Can't get cvs repo going

I have a number of files of interest in a cvs repository that I am 
trying to resurrect. I can't get a repository started (in which to dump 
the old repo). I keep getting "no such file" errors and can't figure out 
the most basic problem. I've gone down to the stupid simple trivial config:

D:\xx>cvs -d D:\Yevrah\cvstest init

D:\xx>cvs -d D:\Yevrah\cvstest import -m "load" MFCP vendor start
cvs [import aborted]: Failed to resolve path: `D:\Yevrah\cvstest': No 
such file or directory

This is on Windows 10 with cvs 1.12.13a (client). No server involved. 
The files cited exist properly. The init command seems to properly 
create the repo. The CVSROOT files are present and look like a proper 
new repo. I own all files and I don't believe file protection is a problem.

-- 
Harvey Brydon
Red, White and Blue have always been the colors of freedom.
Except when they are in your rear view mirror.