my $file = 'd:/My Documents/xxxl.html'; $file = Win32::GetShortPathName("$file"); system("start $file"); # the above opens $file in the default browser or currently open browser # the below opens $file in a new copy of iexplore my $file = 'd:/My Documents/xxxl.html'; my $browser = 'c:/Program Files/Internet Explorer/iexplore.exe'; $browser = Win32::GetShortPathName("$browser"); system("$browser $file"); # or system("start $browser $file");