my %OCN_PFX_To_TDir=( 3085220111379778 => '3085220111379788_Rexx', 3085220334620644 => '3085220334620644_Spare', 3085220346432582 => '3085220346432582_Rexx2', 3085220352420034 => '3085220352420034_Algol' ); This is the input followed by the error messages I get:- carl@md-tower-004:~$ perl ~/bin/copy_opal1.plx Can't modify constant item in scalar assignment at /home/carl/bin/copy_opal1.plx line 26, near ");" Execution of /home/carl/bin/copy_opal1.plx aborted due to compilation errors (#1) (F) You aren't allowed to assign to the item indicated, or otherwise try to change it, such as with an auto-increment. Uncaught exception from user code: Can't modify constant item in scalar assignment at /home/carl/bin/copy_opal1.plx line 26, near ");" Execution of /home/carl/bin/copy_opal1.plx aborted due to compilation errors.