Typical Error Messages

• Here is a list of typical error messages, their causes, and what to do about them.

• ERROR 2003: Can't connect to MySQL server on 'host_name'
  • The server may not be running.
  • Try restarting the server.

• ERROR 2002: Can't connect to local MySQL server through socket '/tmp/mysql.sock'
  • Trying to connect using a TCP/IP port, named pipe, or socket file different from the one on which the server is listening.
  • Use the --port option to indicate the proper port number or use the --socket option to indicate the proper named pipe or socket file.

• Access denied for user ''@'unknown' to database mysql
  • mysqld cannot resolve the hostname for the client.
  • Restart the server with the --skip-grant-tables option and edit the /etc/hosts file add an entry for the host.

• Access denied for user 'root'@'localhost' (using password: YES)
  • An incorrect password is listed in an option file.
  • Suppress the use of option files by a client program by invoking it with the --no-defaults option.

How does MySQL handle usernames and passwords?

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© 2007 John Michael Pierobon

Notes