MYSQL: Error Changing Root Password

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Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 Service Pack 1

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 Service Pack 2

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 Service Pack 3

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 Service Pack 4

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 Service Pack 1

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 Service Pack 2

Situation

ERROR 1017 (HY000): Can't find file: './mysql/user.frm' (errno: 13) when attempting to run this command:

UPDATE user SET Password=PASSWORD('newpassword') WHERE User='root';

This command is used to change the root password on the default mysql database. The default file location for user.frm, mentioned above, is /var/lib/mysql/mysql, checking that location shows the file exists.

Resolution

The likely cause of this problem is a rights / ownership problem. If the mysql database was created manually by running the mysql_install_db command in the /usr/bin folder, it is liketly that the ownership will be:

root root 1752 Nov 15 08:48 mysql

the ownership of the folder should be mysql for the owner and mysql for the qroup (instead of root and root). To change the ownership, run this command:

chown mysql:mysql mysql

Now it should be possible to relaunch the mysql console and attempt to change the root users' password again.

Disclaimer

This Support Knowledgebase provides a valuable tool for SUSE customers and parties interested in our products and solutions to acquire information, ideas and learn from one another. Materials are provided for informational, personal or non-commercial use within your organization and are presented "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.