I had a similar problem launching a batch file on NT from a cgi program. This seems like something people would do somewhat often, but it was very hard to find support. Your method system("start iexplorer $outputFile"); works great where the normal system call stinks.

Where did you learn that "start somesuchfile.exe" kicks off a windows program like that? I love this site, but there should be more easily searched support for Win32 eccentricities.