UNIX for Advanced & Expert Users

The & is for system, not exec.

system("/path/to/startup_script &");
exit();

Now you you will return from system while the start up script continues to run.

With exec, all that script is doing is setting the environment. Your environment should still be good. Maybe your current directory has changed. Try a full path. Also, you're right. Close the socket and any other files you opened.

A whole other approach would be have the program restart itself internally.

I have a feeling that it is the socket that is getting messed up. I'll have to look into how to close it properly and see if that makes a difference.

Thanks.

Just do close() on the socket fd.