RSYNC is a flexible and fast data copying tool used for file synchronization and transfer. To troubleshoot the ‘Directory sync failed’ error, several steps can be considered. In most cases, this problem stems from permissions errors, issues with the rsync command, or path problems. But before we proceed, it is recommended that you back up all your data to avoid accidental loss.
1. Check Permissions: Rsync requires reading permissions at the source directory and writing permissions at the destination directory. The command `ls -l` should provide a breakdown of your file and directory permissions. If permissions are the cause, use the `chmod` command to change them. For instance, `chmod 755 [directoryname]` grants the required permissions to the stated directory.
1. Correct Rsync Command: Rsync commands need to be correct. In the basic format, it should be: `rsync -options source destination`. The `-options` should be replaced by your desired rsync options such as `-a` to archive and `-v` for verbose output. Always ensure the source and destination paths are correct. If rsync is used over SSH, the command has the form `rsync -options -e ssh source user@hostname:destination`.
1. Check the Path: Paths should exist on both the source and destination machines. Rsync may not create directories in the destination path and may fail if it does not find the specified path. Ensure that the path is correctly pointed out, especially in the case of remote synchronization.
1. Use Full Path: Always use the full path of directories, not the relative paths. Providing the complete directory’s location can prevent errors related to incorrect paths.
1. Exclusions: Sometimes, certain files or directories may not be include-able in the sync due to permissions or errors. It may be helpful to exclude these problematic files or directories using the `—exclude` option. For example, `rsync -av —exclude=‘path/to/file’ source destination`.
1. Update Rsync: Updating Rsync to the latest version can help if the problem is a bug that has been fixed in later versions.
1. Verbose Mode: The verbose mode `-v` can provide more insight into what rsync is doing and where the error might be.
1. Logs: Check your rsync logs for any details about the failure. Error messages in logs can point to the root cause of the problem.
Please ensure proper usage of these commands in the terminal, and consult the relevant documentation and forums for knowledge about specific cases.
Sources:
- `man rsync` manual pages
- Stack Overflow (Rsync error: some files/attrs were not transferred)
- Rsync official FAQ
- Linux Handbook (How to Use Rsync for Local and Remote Data Transfer and Synchronization)
- TecAdmin (How to Use rsync Command in Linux – Examples)
- Blog.E-Zest.com (‘Sync failed’ Error – Rsync)
