On Tue, Dec 16, 2003 at 08:22:43AM -0800, David wrote: > 12 8 * * * tar -cf /lin2/backup_deb_`date +%m%d%y` /home /etc /var/www > > > I keep getting the following error message in my mailbox from cron: > > /bin/sh: -c: line 1: unexpected EOF while looking for matching ``' > /bin/sh: -c: line 2: syntax error: unexpected end of file > > What am I doing wrong? > > I was able to run the cron job without the time stamp, but now I really > would like to add it and I don't seem to be having much luck. I think > its the backtics that are giving me the problem.
No, it's the percent signs, which are special in crontabs. See 'man 5 crontab' and search for %. Try this instead: 12 8 * * * tar -cf /lin2/backup_deb_`date +\%m\%d\%y` /home /etc /var/www By the way, your Mail-Followup-To: line is broken: Mail-Followup-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], debian-user <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> You probably need to set the 'from' variable in ~/.muttrc to your full e-mail address rather than just "david". Cheers, -- Colin Watson [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]