> Source: [sk183947](https://support.checkpoint.com/results/sk/sk183947)

# sk183947 - Creation of Virtual System fails with this error: "Failed to create Virtual System directories"

| Property | Value |
|----------|-------|
| Solution ID | sk183947 |
| Date Created | 2025-09-18 |
| Last Modified | 2025-09-30 |
| Technical Level | General |
| Products | Security Gateway |
| Versions | R82, R81.20 |
| OS | Gaia |

## Symptoms

- * Creation of a Virtual System (VS) in SmartConsole fails with this error:   

  *Failed to create Virtual System directories*

* *$CPDIR/log/cpd.elg* file shows these entries:  

  ```
  [CPD] + '[' '!' -d /opt/CPcvpn-R81.20 ']'
  [CPD] + die 'No CVPNDIR'
  [CPD] + echo 'No CVPNDIR'
  [CPD] No CVPNDIR
  [CPD] + exit 1
  [CPD] vsx_create_all_vs_dirs_script: couldn't create_all_vs_dirs for vs 1 (exit code 1) (status 0)
  ```

  <br />

## Cause

A missing `CVPNDIR` directory (`/opt/CPcvpn-R8x.xx`) in the system, which is required for creating Virtual System directories.   

This issue typically occurs when the `CVPN` directory is not properly installed during the initial ISO installation of the Security Gateway. As a result, the directory is missing from VS0, and cannot be copied to other VS instances.

This failure can occur if any of these critical directories are missing on the Security Gateway:

* `$FWDIR`
* `$CPDIR`
* `$CVPNDIR`
* `$SMODIR`

<br />

These directories are essential for successful Virtual System provisioning. If any are absent, SmartConsole fails to create the required VS directories.

## Solution

1. Reinstall the Security Gateway using a freshly downloaded ISO image.  
   **Note** - Reinstall the Security Gateway through USB to make sure that all the required directories, including `CVPNDIR`, are correctly created. See [sk65205](https://support.checkpoint.com/results/sk/sk65205).
2. After reinstalling, verify that `/opt/CPcvpn-R8x.xx` exists on the VS0 before attempting to create additional VS instances. Run:  
   `ls -lah /opt/CPcvpn-R8x.xx`

<br />

**Proactive Detection**   
Run an HCP (Health Check Point) test to automatically detect and notify if any required directories for Virtual System creation are missing on VSX environments. This helps prevent such issues before they impact production. For more information on the HealthCheck Point Tool, see [sk171436](https://support.checkpoint.com/results/sk/sk171436) and the **Quantum Security Management Administration Guide** for your version \> Chapter **HealthCheck Point Tool**.

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