This is my first perl question, so I may have left out something important.

You might have told us which is line 16. ;-)

The variable should be declared with my() before it is used at all. Try declaring it right at the top of your program and seeing if the error goes away... chances are it will. I don't suggest leaving the declaration there though. Declare it where you use it... just be sure it is before you use it.

-sauoq
"My two cents aren't worth a dime.";