<p>MySQL cannot create the handler file (.MYI, .MYD, or .ibd) needed for a table, typically because of permission issues, incorrect paths, or lack of disk space.</p>
<p>MySQL Error 1501: ER_CANT_CREATE_HANDLER_FILE means the server failed to write the table’s handler file, often due to missing directory permissions, nonexistent data directory, or full disk. Fix it by granting MySQL write rights to the data folder, verifying paths, or freeing disk space.</p>
Failed to create specific handler file
MySQL raises error 1501 when it cannot create the physical handler file (.MYI, .MYD, .ibd, or partition files) during a CREATE TABLE, ALTER TABLE, or REPAIR TABLE statement. The operation stops immediately to prevent data corruption.
The handler file stores indexes or row data, so its absence blocks table access. Fixing the underlying file system issue restores normal database operations.
Missing or incorrect directory permissions prevent mysqld from writing new files. SELinux or AppArmor policies can silently block creation even when Unix permissions appear correct.
A full or read-only disk, wrong datadir path, or OS quota limits also trigger the error. On Windows, antivirus or backup tools that lock files can cause the same symptom.
First, check the MySQL error log for the exact path it failed to use. Confirm the directory exists, the mysqld user owns it, and it allows rwx access.
If storage is full, free space or move the datadir to a larger volume. After permissions or space are corrected, rerun the original CREATE or ALTER statement.
During a migration, the datadir was copied but ownership stayed root:chown -R mysql:mysql /var/lib/mysql resolves the issue.
In Docker, mounting a host volume as read-only yields the error. Re-mount with rw permissions or use a named volume.
Automate permission checks in deployment scripts. Monitor disk usage and inode count with tools like Nagios or Prometheus to alert before capacity issues arise.
Keep datadir on dedicated storage to prevent unexpected interference from other applications or antivirus.
Error 1030 (HY000): Got error 28 - No space left on device - often appears alongside 1501 when disk is full.
Error 1016 (HY000): Can't open file - occurs when the handler file existed but was later removed or inaccessible.
The mysqld process lacks write or execute rights on the datadir or database subdirectory.
No free space or inodes remain on the partition where MySQL stores data files.
my.cnf points to a directory that does not exist or has been moved.
SELinux, AppArmor, or antivirus software prevents mysqld from creating new files.
The filesystem is mounted read-only or a backup tool is holding exclusive locks.
Indicates disk space exhaustion; frequently co-occurs with 1501.
Appears when MyISAM files are missing or permissions are wrong.
Signals general file access problems, sometimes preceding 1501.
Yes. InnoDB cannot create .ibd files and MyISAM cannot create .MYI or .MYD files when the filesystem blocks writes.
If the issue is permissions or disk space, correcting them usually lets you rerun the SQL without restarting. A datadir move requires a restart.
Galaxy surfaces MySQL error logs directly in its results pane and can alert you when write operations fail, enabling rapid diagnosis before production impact.
No data is written, so existing tables remain intact. Simply resolve the filesystem issue and rerun the statement.
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