is external app running?

skywalker has asked for the wisdom of the Perl Monks concerning the following question:

Hi, how can I check if an external app is running, I have been looking at $app = Win32::OLE->GetActiveObject('excel.Application) however I need to be able to check if a generic exe is running, I can locate it using the Task Manager on XP which gives me the exe name I also know the location on disk, but I can not get Perl to 'see' it.

is Win32 the correct module, or can I directly check running threads on Task Manager?

I have an off the shelf product that does not all ways shut down, so each time its started it eats more and more of my resources. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

thanks Skywalker

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Re: is external app running? by Perlbotics (Archbishop) on Mar 05, 2009 at 20:51 UTC
Hi. A Super Search revealed some results that might help you... Q&A - QandASection: programs and processes How to kill a windows process by command name? Applications running status in Windows Task Manager Quit Exe file in Windows Task Manager Kill running programs I wish to monitor and react according to windows "Task Manager" ... HTH	[reply]
Re: is external app running? by Anonymous Monk on Mar 06, 2009 at 08:11 UTC
but I can not get Perl to 'see' it. Why do people say things like that? I can not get Perl to rub my belly.	[reply]
Re^2: is external app running? by skywalker (Beadle) on Mar 06, 2009 at 19:27 UTC
Thanks PerlBotics, Ill take a look at the links Anonymous monk thanks for the feedback, if this is how you wish to keep people on the site then.... however if you want to post what 'people' should say then I’m sure the community will appreciate it, and I and every one else will try hader next time.	[reply]