Nick, Do not include the: fi at the end of the command. In the example it is used on a separate line to end an 'if' statement. Your command is trying to use it as a passphrase, which is something you don't want on the host keys. Troy >>> "Nick" <bellsoffreedom at animail.net> 02/25/05 12:05 PM >>> Here is the original message. I tried this last night. Typed: /usr/bin/ssh-keygen -t rsa1 -f /etc/ssh/ssh_host_key -N '' fi It worked! Linux responded by saying the key was saved. However, PSCP still doesn't work. Same "Connection timed out" error. And these other two commands below did not work. /usr/bin/ssh-keygen -t dsa -f /etc/ssh/ssh_host_dsa_key -N '' fi /usr/bin/ssh-keygen -t rsa -f /etc/ssh/ssh_host_rsa_key -N '' fi Both came back with the response "Failed. Passphrase too short. Have 2 bytes, need > 4" Any ideas? I just started reading an exam cram book for LCP's, but it doesn't cover much about networking. Nick ************** Original Message ******************* Slackware has this in the /etc/rc.d/rc.sshd script to create the ssh keys if they are not present. Try running each one separately and see if a key is generated. # Create host keys if needed. if [ ! -r /etc/ssh/ssh_host_key ]; then /usr/bin/ssh-keygen -t rsa1 -f /etc/ssh/ssh_host_key -N '' fi if [ ! -f /etc/ssh/ssh_host_dsa_key ]; then /usr/bin/ssh-keygen -t dsa -f /etc/ssh/ssh_host_dsa_key -N '' fi if [ ! -f /etc/ssh/ssh_host_rsa_key ]; then /usr/bin/ssh-keygen -t rsa -f /etc/ssh/ssh_host_rsa_key -N '' fi Running them separately might work or highlight what is wrong. "Take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim." ~ Elie Wiesel View my blog & artwork! *********************** http://artandprose.blogspot.com/ http://www.Care2.com Free e-mail. 100MB storage. Helps charities. Make a Difference: Tell car makers to clean up their act - http://www.care2.com/go/z/cleancars _______________________________________________ TCLUG Mailing List - Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota tclug-list at mn-linux.org http://mailman.mn-linux.org/mailman/listinfo/tclug-list