I have those apps, but not on the machine where this code needs to run. This is a dedicated application on a dedicated machine, which has nothing on it not directly used by it. As one might possibly infer from the name "HAL" it's an "embedded" automation application.

Still, I suppose I could install word on the machine if it would make my perl scripts run. But not exactly an elegant solution, and at this stage I don't think I want to waste much more effort on figuring out how to perform such rube goldberg programming.

Unless something presents itself quickly, I fear I'm about to abandon the project in frustration.

Nathan