"tar ./files.tar -C $HOME" results in a "tar: invalid option -- ." error

Question

I'm trying to run a tar command and I keep getting this odd error.

The command:

  tar ./files.tar -C $HOME

And I get this in return:

 Error: tar: invalid option -- '.'

My files.tar folder is located correctly near my script and contains some directories.

Any ideas?

Raman Sailopal · Accepted Answer · 2017-10-16 12:01:28Z

4

Add the options before the file name and so:

tar -xf files.tar -C $HOME

answered Oct 16, 2017 at 11:51

Raman Sailopal

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This just returns another error: tar: "C: Cannot open: No such file or directory"
– Wolfyaskingstuff
Oct 16, 2017 at 11:55
Are you trying to extract the tar file files.tar?
– Raman Sailopal
Oct 16, 2017 at 11:56
2

The order of x and f must match the order of the arguments they are referring to. So tar xfC files.tar $HOME.
– Johan Myréen
Oct 16, 2017 at 11:57
Yes I am. But extract them in the home directory.
– Wolfyaskingstuff
Oct 16, 2017 at 11:57
@JohanMyréen That worked!
– Wolfyaskingstuff
Oct 16, 2017 at 11:59

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