Not wanting to appear ungrateful for all your efforts -
many thanks to all who've contributed!
But I thot that was the question I asked:
I need the ability to run a script in the background, under Windows98.
The links above all relate to WinNT/2000
(altho have yet to install / try Win32::Daemon - thx Tye)
The system(1,$cmd); option makes no difference under 98

I hope am not being dumb here ..
local mcp SysAdm is doubtful that its even poss :(
the 'qif;