try "cmd /c dir" c.f. http://www.rubygarden.org/ruby?PopenDir On Wednesday 07 November 2001 23:37, you wrote: > I have just tried > irb> system( 'dir') > and got nothing. > > What am I misunderstanding? > > > John Carter Phone : (64)(3) 358 6639 > Tait Electronics Fax : (64)(3) 359 4632 > PO Box 1645 Christchurch Email : john.carter / tait.co.nz > New Zealand -- Armin. ----------------------------------------------- Armin Roehrl, http://www.approximity.com "The best way to predict the future is to invent it." --Alan Kay