The lost+found directory

Every VOB includes a special directory element, lost+found, which is used to hold elements that become stranded when they are not cataloged in any directory version in the VOB.

An element can become stranded when you do any of the following:
  • Create new elements, and then cancel the checkout of directory in which they were created
  • Delete the last reference to an element by using the rmname command
  • Delete the last reference to an element by deleting a directory version with the rmver, rmbranch, or rmelem command
When an element is moved to lost+found, its name changes to this form: 
element_leaf_name.UUID

For example, an element named util.c could have the name util.c.41a00000bcaa11caacd0080069021c7.

The lost+found directory has several unique properties:
  • It cannot be checked out.
  • Its contents can be modified even though it is not checked out.
  • No branches can be created within it.
To conserve disk space, periodically clean up the lost+found directory:
  • If you need an element in lost+found, move it to another directory by using cleartool mv.
  • You can use cleartool rmelem to remove elements from lost+found if you are sure that they are no longer needed. See the rmelem reference page for additional cautions about using rmelem.
Note: To access the lost+found directory from a snapshot view, you must include the directory in the view’s load rules. After lost+found and its elements are loaded into the view, you can move or remove elements as needed.