MySQL Error 77: EE_FAILED_TO_SET_OPTION_VALUE - How to Fix and Prevent

What is MySQL Error 77 (EE_FAILED_TO_SET_OPTION_VALUE)?

MySQL raises error 77 with the condition name EE_FAILED_TO_SET_OPTION_VALUE when it cannot store the requested value into a configuration, global, or session option. The error text is “%s: Error while setting value '%s' to '%s'.” The placeholder values identify the component, the supplied value, and the option involved.

The condition was introduced in MySQL 8.0.13 and is categorized as a global error.

It can surface during server startup, SET GLOBAL or SET SESSION statements, or while changing replication and SSL options via administrative commands.

What Causes This Error?

Invalid option values trigger the error first. A value that exceeds an option’s allowed range or mismatches its data type prevents the server from storing it.

Read-only or dynamic limitations also cause failure. Some variables are not dynamic or can be modified only at startup.

Attempting to change such variables online results in error 77.

Insufficient privileges present another root cause. Changing most GLOBAL variables requires the SYSTEM_VARIABLES_ADMIN or SUPER privilege. Lacking them blocks the assignment.

Configuration file typos or deprecations during a version upgrade often lead to the error at boot time because the server cannot parse or apply the faulty directive.

How to Fix MySQL Error 77: EE_FAILED_TO_SET_OPTION_VALUE

First confirm the option is dynamic by querying performance_schema.variables_info or the SHOW VARIABLES output.

Non-dynamic options must be set in my.cnf or via command-line flags, then the server restarted.

Validate the supplied value against the option’s permitted range or accepted strings as documented in the MySQL manual. Correct or cast the value accordingly.

Ensure the executing account holds SYSTEM_VARIABLES_ADMIN or SUPER privileges for GLOBAL scope changes. Grant the privileges temporarily if necessary.

If the error occurs at startup, edit my.cnf, remove the invalid directive, or replace it with a supported one, then restart MySQL.

Always back up configuration files before editing.

Common Scenarios and Solutions

Changing SSL mode online: SET GLOBAL ssl_mode='REQUIRED'; fails because ssl_mode is read-only. Fix by editing my.cnf and restarting.

Tuning innodb_buffer_pool_size on a running server without innodb_buffer_pool_resize_service enabled triggers the error. Enable the service or set the value at startup.

Assigning a negative number to max_connections results in error 77.

Supply a positive integer within documented bounds.

Best Practices to Avoid This Error

Query variables_info before issuing SET commands to verify dynamic capability, permitted ranges, and required privileges.

Use version control for my.cnf and test configuration changes in staging servers running the same MySQL version to catch deprecations early.

Grant SYSTEM_VARIABLES_ADMIN only to trusted administrators and use role-based accounts to reduce accidental misconfiguration.

Related Errors and Solutions

ER_UNKNOWN_SYSTEM_VARIABLE (Error 1193) occurs when the variable name itself is invalid.

Correct the spelling or check version compatibility.

ER_GLOBAL_VARIABLE (Error 1229) indicates an attempt to set a GLOBAL variable without proper privileges. Grant or use an account with SYSTEM_VARIABLES_ADMIN.

ER_INCORRECT_GLOBAL_VARIABLE (Error 1231) shows the value is outside the allowed range. Constrain the value within published limits.

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