exec problem

Hi I'm trying to create a script which my cron will run once a day to backup my MySQL database, but the exec command doesn't want to work no matter what I try... exec("mysqldump -h localhost -u user -p pass --opt DataBase > BACKUPS/backup.mysql") or die("Problem"); I have tried adding the full path to mysqldump, I have tried using my root access, I have tried using a different dir to store the files, changed permissions all sorts and nothing works. It always returns "Problem" and if I take out the or die then it just returns a blank screen. I also tried system () and that gave the same results. Anyone have any other ideas??? TIA __________________ -Ade ~~Good things come to those who wait~~