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 cp lib/CPAN/Test/Dummy/Perl5/Make/FailLate.pm blib/lib/CPAN/Test/Dummy/Perl5/Make/FailLate.pm Manifying blib/man3/CPAN::Test::Dummy::Perl5::Make::FailLate.3 /home/cpanrun/ia64-lp64/build/5.6.1/bin/perl -Iblib/arch -Iblib/lib -I/home/cpanrun/ia64-lp64/build/5.6.1/lib/5.6.1/IA64.ARCHREV_0-thread-multi-64all -I/home/cpanrun/ia64-lp64/build/5.6.1/lib/5.6.1 Die.PL impossible_file.pm Problem making this distribution at Die.PL line 2. make: *** [impossible_file.pm] Error 255