IBM Support

Unable to create or use automatic views with the CCRC installation on Linux for ClearTeam Explorer, rcleartool, and CM API applications

Troubleshooting


Problem

The mvfs_agent executable, which resides in the ClearCase installation directory, is expected to be accessible via the user's PATH environment variable. However, that directory is not added to the PATH on Linux.

Symptom

  • The Automatic View option is unavailable in the Create View dialog.
  • The same issue occurs in the Join Project wizard.

  • Creating or starting automatic views with rcleartool or a custom CM API application fails.

 

Cause

The mvfs_agent executable is located inside the IBM Rational ClearCase installation directory (typically /opt/rational/clearcase/bin).

However, the ClearCase binary path is not included in the system PATH environment variable. As a result, the system cannot locate the command when the application tries to execute mvfs_agent.

Shell behavior impact
On Linux, the availability of environment variables depends on whether the application is launched from a login shell or a non-login shell:

Login shell

  • Executes /etc/profile and scripts in /etc/profile.d/.
  • Initializes the PATH environment variable system wide.
  • Automatically includes ClearCase binaries if configured.

Non-Login shell

  • Executes ~/.bashrc only.
  • Does not execute /etc/profile or /etc/profile.d/* by default.

  • Inherits the PATH from the parent shell.

    Applications such as ClearTeam Explorer, Eclipse, and custom tools run in non-login shells, where the ClearCase binary path might not be available, causing the mvfs_agent command to fail.

Resolving The Problem

The environment variable PATH must be provided before launching the application.
Example: Run the command in a Bourne shell or terminal, and launch the application from the same session.

export PATH=$PATH:/opt/rational/clearcase/bin

Note: When using a VNC session, kill the existing session (vncserver -kill :<port number>) after product installation, and restart it on a new port to apply updates to the PATH environment variable. 

Document Location

Worldwide

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Document Information

Modified date:
16 September 2026

UID

ibm17263062

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