I had a similar problem. When executing my shp2pgsql command within a bash shell script it failed and provided me with the valid options. Adrian Klaver, with a couple of emails back and forth, identified my error. I had not been using single and double quotes to assign my 'command' to a variable and then tried 'executing' the contents of the variable. This was done for my beginner level progress monitoring and logging. Adrian noticed a tick (`) or back quote is needed instead of the single or double quote. My scripts are now singing along nicely. Thank you Adrian. Jerry -- View this message in context: http://postgresql.1045698.n5.nabble.com/pipe-line-error-psql-command-tp4337702p4365141.html Sent from the PostgreSQL - general mailing list archive at Nabble.com. -- Sent via pgsql-general mailing list (pgsql-general@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx) To make changes to your subscription: http://www.postgresql.org/mailpref/pgsql-general