in reply to changing the path name to unix style.

If you want something that doesn't hurt the eyes, try this for size:

$path =~ s(\\)(/);

What you have is referred to as the Leaning Toothpick Syndrome.

--

Oh Lord, won’t you burn me a Knoppix CD ?
My friends all rate Windows, I must disagree.
Your powers of persuasion will set them all free,
So oh Lord, won’t you burn me a Knoppix CD ?
(Missquoting Janis Joplin)