Could you try to add

$excel->{Visible} = 1;
[download]

just after you create the $excel object? Does the Excel disappear when your script finishes? Are you able to start Excel once you manualy close the one created by your script? Are there any dialog boxes opened by the Excel that you need to close manualy?

And last ... please show us some code.

Jenda
Always code as if the guy who ends up maintaining your code will be a violent psychopath who knows where you live.
   -- Rick Osborne

Edit by castaway: Closed small tag in signature