system() --- the C function from hell?

[Jeff Ferguson]

	Hi kids,

	The system() call seems to wreak havoc with integer variables.
I have the following code:

/****** Code *******/

int lowp, hip;
...
scanf("%d", &hip);
scanf("%d", &lowp);
sprintf(str, "/bin/mkdir directory");
system(str);
...

/**** End Of Code ****/

I printed the values of LOWP and HIP before the system() call, and
everthing was pee-chee (like the folder).  I print them out after
the call and the values have been blown to high Heaven: before they
were both 3, while after system(str) they are in the tens of millions.

OK, people, for $200 and the chance at the Chevy Sprint Turbo --- my
question is this: what is happenning here an how can it be fixed?  I
am stymied.

Although I probably don't sound like it, I would be grateful (but not
dead) for any advice, suggestions, or visions from God.  Thanks, and
please drive safely.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jeff Ferguson                | jeff at uop.edu
Computer Science Department  | uop!jeff at ucdavis.edu
University of the Pacific    | cogent!uop!jeff at pacbell.com
Stockton, California, USA    |
95211                 /^^^\  | "Get me out of this cage!" -- Rael
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                      \ o / ----> ( "KJEF does it with class!" )
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       "I met Andy Warhol at a really shiek party."
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