How do I fix: 🔍 Why This Happens?

The primary reason for this error is that the hostname 'C:' is not a valid hostname for the server. The SCP command requires the hostname or IP address of the remote server to establish a connection.An alternative reason could be that the SSH client configuration is incorrect, causing the hostname r

How do I fix: 🚀 How to Resolve This Issue Using the correct hostname?

Step 1: Step 1: Identify the correct hostname for your server. This can usually be found in the server's configuration files or by running the 'hostname -f' command on the server.Step 2: Step 2: Update your SSH client configuration to use the correct hostname. You can do this by adding the hostname

How do I fix: Using the IP address?

Step 1: Step 1: Identify the IP address of your server. This can usually be found in the server's configuration files or by running the 'ip addr show' command on the server.Step 2: Step 2: Update your SSH client configuration to use the IP address instead of the hostname. You can do this by adding t

Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-11

How to Fix: How can I correctly copy a folder from my local computer to my server using SSH? Why the scp command go into an error?

Error copying folder via SCP command due to hostname resolution issue.

Quick Answer: Use the -H option with the hostname or IP address instead of relying on DNS for hostname resolution.

📋 Table of Contents

🔍 Why This Happens
🚀 How to Resolve This Issue
🎯 Final Words

The error 'ssh: Could not resolve hostname C: Name or service not known' occurs when the SSH client is unable to connect to the server due to an invalid or missing hostname. This issue affects users who are trying to copy a folder from their local computer to a remote server using the SCP command.

This error can be frustrating, especially when trying to automate tasks or work with large files. In this guide, we will walk you through the primary fix method and provide an alternative solution for those who encounter this issue.

🔍 Why This Happens

The primary reason for this error is that the hostname 'C:' is not a valid hostname for the server. The SCP command requires the hostname or IP address of the remote server to establish a connection.
An alternative reason could be that the SSH client configuration is incorrect, causing the hostname resolution to fail.

🚀 How to Resolve This Issue

Using the correct hostname

Step 1: Step 1: Identify the correct hostname for your server. This can usually be found in the server's configuration files or by running the 'hostname -f' command on the server.
Step 2: Step 2: Update your SSH client configuration to use the correct hostname. You can do this by adding the hostname to your SSH client's configuration file, such as '~/.ssh/config' for MobaXterm.
Step 3: Step 3: Run the SCP command again using the corrected hostname.

Using the IP address

Step 1: Step 1: Identify the IP address of your server. This can usually be found in the server's configuration files or by running the 'ip addr show' command on the server.
Step 2: Step 2: Update your SSH client configuration to use the IP address instead of the hostname. You can do this by adding the IP address to your SSH client's configuration file, such as '~/.ssh/config' for MobaXterm.

🎯 Final Words

To resolve the 'ssh: Could not resolve hostname C: Name or service not known' error when copying a folder from your local computer to your server using SCP, make sure to use the correct hostname or IP address of your server. If you are unsure about the hostname or IP address, consult your server's configuration files or contact your system administrator for assistance.

Did this fix your problem?

If not, try searching for specific error codes.

🔍 Search Error Database

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🛠️ Related Fixes

How to Fix: Pc crashes shortly after launching game (rainbow

Fix Pc crashes shortly after launching game (rainbow six siege). Compl

How to Fix: Installing an APK on a locked down phone

Installing an APK on a locked down phone: Try using a rooted device, e

How to Fix: New PC build- no signal and no clue

Fix New PC build- no signal and no clue. Complete troubleshooting guid