Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-04

How to Fix: Error using SCP: "not a regular file"

SCP error not a regular file

Quick Answer: Check if the path is correct and try using absolute paths or quotes around the file name.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. 🛑 Root Causes of the Error
  2. ✅ Best Solutions to Fix It
  3. ✨ Wrapping Up

The 'SCP: not a regular file' error is an issue that affects users who are trying to use SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) to transfer files from a remote server. This error typically occurs when the user provides a non-existent or invalid path, causing the SCP command to fail.

This error can be frustrating for users who are familiar with SCP and have used it successfully in the past. However, by following the steps outlined below, you should be able to resolve this issue and transfer files securely.

🛑 Root Causes of the Error

  • The primary reason why the 'SCP: not a regular file' error occurs is that the user-provided path does not exist or is not accessible on the remote server. This can happen when the user provides an incorrect or non-existent directory path, or if the directory has been deleted or renamed.
  • Another possible cause of this error is that the user is trying to transfer a file to a location that is not writable by the SCP command. For example, if the user tries to transfer a file to a directory that is owned by another user or group, the SCP command may fail.

✅ Best Solutions to Fix It

Resolving the issue using SCP's -r option

  1. Step 1: To resolve this issue, you can use the '-r' option with SCP. This option allows you to transfer all files and subdirectories in a specified directory, rather than just a single file. For example: `scp -r root@IP:/path/to/directory/ /local/path/`
  2. Step 2: This will transfer all files and subdirectories from the specified directory on the remote server to the local path.
  3. Step 3: Make sure to replace '/path/to/directory/' with the actual path of the directory you want to transfer, and '/local/path/' with the desired destination path.

Resolving the issue using SCP's -P option

  1. Step 1: Alternatively, you can use the '-P' option with SCP. This option allows you to specify a port number for the SCP connection. For example: `scp -P 22 root@IP:/path/to/file.jpg /local/path/`
  2. Step 2: This will transfer only the specified file from the remote server to the local path, using the specified port number.

✨ Wrapping Up

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the 'SCP: not a regular file' error and successfully transfer files using SCP. Remember to always double-check your paths and ensure that they are correct before running the SCP command.

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