running .exe in PHP, but not as a process

[g8z]

I am using PHP as an ISAPI module, and I have an executable (.exe) file that must be run from PHP, but not as a "background process". For example if I try use exec("notepad.exe "); in my PHP code,

"notepad" will be visible only in "Windows Task Manager" as a process.

But if I using PHP as CGI module (php.exe) I see "notepad" as a standalone window. My platform Windows 2000, PHP 4.3.3

Thanks. This problem is extremely urgent - any assistance would be very much appreciated.