How to Fix “scp: command not found” on CentOS 6.2/RHEL 6

In web server administration, it’s not uncommon to encounter errors that can disrupt your workflow. One such error that CentOS 6.2 users often face is the “scp: command not found” error. This error arises when you attempt to use the SCP (Secure Copy) command line utility on your CentOS Linux server.

SCP is a vital tool for webmasters and administrators as it allows for the secure transfer of files and directories between remote hosts without the need for FTP sessions or direct logins to a remote system. The SCP command line utility leverages SSH for data transfer, requiring password or passphrase confirmation before proceeding.

If you’ve encountered the “scp: command not found” error, it’s likely due to the absence of certain OpenSSH packages on your Linux system.

This tutorial will guide you through the process of resolving this error by installing the necessary packages.

Understanding the Error

The “scp: command not found” error is typically associated with OpenSSH, a suite of secure networking utilities based on the Secure Shell protocol. Two OpenSSH packages are usually present on Linux systems: openssh-server and openssh-clients. The error in question arises when the openssh-clients package is not installed on your system.

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To verify whether the openssh-server package is installed, you can use the telnet command as follows:

[root@centos62 ~]# telnet localhost 22

If the openssh-server is installed, the output will be similar to:

Trying ::1...
Connected to localhost.
Escape character is '^]'.
SSH-2.0-OpenSSH_5.3

Verifying the Installed Packages

To further investigate the issue, you can verify the installed packages using the rpm command:

[root@centos62 ~]# rpm -qa | grep openssh-*

If the openssh-clients package is not installed, the output will only show the openssh-server package:

openssh-server-5.3p1-70.el6.i686
openssh-5.3p1-70.el6.i686

Installing the openssh-clients Package

To resolve the “scp: command not found” error, you need to install the openssh-clients package. This can be done using the yum command:

[root@centos62 ~]# yum install openssh-clients -y

After the installation, you can try running the scp command again:

[root@centos62 ~]# scp

If the openssh-clients package has been successfully installed, you’ll see the scp usage message:

[root@centos62 ~]# scp
usage: scp [-1246BCpqrv] [-c cipher] [-F ssh_config] [-i identity_file]
           [-l limit] [-o ssh_option] [-P port] [-S program]
           [[user@]host1:]file1 ... [[user@]host2:]file2

Commands Mentioned

  • telnet localhost 22 – This command is used to check whether the openssh-server is installed on your system.
  • rpm -qa | grep openssh-* – This command is used to verify the installed OpenSSH packages on your system.
  • yum install openssh-clients -y – This command is used to install the openssh-clients package on your system.
  • scp – This command is used to check if the SCP command line utility is functioning correctly after the installation of openssh-clients.
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Conclusion

In conclusion, the “scp: command not found” error on CentOS 6.2 is typically due to the absence of the openssh-clients package on your Linux system. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can easily resolve this issue by installing the necessary package. This will enable you to use the SCP command line utility for secure file and directory transfers between remote hosts.

Remember, understanding the underlying cause of an error is the first step towards resolving it. In this case, understanding the role of OpenSSH and its associated packages is crucial.

By equipping yourself with the right knowledge and tools, you can effectively manage and troubleshoot issues on your web server, ensuring optimal performance and security. Happy hosting!

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FAQ Section

  1. What is the SCP command used for?

    The SCP (Secure Copy) command is used to securely copy files and directories between remote hosts without the need for FTP sessions or direct logins to a remote system. It uses SSH for data transfer.

  2. What does the “scp: command not found” error mean?

    The “scp: command not found” error typically indicates that the openssh-clients package, which includes the SCP command, is not installed on your Linux system.

  3. How can I check if the openssh-server is installed on my system?

    You can check if the openssh-server is installed on your system by using the telnet command: ‘telnet localhost 22’. If the openssh-server is installed, you’ll see an output similar to ‘SSH-2.0-OpenSSH_5.3’.

  4. How can I install the openssh-clients package on my system?

    You can install the openssh-clients package on your system by using the yum command: ‘yum install openssh-clients -y’.

  5. How can I verify if the SCP command is working after installing openssh-clients?

    After installing openssh-clients, you can verify if the SCP command is working by simply typing ‘scp’ in the command line. If the installation was successful,you’ll see the scp usage message.

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