The directory is not a valid location for a web view

why attempts to create an IBM® Rational® ClearCase® Remote Client (CCRC) or ClearCase Web (CCWeb) view results in the error The directory is not a valid location for a web view.along with steps to resolve the issue.

Cause

Either the directory tree to which the view is being created does not exist Example: Attempts to create a new web view at C:\webviews\ccrc_view will fail if the directory webviews does not exist. or The directory being designated as the view root (private workspace) is either already a view root for another view, or is a sub directory of an existing view root. Example: Attempts to create a new web view at C:\webviews\ccweb_view will fail if either the directory webviews or C: has been previously designated as storage for another view.  Check for the existence of one or both of the following files in both directories (in this example webviews and C:): .copyarea.dat .copydb.dat These files represent the home of a CCRC or CCWeb view and effectively invalidate the use of the directory (or its sub directories) as a view root for other views.

Solution

1. Ensure the directory tree structure is in place. If the directory is missing, create it and recreate the view.  Note: This is expected functionality as a CCWeb or CCRC views cannot be created in a nonexistent location. This is to prevent mistakes in typing an incorrect pathname which would result in an entire directory tree that is not wanted or needed. 2. Until the two files (.copyarea.dat & .copydb.dat) are removed either by removing the view through CCWeb or CCRC (recommended) or by hand using operating system delete operations (not recommended), a new CCRC or CCWeb view cannot be created in that path space. Choose a different location to store the view.