I don't think windows supports shebang notation. You probably need to either set up a .pl file assoc or type "perl cmdname.pl." UPDATE: Other than reinstalling your ActivePerl, no, not really. I try not to use windows if I can help it. But I can tell you than in my windows, I can in fact run my perl scripts; so I know it's possible. I tend to call "perl filename.pl" instead though, because I'm never quite sure what windows will do if I'm not specific.