I'm probably misunderstanding you, but even if perl is invoked without explicit path info and is found through the path environment variable, $^X is still correctly set: 

C:\test>perl -le" print $^X"
C:\Perl\bin\perl.exe

C:\test>..\perl\bin\perl -le" print $^X"
C:\Perl\bin\perl.exe

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The only way I know of getting a different value for the path in $^X is if it is invoked via a subst (or NET USE) drive: 

C:\test>subst p: c:\perl\bin

C:\test>p:perl -le" print $^X"
P:\perl.exe

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Even then, so long as the subst remains in force, $^X remains valid for all normal uses.

Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error.
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In reply to Re^4: How to determine the path to the Perl binary that executed your program? by BrowserUk
in thread How to determine the path to the Perl binary that executed your program? by Anonymous Monk

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