MySQL cannot locate the physical table file (.frm, .ibd, MyISAM files) that the query or server startup expects.
MySQL Error 1017: ER_FILE_NOT_FOUND is raised when the server cannot find the required table file (.frm, .ibd, .MYD, or .MYI) in the data directory. Confirm the file exists, correct permissions, and restore or rebuild the table to resolve the issue.
Can't find file: '%s' (errno: %d - %s)
The message "Can't find file: '%s' (errno: %d - %s)" signals that MySQL requested a table or index file on disk, but the operating system returned ENOENT (file not found). The missing file prevents all access to the table until fixed.
Depending on the storage engine, the absent object might be a .frm definition file, an InnoDB .ibd tablespace, or MyISAM data/index files.
The problem lives outside the SQL layer, so rewriting queries will not help until the file issue is solved.
The error surfaces during SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, or ALTER TABLE statements on the affected table. It can also show up during server startup or FLUSH TABLES, because MySQL validates on-disk metadata at these points.
Production impact is high: the table becomes completely unavailable.
Replication can also break if the same table is accessed on a replica that lacks the file.
The error blocks reads and writes, causing application downtime and possible data loss if the filesystem problem indicates broader disk corruption. Immediate action restores service continuity and protects data integrity.
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Manual deletion, failed backups, or cleanup scripts may remove .frm or .ibd files, leaving MySQL metadata pointing to nowhere.
Moving the data directory without updating my.cnf or symbolic links misleads MySQL about the real file location.
On Windows and macOS, table names are case insensitive, while Linux is often case sensitive.
Renaming a table outside MySQL with the wrong case causes the server to look for a file that does not exist.
The files exist but cannot be read because the mysql user lacks correct UNIX permissions or SELinux denies access.
Bad sectors or an unexpected shutdown may damage directory entries, making the filesystem think the file is gone.
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REPAIR works only if the table’s .frm file is present. If the file itself is missing, restore or recreate it first, then run REPAIR to rebuild indexes.
Yes, you can drop the orphaned table to clear metadata. Verify that no application relies on it, then execute DROP TABLE to remove references.
With innodb_file_per_table=ON, each table has its own .ibd. Losing that file triggers 1017. Turning the setting off centralizes storage but does not remove the risk of corruption.
Galaxy’s versioned queries and automatic backups surface when a table stops responding. The editor alerts on failed statements quickly so engineers can act before users notice.
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