Are you finding a solution for rsync skipping non-regular file error? we are here to help you.

Here at Bobcares, we receive requests to fix rsync errors and other similar hosting errors as part of our Server Management Services.

Today, we’ll see why this error occurs and also see how to fix it.

Reasons for rsync skipping non-regular file error

Rsync is usually used for sharing files and directories between two different servers.  Rsync command utility is very useful when performing data backup and mirroring.

However, it may not work as we expect and gives an error like rsync skipping non-regular file.  Mostly, this error occurs when files are transferred using rsync.

For instance, the error message appears below.

rsync -rtvp /source/backup /destination
sending incremental file list
backup/myfiles
skipping non-regular file "backup/myfiles/foo"
skipping non-regular file "backup/myfiles/bar"

How to solve rsync skipping non-regular file error

Now let us see the suggestions our Support Engineers provide to our customers to resolve this error message.

Missing symlinks

While copying files between servers, there is a chance to not copy the symlinks. Because symlinks are skipped by default. Symlinks cause a security risk on the server.

To verify any files are symbolic links, use the below commands,

file /path/to/file
/path/to/file: symbolic link to `/path/file`
find /path -type l
/path/to/file

Rsync has useful flags such as -l which copy symlinks as symlinks. So, adding -l to the command solves the error.

rsync -rtvpl /source/backup /destination

Lack of recursive mode option

Similarly, the rsync skipping directory error can occur when miss to put it into a recursive mode like -r or -a.

rsync -rPz /my/local/back/ destination:/my/remote/dir

In addition, use -a instead of -r. -a means to reproduce file hierarchies, including special files and permissions. Also, the option -r only to recurse on directories whereas -a needed for a data backup.

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Conclusion

In short, this rsync error happens due to missing symlinks or lack of a recursive mode option while transferring data between servers.  Today,  we saw how our Support Engineers provide a work-around for this error.