my $cmd = "\"$sspath\\ss.exe\" Checkout \"\$/DMS MW/SCADA/Substation Editor 
+Files/$filename\" -C- -I- -GL\"$checkout_path \"";
    #print "\n********************\n\$cmd=$cmd\n";
    # if the file is already there it doesn't download it again. 
    # BUT, it won't overwrite a file unless the read-only bit is set.

    system $cmd;