This Makefile.PL of CPAN::Test::Dummy::Perl5::Make::FailLate demonstrates what happens when a distribution dies during 'make' or 'Build'. This can be avoided by touching a file 'SURVIVE' in the current directory. Checking if your kit is complete... Looks good Writing Makefile for CPAN::Test::Dummy::Perl5::Make::FailLate Microsoft (R) Program Maintenance Utility Version 7.10.3077 Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. cp lib/CPAN/Test/Dummy/Perl5/Make/FailLate.pm blib\lib\CPAN\Test\Dummy\Perl5\Make\FailLate.pm C:\cpanrun\build\5-10-0\bin\perl.exe "-Iblib\arch" "-Iblib\lib" Die.PL impossible_file.pm Problem making this distribution at Die.PL line 2. NMAKE : fatal error U1077: 'C:\cpanrun\build\5-10-0\bin\perl.exe' : return code '0xff' Stop.