Assuming you're using XML::Simple:

use XML::Simple;
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Try using XML::Simple's Strict Mode:

use XML::Simple qw(:strict);
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That may help to track down whatever it is that currently "doesnt seem to work".

Note: Use this in addition to normal strictures and warnings rather than as a replacement, i.e.

use strict;
use warnings;
...
use XML::Simple qw(:strict);
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