How to execute exe files (related to earlier post)

Right i cant find a way of doing this, what i want is some code, either perl, JavaScript, or whatever (except c) that will run an exe file for use on my intranet. The OS is windows 98 (please dont flame me for this :D , but its just for a very local purpose).
The best i have been able to find so far is to use the perl function:

exec()

but i cant get this to work when im trying to run an exe file (for those who care the exe is c:\program files\winamp\winamp.exe).
If anyone can understand my problem or help me out ill love you forever;) :p
Thanks
Sythe, xxx

you want to run winamp for the user if they click on a link?

basically, yes. But not only winamp, other software as well, some which require arguments.
xxx

not possible. the file types have to be set for each individual computer so it will run it. You can't run serverside programs for the user like that. the file types on the users computer will take over and run the program locally on the users computer.

sorry i havent been clear, i want to run the program that is on the users computer.
So they click the link, which activates winamp on _their_ computer. (it is already installed on their computer). I know its possible by using a .dll file, but i cant write them yet :( so im wondering if its possible any other way (e.g. a perl funection that sends the command line a command).

Sorry im probably still not making too much sense :(
xxx

yes that you could do. all you have to do is put a link in the page and if it is a winamp file it will automatically play, you don't need a perl script to do it.

thats right, but as i said its not only for winamp.

Quote:

---

But not only winamp, other software as well, some which require arguments.

---

Thanks for trying to help, it is really apreaciated, im just not making myself clear, sorry!
xxx

I don't think it matters what the program is. if you put a link on it and they open it from the location (instead of saving it) then the users software should run it. what other software are you talking about?

I would only recommend this if you are doing the intranet (like you said) and not the internet as that is a security violation and the user should be shot opening from the location instead of downloading it :)

I think you can use argument on links, not sure. are you talking about switches like iexplore.exe -new or somehting like that?

Quote:

---

Originally posted by sythe
(e.g. a perl funection that sends the command line a command).

Sorry im probably still not making too much sense :(
xxx

---

that, I don't think is possible. that would be a security violation. if you could do that then people can write code and send it to the command line of the user and delete half the hard drive :) see why that is not possible.

Okay, i see your point, but im still sure its possible somehow
(i've found one way, but its very resource consuming so not at all worth it), thanks for your help anyway!!!
Love
Sythe, xxx

<a href="c:\command.com">Command Line</a>

then you just need to form them to open instead of save target...