svn+ssh:// on windows xp

I had a few problems, when I tried to add my project to open source community called Gna!. It took me some time to figure it out, but in the end I found out it is simple (things normally are when you get a hang of it). It would be even simpler if the steps for svn+ssh on windows would be in one place.

So here is the solution for the svn+ssh problem on windows. In steps. I use it for my project at Gna!, but svn+ssh is used on more places.

First you’ll need something for subversion. This is the svn part of the svn+ssh combo. A TortoiseSVN is a great subversion software in windows. I actually use it when I am working in windows. Just download and install it if you don’t have it already.

For second part of the puzzle, ssh, it is best to have Putty installed. I suggest you download and install “A Windows-style installer”, because it’s easier, although you could download just the applications you need.

Now you have the software we need.

Here comes the trickiest part. You’ll need to set the environment variable. In Control Panel->System->Advanced tab click on Environment Variables button. The new window will popup. Click on the lower new button (system variables) and enter
Variable name: SVN_SSH
Variable value: C:\\Program Files\\Putty\\plink.exe
(This path could be different, if you have installed putty somewhere else)

If you don’t need private/public key for your set up, this should be it. svn co svn+ssh//… should be working now.

If you need to generate private and public key for successfully svn+ssh login, you will need to generate private and public key.

Firstly run puttygen.exe from the putty directory. As you can see this is a public and private key generator. It will probably be OK if you leave the default options on (ssh2 rsa). Click on generate, move mouse a little, click on save private key somewhere on disk. Now, copy whole(!) public key to some “Authorized keys” form and you’re set. On gna you have to wait for crontab to put these keys into action.

For login in svn+ssh with ssh keys you will have to run the pageant.exe in putty directory. This application hides to tray when you run it, so look in there. You’ll need to right click on its icon there and then load private key you saved before. You’ll also need to type in the password you have selected for your key.

When the key is loaded you can run svn+ssh combo and if it is needed it will use your private key.

Hope this helps. Have fun with svn+ssh://.