MySQL raises this error when it reads a line in an option file that is not placed under a [group] section header.
EE_OPTION_WITHOUT_GRP_IN_CONFIG_FILE occurs when MySQL finds an option line outside any [group] header while parsing an option file. Move the option under the proper [mysqld] or other section header and restart the server to resolve the issue.
Found option without preceding group in config file %s at line %d. EE_OPTION_WITHOUT_GRP_IN_CONFIG_FILE was added in 8.0.13.
MySQL throws error 52 when it encounters a configuration option that is not preceded by a valid [group] header in an option file such as my.cnf or my.ini. The server stops reading the file and aborts startup or the client command, depending on context.
The error string includes the full path of the option file and the offending line number, helping you locate the misplaced setting quickly.
This condition was introduced in MySQL 8.0.13 to enforce stricter option-file syntax.
The parser expects every option to belong to a named group like [mysqld], [client], or [mysqldump]. When a line with a key-value pair appears before any group header, the parser cannot determine its scope and raises the error.
Copy-pasting snippets, automated configuration tools, and typographical mistakes often place options outside a group.
Removing an earlier header without moving its options is another frequent trigger.
Open the file path and line number reported in the error. Insert the proper [group] header above the option or move the option into an existing section. Save the file, then restart the MySQL service or rerun the client command to confirm the fix.
Always validate the option against the correct group.
For example, server-side parameters go under [mysqld], while client settings belong to [client]. Misplacing an option can cause silent misconfiguration.
Server startup: If mysqld fails to start, check /etc/my.cnf or /etc/mysql/my.cnf for options before the first [mysqld] header. Move them into that section.
Per-user option file: ~/.my.cnf may include default-auth plugins or SSL paths.
Ensure the file begins with [client] before any option lines.
Keep option files organized with clear comment blocks and consistent header ordering. Use version control to track edits and run syntax validation scripts during CI pipelines.
Galaxy’s SQL editor lets teams store and share vetted my.cnf fragments in Collections, ensuring every edit passes peer review before deployment.
Error 53 EE_UNKNOWN_OPTION_IN_CONFIG_FILE signals an unrecognized option.
Verify spelling or MySQL version support.
Error 3500 ER_PLUGIN_IS_NOT_LOADED indicates a referenced plugin failed to load, often due to misplacement of plugin-load directives. Move them under [mysqld].
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Yes. Any MySQL binary that reads option files, including mysql and mysqldump, can raise the error if its default files contain ungrouped options.
No. Since 8.0.13 the parser behavior is fixed. You must correct the file instead of bypassing the check.
Common paths are C:\\ProgramData\\MySQL\\MySQL Server 8.0\\my.ini and %APPDATA%\\MySQL\\my.ini. The same grouping rules apply.
Galaxy allows teams to store my.cnf fragments in version-controlled Collections, add comments, and run automated lint checks before deployment, reducing misconfiguration risk.
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