Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-11

How to Fix: rsync command deletion error "IO error encountered -- skipping file deletion"

rsync command deletion error IO error encountered -- skipping file deletion

Quick Answer: Use the '--ignore-existing-permissions' option with --delete-after to skip permission errors and continue with deletion.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. ⚠️ Common Causes
  2. ✅ Best Solutions to Fix It
  3. 💡 Conclusion

The rsync command deletion error 'IO error encountered -- skipping file deletion' affects users who are using the rsync command to take backups of files from one server to another. This error occurs when the rsync command encounters an issue while trying to delete files on the target server, resulting in the deletion process being skipped.

This error can be frustrating for users as it prevents them from completing their backup tasks. However, with the right approach, it is possible to resolve this issue without using force deletion.

⚠️ Common Causes

  • The primary reason why this error happens is due to the --delete-after option in the rsync command. When this option is used, rsync will delete files from the target server after they have been successfully transferred. However, if there are permission issues or other errors while trying to delete these files, the deletion process will be skipped.
  • An alternative reason for this error could be related to network connectivity issues or file system limitations on the target server.

✅ Best Solutions to Fix It

Using the --delete option instead of --delete-after

  1. Step 1: Modify the rsync command by replacing --delete-after with --delete. This will ensure that files are deleted from the source directory as soon as they are successfully transferred to the target server.
  2. Step 2: The updated command would look like this: rsync -rltvh --partial --stats --exclude=.beagle/ --exclude=.* --delete root@live_server:/home/ /home/live_server_backup/home >> /tmp/logfile.log 2>&1
  3. Step 3: This approach ensures that files are deleted from the source directory, even if there are permission issues or other errors on the target server.

Using the --ignore-errors option with --delete-after

  1. Step 1: Add the --ignore-errors option to the rsync command. This will instruct rsync to ignore any errors that occur during file deletion and continue with the next file.
  2. Step 2: The updated command would look like this: rsync -rltvh --partial --stats --exclude=.beagle/ --exclude=.* --delete-after --ignore-errors root@live_server:/home/ /home/live_server_backup/home >> /tmp/logfile.log 2>&1
  3. Step 3: This approach allows the deletion process to continue, even if there are permission issues or other errors on the target server. However, it is recommended to use this option with caution, as it may lead to unintended consequences.

💡 Conclusion

In conclusion, the rsync command deletion error 'IO error encountered -- skipping file deletion' can be resolved by using the --delete option instead of --delete-after or adding the --ignore-errors option with --delete-after. By following these steps, users can ensure that their backup tasks are completed successfully and without any errors.

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