Error saying useradd warning the home directory already exists Not copying any file from skel directory into it

Question

I'm trying to create a new user for my Ubuntu, used this command:

sudo useradd -d /home/dinesh -m ansi

But I keep getting this error

useradd: warning: the home directory already exists.
Not copying any file from skel directory into it.

Why do I keep getting this error?

Answer 1

Hey @Dinesh, this isn't an error, its a warning. 

You're trying to create a new user on the /home/dinesh directory but the system tries to create a new home directory. Hence the warning saying home directory already exists. But if you check your system a new user has already been created. Warnings don't interrupt like errors. 

Hope this helps!

Get your Linux certification today to become certified.

Thanks.

Comments

Why is the system trying to create a new home directory? 

When infact the command was correct: 

sudo useradd -d /home/dinesh -m ansi

Answer 2

Hey @Dinesh, have a look at this thread - https://www.edureka.co/community/35292/create-new-user-on-ubuntu

It explains all the steps used to create a new user on ubuntu. 

Hope it helps :)