hi...there will always be files only with extension, .xls i agree that right now,script is finding latest file instead of matching to $opt_f pre-extension. How can I match to that? I was actually trying to match that but didn't had success. Existing file is: PPSFAR65_DKMAR_CUST_QUERY-3865422.xls my $opt_f value will be PPSFAR65_DKMAR_CUST_QUERY.xls. i appreciate your suggestions. thank you.