Re: init error in Suse 10.1: cannot get working directory: File exists

[Denniston, Todd A CIV NAVSURFWARCENDIV Crane, Code 6067]

address@hidden wrote:
> Hallo,
>
> I'm looking for help. Actually it is not my first cvs system I set up, 
> but the problem is new to me.
>
> I have a Suse 10.1 root server. There I install cvs, I tried the 
> standard yast installation (seems to install a suse-patched cvs 1.12.12) 
> and I tried a self-compiled 1.12.13. Both results in the same problem.
>
> I'm logged in as root (with other users it is the same) and I try to 
> create a new repository with the command
>
> cvs -d /root/cvs init
>
> The result is
>
> cvs [init aborted]: cannot get working directory: File exists
>
> The same result I get if I try any other command and with different user 
> accounts. I also tried the
>
> cvs -t -f -d /root/cvs init
>
> options. Then I get
>
>   -> main: Session ID is L7NaPCpnLvgrC7rs
> cvs [init aborted]: cannot get working directory: File exists
>
> with google etc I did not found any hint, so I hope that someone here 
> could help me. Is there anyone who have a similiar problem? And a 
> solution ? Or ca I tackle the problem trough changes in the source code?
>
> Regards
> Frank


How about trying
mkdir /tmp/opencvstest
cvs -t -f -d /tmp/opencvstest init


If you still get a fault, I would guess it has something to do with the new 
1.12.X signing options, look in the options to turn it off[1].

If it works, my guess at the reasons for fault are
A) cvs does not work when you are root (Design/security decision of the CVS 
authors).
B) most Linux installs set /root/ as only readable and executable by root:root 
so no other user can read or write there. Thats why you often see folks 
putting CVSROOT in /var, /usr, or better yet /cmpartiton.

[1] as mark is talking about 1.12.13.1, you probably don't have the signing 
problem, but just in case I mention it:
http://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/info-cvs/2007-07/msg00037.html
--
Todd Denniston
Crane Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC Crane)
Harnessing the Power of Technology for the Warfighter