shp2pgsql troubles

I am working through chapter 5 – Spatial Databases. I am trying to import a shapefile using the shp2pgsql utility, but i am not sure where I have to execute this command. I am inputting the syntax exactly as its written but nothing seems to be happening. Has anyone out there tried using the shp2pgsql tool? I could use some help. Thanks much!

What’s your OS?

I had a similar problem using the Windows compiled version. I had to copy libiconv2.dll to libiconv-2.dll in order for it to work properly.

I also had to copy the lib and reboot using Vista. Does anyone know how to get the example on page 112 (GeomUnion of the_geom from us_states into us_50) without getting the mixed SRID geometries error?

I’m currently having trouble with shp2pgsql. I tried to copy libiconv2.dll to libiconv-2.dll but I then got an error when trying to open the psql to ‘postgres’ application after rebooting. There was already a libiconv-2.dll, so I’m not sure I’m doing this right. Could someone provide instructions on how to solve this issue for a complete novice? Thanks!