<p>MySQL blocks RENAME TABLE when an active log table cannot be switched with its archive table during binary or general logging.</p>
<p>MySQL Error 1581 ER_CANT_RENAME_LOG_TABLE occurs when you try to rename a log table while logging is enabled. Disable the relevant logs, rename both the active and archive tables in one statement, then re-enable logging to resolve the issue.</p>
Cannot rename '%s'. When logging enabled, rename to/from
MySQL raises error 1581 when a RENAME TABLE statement targets a log table while logging is active. The server needs to move the current log table to an archive name and restore another table to the original name, but the required dual rename cannot be executed safely.
The error protects binary, general, and slow query logs from inconsistency. When log_output is set to TABLE, MySQL writes directly to mysql.general_log or mysql.slow_log. Renaming these tables while they are in use risks losing or corrupting log data, so the server blocks the request.
The message appears during RENAME TABLE, ALTER TABLE RENAME, or ALTER TABLE ... RENAME TO commands on mysql.general_log or mysql.slow_log when their corresponding logging variables are ON. It can also arise in scripted maintenance routines that archive log tables without first disabling logging.
Failing to complete the intended rename leaves maintenance scripts in a broken state, fills disk space with growing log tables, and prevents automated archiving jobs. Resolving the error restores log rotation workflows and keeps the MySQL instance healthy.
general_log, slow_query_log, or binary logging variables remain ON, so the log table is locked for writing.
Only the active log table was included in the RENAME statement, omitting the necessary archive table swap.
The statement references non-existent archive tables, blocking the atomic rename.
The session lacks ALTER and DROP permissions on the mysql system schema, causing the rename to fail.
General failure when RENAME TABLE cannot complete because of constraints, locks, or filesystem issues.
Raised when attempting to read from log tables while they are being altered.
Appears if the log table was dropped instead of renamed and logging is still enabled.
No. MySQL requires logging to be disabled because it must close file descriptors before moving the table.
FLUSH LOGS rotates file based logs but does not disable TABLE based logging, so the error can still occur.
Error 1581 appears in MySQL 5.1 and later whenever log_output is TABLE and logging is active.
Galaxy's AI copilot warns about active logging variables and suggests the correct disable-rename-enable sequence, reducing production errors.
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