Exec format error

Cause

This often happens when trying to run software compiled for different systems or architectures, such as when executing Solaris 2 programs on a SunOS 4.1 system, or when trying to execute SPARC-specific programs on an x86 machine. On a Solaris 2 system, it can also occur if the Binary Compatibility Package was not installed.

Action

Make sure that the software matches the architecture and system you're using. The file(1) command can help you determine the target architecture. If you're using SunOS 4.1 software on a Solaris 2 system, make sure that the Binary Compatibility Package is installed. You can check for it using this command:

$ pkginfo | grep SUNWbcp

Technical Notes

A request was made to execute a file that, although it has the appropriate permissions, does not start with a valid format.

The symbolic name for this error is ENOEXEC, errno=8.

See Also

See the a.out(4) man page for a description of executable files.