How to Enter the -MGMTDB Directory and Fix “cd -MGMTDB Invalid Option” Error in Oracle
Introduction
When working in Oracle Grid Infrastructure or RAC environments, administrators may run into the frustrating error:
[grid@host03 _mgmtdb]$ cd -MGMTDB
-bash: cd: -M: invalid option
This happens when trying to navigate into the -MGMTDB directory, which stores files for the Oracle Grid Management Database. The issue arises because the shell interprets the leading dash (-) as an option rather than a directory name.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to properly enter the -MGMTDB directory, why this error occurs, and provide practical solutions to fix it.
Why Does the “cd -MGMTDB Invalid Option” Error Happen
The primary cause is that the dash (-) at the start of -MGMTDB is treated as a shell flag. In Linux and Unix, any directory starting with a dash can trigger this issue.
Typical Scenarios
-
Navigating to
-MGMTDBinside Oracle ASM. -
Running scripts that reference the MGMTDB database files.
-
Misconfigured environment variables pointing to the wrong directory.
👉 Oracle officially documents this behavior in My Oracle Support Note 2392726.1, confirming that it is a syntax issue rather than a database error.
How to Enter the -MGMTDB Directory Correctly
1. Use “./” to Escape the Dash
If the directory is in the current path, run:
cd ./-MGMTDB
2. Use Double Dashes (“--”)
Tell the shell to stop interpreting options:
cd -- -MGMTDB
3. Use Absolute Path
If you know the full path, specify it directly:
cd /u01/app/oracle/diag/rdbms/-MGMTDB
Best Practices for Managing the MGMTDB Directory
-
Always use absolute paths in scripts to avoid shell misinterpretation.
-
If possible, avoid creating directories with a leading dash.
-
Document Oracle Grid Infrastructure paths clearly for other admins.
-
Regularly check ASM and MGMTDB logs to ensure stability.
📌 Related reading: Fix Oracle 19c Database Creation Stuck at 15%
Conclusion
The “cd -MGMTDB invalid option” error occurs because the shell treats -MGMTDB as an option instead of a directory. By using ./, --, or absolute paths, administrators can easily enter the directory and continue managing the Oracle MGMTDB database.
Mastering these simple shell tricks ensures smooth navigation in Oracle environments and avoids unnecessary downtime.