Description of problem: The simplest way to explain this problem is to show the steps : # cd /tmp # mkdir A # cd A # mkdir B # ln -s B C # cd /tmp # cp -Lr /tmp/A/ /tmp/D cp: will not create hard link `/tmp/D/C' to directory `/tmp/D/B' "cp" tries to create a hard link instead of copying the source of directory. Copying the source directory instead of creating the hardlink is default behavior in RHEL5. Version-Release number of selected component (if applicable): coreutils-5.2.1-31.6 How reproducible: 100% Actual results: "cp" tries to create a hard link instead of copying the source of directory. Expected results: Should copy the entire directory to target. Additional info:
Created attachment 283971 [details] provide proper behavior when dealing with links
Data point: coreutils 6.10 seems to work correctly.
This request was evaluated by Red Hat Product Management for inclusion in a Red Hat Enterprise Linux maintenance release. Product Management has requested further review of this request by Red Hat Engineering, for potential inclusion in a Red Hat Enterprise Linux Update release for currently deployed products. This request is not yet committed for inclusion in an Update release.
QA Whiteboard: RHTSdone, /CoreOS/coreutils/cp/bz419621_cp_symb_link
An advisory has been issued which should help the problem described in this bug report. This report is therefore being closed with a resolution of ERRATA. For more information on therefore solution and/or where to find the updated files, please follow the link below. You may reopen this bug report if the solution does not work for you. http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHBA-2009-0959.html