vi command does not function

[Former Member]

I would like to edit an file on unix but I can not do it with "vi" editor. When I open the file it is not wrapped and it has some strange characters.

Actually I even can not exit from file when opened with "vi".

When using "cat" or "tail" I do not have problems view-ing file, but I can not edit with this commands.

What should I do to edit the file?

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

This probably has to do with the terminal settings that are set for vi. Have you tried editing with pico or vim? Some times you can use those in place of vi (if there is not a symbolic link from vi to vim).

Reference: [Fix your vi terminal type|http://www.eng.hawaii.edu/Tutor/vi.html#before]

- J. Haynes

[Former Member]

Is there enough memory on the disk available? VI creates a temporary file at first and when there is unsufficient memory available you may run into an error. Just check it with 'df -h'.

Can you post your environmental data?

Regards

André

[Former Member]

The file was created by <SAP-SID>adm user (I do not know how as it was not me to create the file).

However I can not edit file with root(I do not have such authorisation). I guess your answer could be helpfull ( but I can not try it)

Is there something else anyone can suggest

[former_member204746]

what is the name of this file? not all files are editable, especially those that are in binary format such as executables or library files.

[Former Member]

Hi,

By which user are you trying to edit the file?

Try editing the file with root user.

Regards