I have tried all kind of combinations and declarations, like
Code:

d$\kix\scripts = 5
$\kix\scripts = 6
$ = 7

They do not hurt the scipt.
This should work even without
Code:

Dim $RC
$RC = SetOption("NoVarsInStrings","On")

So I also presume jconway is using this for non admin users, p.e. during logon?