PostgreSQL returns undefined_file (58P01) when it cannot locate a required file, such as a data file, configuration file, or shared library.
PostgreSQL undefined_file (58P01) appears when the server or a query references a file that does not exist in the expected path. Verify the filename, correct the path or permissions, and reload or restart PostgreSQL to resolve the problem.
PostgreSQL Error 58P01
PostgreSQL raises error code 58P01 with condition name undefined_file when it tries to access a file that is not present at the specified location. The missing item can be a table data file, a configuration include, a WAL segment, or a shared library required by an extension.
The problem halts the current connection or server startup because PostgreSQL cannot continue without the requested resource.
Prompt remediation is critical to restore database availability or query execution.
Missing data files after an unexpected server crash or manual deletion frequently trigger 58P01. PostgreSQL looks for the relation’s physical file and fails if it is gone.
Incorrect paths in postgresql.conf, recovery.conf, or COPY statements also lead to undefined_file.
The server simply cannot find the referenced object.
Uninstalled or relocated shared libraries (.so/.dll) required by extensions such as PostGIS generate the same error during CREATE EXTENSION or server start.
Identify the file in the error message first.
If it is a table data file, restore it from a recent base backup and the relevant WAL segments, then run pg_resetwal if needed.
For configuration include errors, correct the include_dir or include_if_exists path in postgresql.conf and reload the server with SELECT pg_reload_conf();.
If a shared library is missing, reinstall the extension package or adjust shared_preload_libraries to point to the right location, then restart PostgreSQL.
COPY FROM '/tmp/data.csv' when the file was deleted produces 58P01.
Recreate or move the file to /tmp and rerun the command.
pg_hba.conf include of a non-existent file blocks startup. Remove or rename the include line, test with pg_ctl restart, and verify logs.
Keep all configuration includes under version control to prevent accidental deletion. Automate validation with pg_validateconf before reloading in CI pipelines.
Use symbolic links carefully and monitor them with a configuration management tool so paths never drift.
Galaxy’s editor can surface path variables inline, reducing typos.
Error 58P02 duplicate_file occurs when PostgreSQL finds an unexpected duplicate file, often fixed by removing the extra copy.
Error 58P03 undefined_parameter arises from referencing an unknown configuration parameter; correct the name in postgresql.conf.
.
No. Often it is a mis-typed path or missing library. Data loss is only a risk when a table file is truly deleted.
Yes, if the error originates from a query level issue like COPY or dynamic library load. For startup failures, a restart is required.
Only for configuration-related missing files. For data files or libraries you must restore or reinstall resources.
Galaxy’s context-aware editor highlights path variables, surfaces config validation linting, and keeps SQL scripts versioned to reduce typos and accidental deletions.
.avif)
.avif){kind=logo}
