MySQL cannot open the configured error log file, preventing the server from writing diagnostic information.
MySQL error ER_CANT_OPEN_ERROR_LOG occurs when the server cannot open the configured error log file, usually due to wrong path, missing permissions, or full disk. Fix it by correcting --log-error path, adjusting filesystem permissions, and ensuring sufficient disk space, then restart MySQL.
ER_CANT_OPEN_ERROR_LOG
ER_CANT_OPEN_ERROR_LOG (error 3228, SQLSTATE HY000) is raised when the MySQL server tries to start or rotate logs but fails to open the configured error log file.
The message includes the path MySQL attempted to open, followed by additional context. Without an error log, important diagnostic details are lost, so the server usually refuses to start.
Filesystem issues are the primary cause. MySQL may lack read or write permission on the log directory, the directory might not exist, or disk space may be exhausted.
Misconfigured --log-error or log_error services can also lead to MySQL pointing at an invalid or unwritable location, triggering the error on startup.
First, verify that the directory and file specified in the log_error system variable exist. Next, ensure the MySQL service account owns the directory and has write permission.
If the path is wrong, edit my.cnf or the server startup command to point log_error to a valid location, then restart MySQL to test.
Permission Denied: chown the directory to mysql:mysql and set chmod 640 on the log file to let the server append entries.
Directory Missing: create the directory with correct ownership before starting MySQL so it can create the log file automatically.
Always use absolute paths in log_error. Include the directory in configuration management so it exists on new nodes.
Monitor disk space on the log volume and rotate logs using logrotate or MySQL's built-in log rotation to prevent full disks.
Error 13 EACCES in the system journal indicates a similar permission problem during log creation. Fix it the same way by adjusting ownership and mode.
MySQL Error 1018 ER_CANT_OPEN_FILE can occur when the data directory is affected by the same permission or disk issues.
my.cnf or a startup script points MySQL to a directory that does not exist.
The MySQL OS user lacks write permission on the error log directory or file.
The partition hosting the error log is full, so the file cannot be opened.
The file system was remounted read-only after a crash or hardware issue.
Raised when MySQL cannot create a file in the data directory, often due to the same permission or disk issues.
Occurs when MySQL fails to open a table definition file, frequently linked to filesystem or permission problems.
Signals a generic write failure, which might appear if the error log disk fills up.
Yes. If MySQL cannot write to the error log, it aborts startup to prevent silent failures.
Use ps -ef | grep mysqld or check the user=mysql line in systemd service files to see which account owns the process.
No. The error log is required for proper operation and supportability. Instead, fix permissions or path issues.
Galaxy surfaces MySQL startup errors in one place and lets engineers share the precise fix steps, reducing troubleshooting time.
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