file fmutil

[Norbert Preining]

On Tue, 25 Nov 2025, Greg Bennett wrote:
> /usr/local/texlive/2025/bin/x86_64-linux/mktexfmt: kpsewhich
> -var-value=TEXMFROOT failed, aborting early. BEGIN failed--compilation

Wow!!! That is indeed strange.

So what it does it runs
	kpsewhich -var-value=TEXMFROOT
and checks the return value.

In my case, and practically in all cases, the return value is 0
(success):

	❯ kpsewhich -var-value=TEXMFROOT
	/home/norbert/tl/2025
	
	❯ echo $?
	0

Why this fails on your side, no idea.

Can you try
	kpsewhich -var-value=TEXMFROOT
and after that check the return value with 
	echo $?
?

Thanks

Norbert

--
DI Dr Norbert Preining                        https://www.preining.info
arXiv / Cornell University   +   IFMGA Guide   +   TU Wien  +  TeX Live
GPG: 0x860CDC13   fp: F7D8 A928 26E3 16A1 9FA0 ACF0 6CAC A448 860C DC13