main menu / Maintenance / General Downloads / file number 2 - Comet Elements - download the latest comet data file?
from Main Menu / Asteroid predictions / Edit the "user" file of minor planets
my list already had some asteroids pre-loaded, probably as defaults, so I first clicked on the "Delete ALL from list".
from the drop down menu under "Import Comets", select the comet you wish to use for your search.
click on the "import the comet selected below" which will add the comet to the list.
click on the "Save list" button.
X Exit the dialog
Still on the menu for "Occultation by asteroids....", click on the "Sear for, & list, occultations.
in section 3, check the "use USER file of elements".? if you have a single comet saved, its name should show up to the right of the "select asteroid" button and will also show the number of objects in your list (in my case, 1). when you check the "USER file" box, the "use elements from Horizons" box is automatically checked. I am not sure if this should stay checked.
To make sure things work, you'll might need to clear off many of the filter items. you can slowly add them back as needed to reduce the list of events if it happens that there are too many.?
Set the date range in section 1.
the star catalog shouldn't have changed, but make sure it is set to what you need. GAIA 16 is in vogue now.
uncheck the filters in the unnumbered section called "Search filters"
in section 3. you can keep the 'Exclude minor planets smaller than" and "Exclude if duration less than" checked if needed. I set the duration to 0.2s since I can't really record anything shorter and the results can have shorter events.
Information in the "binary asteroid" area won't matter for comets.
in section 4. i don't do anything
in section 5.? i have the "clear the previous results from memory" checked
now click on the "search" in section 5.
The search will commence, and soon the event list dialog will appear. Even if the Search found result, the filters might keep them from being displayed.?
I would star unchecking every filter until you can see all the events and then start adding filters to get rid of events you really don't need to see.?
I ended up leaving the "Visible from" (my location) checked, and the "Distance of site from path" set to 1000km so that I would see something.
Beyond that, you are on your own!! If some SMEs wish to pipe in, please do.
V Sempronio