MySQL Error 2037: CR_SHARED_MEMORY_CONNECTION - How to Fix and Prevent

What is MySQL Error 2037: CR_SHARED_MEMORY_CONNECTION?

MySQL Error 2037 (Client, CR_SHARED_MEMORY_CONNECTION) is raised by the MySQL client library on Windows when it cannot create or connect to the named shared-memory file used for local connections. The accompanying message shows the failing shared-memory pipe name.

The error appears only when the client attempts to use the shared-memory protocol, typically by specifying protocol=memory or by using --shared-memory in mysql.exe.

It never occurs on Linux or macOS because those platforms lack the feature.

What Causes This Error?

The most common cause is that the MySQL server was started without the --shared-memory option, so the named pipe does not exist when the client tries to attach.

Mismatched shared_memory_base_name between client and server causes the client to look for a different pipe and fail.

An old or crashed server process may leave a dangling handle that blocks creation of the pipe for the new instance, producing the same error.

Local firewalls or Windows security software that block access to CreateFileMapping or OpenFileMapping APIs can also trigger the error.

How to Fix MySQL Error 2037

First, verify that the server starts with shared-memory support: add --shared-memory to the mysqld command line or shared_memory=ON in my.ini, then restart the service.

Ensure client tools request the correct protocol: use --protocol=memory or set protocol=memory in the connection string only when the server really provides shared memory.

If you changed shared_memory_base_name on the server, pass the same value to the client with --shared-memory-base-name or sharedMemoryBaseName in the DSN.

When shared-memory is not required, switch the client to TCP/IP or named pipe by removing protocol=memory.

This bypasses the failing code path entirely.

Common Scenarios and Solutions

Scenario: Upgraded MySQL and the Windows Service lost its command options. Solution: Re-add --shared-memory and restart the service.

Scenario: Application hardcodes protocol=memory but the DBA disabled shared memory for security. Solution: Change the application's connection string to protocol=tcp.

Scenario: Multiple MySQL instances run with different shared_memory_base_name values. Solution: Supply the correct base name for the targeted instance.

Scenario: Antivirus blocks shared memory objects.

Solution: Whitelist mysqld.exe or disable the conflicting real-time protection for that process.

Best Practices to Avoid This Error

Document and version control the mysqld startup options so that --shared-memory stays consistent across restarts.

Prefer TCP/IP for local connections unless you have a measured performance need for shared memory.

Embed connection parameters in central configs or environment variables so changes propagate without code edits.

Monitor Windows Application logs and MySQL error logs on startup to detect missing shared-memory support early.

With Galaxy, teams can store their trusted connection snippets in Collections, ensuring everyone uses the same protocol settings and preventing drift that leads to Error 2037.

Related Errors and Solutions

Error 2002 (CR_CONNECTION_ERROR) - occurs when a TCP/IP connection fails.

Check host, port, or firewall rules.

Error 2003 (CR_CONN_HOST_ERROR) - raised when the client cannot reach the server host. Verify DNS and networking.

Error 2006 (CR_SERVER_GONE_ERROR) - indicates the connection was lost after being established. Investigate server crashes or timeouts.

Error 2013 (CR_SERVER_LOST) - signals that the connection died in the middle of a query. Tune wait_timeout and network stability.

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