MySQL raises Error 1010 when DROP DATABASE cannot remove the database directory on disk, usually due to filesystem permissions, open files, or residual objects.
MySQL Error 1010 (ER_DB_DROP_RMDIR) appears when the server cannot delete the database directory during DROP DATABASE. Check directory permissions, ensure no tables or files are locked, and manually delete residual files before rerunning DROP DATABASE to resolve the issue.
Error dropping database (can't rmdir '%s', errno: %d)
MySQL throws Error 1010 with the message "Error dropping database (can't rmdir '%s', errno: %d)" when it fails to remove the physical directory that stores the database files during a DROP DATABASE statement.
This failure is handled as a server-side DDL error, but the underlying cause is almost always an operating-system issue such as file locks, permission problems, or non-empty directories.
The server calls the OS rmdir() system call after deleting all tables.
If the directory is still present or not empty, the call returns an errno value, which MySQL surfaces as Error 1010.
Common triggers include orphaned files left by crashed sessions, open file handles held by other processes, or restrictive filesystem permissions that block mysqld from deleting the folder.
First confirm no other sessions use the target database. Then inspect the data directory path shown in the error.
Verify permissions allow the MySQL user to delete the folder and its contents.
If residual .frm, .ibd, or log files remain, manually back them up and remove them. Afterward rerun DROP DATABASE. For stubborn locks, restart mysqld or the host OS to release handles.
On Linux, SELinux can block directory deletion even with correct Unix permissions; setenforce 0 or adjust policies before trying again.
In Windows installations, antivirus tools often keep file handles open.
Temporarily disable real-time scanning or add the data directory to exclusions.
Always close client sessions and switch to another database before dropping one. Implement automated checks that ensure no active connections exist.
Grant the MySQL service account full read-write-execute rights on the data directory tree. Use monitoring to alert on lingering temporary files after DDL operations.
Error 1008 (ER_DB_DROP_EXISTS) occurs when attempting to drop a non-existent database.
Error 1011 (ER_DB_DROP_DELETE) fires when file deletion, not directory removal, fails. Solutions overlap: verify permissions and file locks for each case.
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The MySQL service account lacks write or execute rights on the database directory or its parent, preventing rmdir().
Residual .frm, .ibd, or temp files remain after table deletion due to a crash or active background process.
Another process or client thread still references a file in the directory, keeping the folder busy.
Security modules intercept rmdir() and deny the operation, returning an errno that bubbles up to MySQL.
On Windows, third-party tools scanning the directory hold locks that stop MySQL from removing it.
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Errno 13 is a permission denied code on Linux. Grant the mysql user write and execute rights on the directory.
Yes, but stop MySQL first, back up data, remove the folder, then start MySQL and run DROP DATABASE to clear metadata.
Galaxy’s role-based permissions and run history make it easy to coordinate DROP DATABASE operations, ensuring sessions close before execution.
Prefer targeted policy adjustments over full disablement to maintain OS security while allowing MySQL directory operations.
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