The `rsync` command is a powerful tool used in Unix-based systems (like Linux, MacOS) for transferring and synchronizing files between different systems or directories. Occasionally, users may encounter an error message as follows: “rsync error: chown “
The error typically arises due to inappropriate user permissions, or a restricted/nonexistent capability to change the ownership of a certain file or directory (`chown` function). The error frequently pops up when users are copying files from a system where they are `root` or have administrative authority, to a system where they may not have such permissions. Resolving this error involves changing how `rsync` handles permissions or dealing directly with the file and directory permissions.
1. One useful solution is to use the `—no-o` and `—no-g` rsync options, which allows `rsync` to copy files without attempting to alter ownership settings:
\`\`\` rsync -av —no-o —no-g source destination \`\`\` This command preserves all file attributes except ownership during the copy process.1. Another similar alternative is using the `—no-perms` rsync option. This option enables rsync to copy files without trying to change neither permission settings nor ownership:
\`\`\` rsync -av —no-perms source destination \`\`\`1. Understanding and modifying the permission settings of the source or destination directory can also be a resolution. The `chmod` utilities allow users to modify read/write permissions as per necessity. This needs to be done carefully to avoid security issues.
1. Utilizing the `sudo` command to temporarily gain root permissions during the rsync operation can solve the problem as well, but should be used with caution as it could pose security concerns.
\`\`\` sudo rsync -av source destination \`\`\`Remember to replace ‘source’ and ‘destination’ in examples with actual source and destination directories.
These solutions are derived from open source communities and forums. For a complete list of `rsync` options and how they function, refer to the `rsync` manual page: `man rsync` on a Unix-based terminal or on the official rsync page.
Sources:
- Ubuntu Manpage: rsync – a fast, versatile, remote (and local) file-copying tool. (2021). Ubuntu.com. https://manpages.ubuntu.com/manpages/bionic/man1/rsync.1.html
- Stack Exchange Inc. What is the meaning of rsync error: some files/attrs were not transferred?. (2013). StackExchange. https://unix.stackexchange.com/questions/107703/what-is-the-meaning-of-rsync-error-some-files-attrs-were-not-transferred
