Error
Error Code:
3607
MySQL Error 3607: Database Directory Removal Failed
Description
MySQL Error 3607 occurs when the database server attempts to drop a database but fails to remove its corresponding physical directory from the file system. This indicates that while the database might be logically removed from MySQL's internal records, its data files and directory persist, requiring manual intervention. This error typically arises due to file system permission issues, active file locks, or underlying file system problems.
Error Message
Problem while dropping database. Can't remove database directory (%s). Please remove it manually.
Known Causes
3 known causesInsufficient File System Permissions
The MySQL server process lacks the necessary read, write, or delete permissions for the database's data directory or its contents on the underlying file system.
Filesystem Locks or Open Handles
Another process, application, or user is holding a lock on specific files or the directory itself within the database's data path, preventing MySQL from completing the deletion.
File System Corruption
Underlying issues or corruption on the file system where the MySQL data directory resides can interfere with proper directory and file deletion operations.
Solutions
3 solutions available1. Verify and Remove Directory Manually easy
Directly address the error by locating and deleting the database directory.
1
Identify the database directory path from the error message. The `%s` in the error message indicates the path that MySQL failed to remove. For example, if the error states `Can't remove database directory (/var/lib/mysql/mydatabase)`, the path is `/var/lib/mysql/mydatabase`.
ERROR MESSAGE: Problem while dropping database. Can't remove database directory (%s). Please remove it manually.2
Connect to the server where MySQL is running. This is typically done via SSH for Linux/macOS or Remote Desktop for Windows.
3
Use the appropriate command to remove the directory. **Be extremely cautious with this step as deleting the wrong directory can cause data loss.**
sudo rm -rf /path/to/your/database/directory4
If you are on Windows, use PowerShell to remove the directory:
Remove-Item -Recurse -Force "C:\path\to\your\database\directory"5
After manually removing the directory, try dropping the database again in MySQL to confirm it's gone.
DROP DATABASE your_database_name;2. Check File System Permissions medium
Ensure the MySQL user has sufficient permissions to manage the database directory.
1
Determine the user under which the MySQL server process is running. On most Linux systems, this is `mysql`.
ps aux | grep mysql2
Locate the parent directory of the database directory that failed to be removed. For example, if the failed directory was `/var/lib/mysql/mydatabase`, the parent is `/var/lib/mysql`.
3
Verify the ownership and permissions of the parent directory. The MySQL user should have write and execute permissions.
ls -ld /var/lib/mysql4
If permissions are incorrect, change them to allow the MySQL user to manage the directory. Replace `mysql` with the correct MySQL user if it differs.
sudo chown -R mysql:mysql /var/lib/mysql5
Retry dropping the database. If the issue persists, it might be a deeper file system problem or an active process locking the directory.
DROP DATABASE your_database_name;3. Investigate and Terminate Locking Processes advanced
Identify and stop any processes that might be preventing MySQL from removing the directory.
1
Identify the database directory path from the error message.
ERROR MESSAGE: Problem while dropping database. Can't remove database directory (%s). Please remove it manually.2
Use `lsof` (list open files) to check if any processes have files open within the problematic database directory.
sudo lsof /path/to/your/database/directory3
Examine the output of `lsof`. Look for process IDs (PIDs) that are actively using files within the directory. Common culprits include running MySQL clients, other applications accessing the database, or even the MySQL server itself if it's in an inconsistent state.
4
If a specific process is identified, try to gracefully stop it. For example, if it's a MySQL client, ask the user to disconnect. If it's another application, stop that application.
5
If a process cannot be stopped gracefully, or if it's a rogue MySQL process, you may need to terminate it. **Use this with extreme caution as it can lead to data corruption if not done properly.**
sudo kill -9 <PID>6
After ensuring no processes are locking the directory, attempt to drop the database again.
DROP DATABASE your_database_name;