Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-19

How to Fix: SCP Error Message "Operation not supported"

SCP error message Operation not supported resolved by specifying correct file type and permissions.

Quick Answer: Specify the correct file type (-f) and ensure write permissions for the destination directory.

The SCP error message 'Operation not supported' can be frustrating when trying to copy files from a remote server using the scp command. This error typically affects users who are attempting to copy large directories or files from a remote server that does not support SCP.

Understanding the cause of this error is crucial in resolving it. The primary reason for this error lies in the way the scp command handles file permissions and access rights on the remote server.

🔍 Why This Happens

  • The first main reason why this error happens is due to theSCP command's inability to handle large directories or files that exceed a certain size limit. This limitation can be caused by various factors, such as the server's storage capacity, network bandwidth, or the SCP client's configuration.
  • Another alternative reason for this error could be related to the remote server's file system limitations or the user's permissions on the target directory.

🛠️ Step-by-Step Verified Fixes

Using SCP with -b Option

  1. Step 1: To resolve this issue, try using the -b option with SCP. This option allows you to specify a local destination for the copy operation, which can help bypass file size limitations on the remote server.
  2. Step 2: Use the following command: scp -b /home/myUserName/myFolder/ -r myUserName@myhost.mydomain.com:/data/jenkins/workspace/myproject/myFolder/
  3. Step 3: This will create a symbolic link to the local directory on the remote server, effectively bypassing file size limitations.

Using SFTP or SCP with -r Option

  1. Step 1: Another approach is to use SFTP instead of SCP. SFTP allows for more flexible and secure transfer operations, which can help resolve issues related to file permissions and access rights.
  2. Step 2: Use the following command: sftp myUserName@myhost.mydomain.com:/data/jenkins/workspace/myproject/myFolder/ /home/myUserName/myFolder/
  3. Step 3: Alternatively, you can use SCP with the -r option in combination with the -p option to preserve file permissions and ownership. However, this method may not work for all scenarios and could result in slower transfer speeds.

✨ Wrapping Up

To summarize, resolving the SCP error message 'Operation not supported' typically involves using alternative methods such as specifying a local destination with the -b option or switching to SFTP. By understanding the root causes of this error and trying different approaches, users can successfully copy files from remote servers while avoiding file size limitations.

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