MYSQL: ERROR 1049 (42000): Unknown database 'mysql'

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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 1049 (42000): Unknown database 'mysql' when trying to access mysql via this command:

mysql --user=root mysql

this command will access the default 'mysql' database, and needs to be done prior to setting or resetting the root users' MySQL password.

Resolution

Depending on how MySQL was installed, it is possible that the default MySQL database was NOT created.

This may be checked by looking in /var/lib/mysql for a mysql subfolder (i.e. /var/lib/mysql/mysql ). If the path does NOT contain a mysql subfolder, it needs to be created by completing the following steps:

rcmysql stop
pkill mysql   (NOTE: wait until notification is given that mysqld ended, then hit <ENTER>)
/usr/bin/mysql_install_db

Now that the above steps have been run, check and make sure that the database was created:

cd /var/lib/mysql
ls -al | grep mysql

In the listing output there should now be a folder called mysql. Finally, the correct owner and group need to be set on the mysql folder.

chown mysql:mysql mysql

Restart the mysql service in safe mode again and attempt the initial command again:

mysql --user=root mysql

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.