Cannot Find File: .myi – MySQL Error and Recovery

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MySQL is a popular database management application, though not as popular as commercial applications. MySQL uses MyISAM as the default storage engine, which is based on older ISAM code but comprises many useful extensions. The MyISAM comprises three files having extensions- .frm, .MYI, and .MYD that are used to properly store the data. The MYI extension in MyISAM storage engine stands for MyIndex and refers to the index file in which table’s indexes are stored.

But, sometimes while working with MySQL, the .MYI file does not open, and MySQL displays the following error message:

Can’t find file: .MYI

The specified error message is generated when .MYI file gets corrupt, which can also lead into database corruption. Following can be the reasons for .MYI file damage:

• Abrupt system shut down when MySQL is in use
• Network errors
• Internal code errors in MyISAM
• Improper tables locking
• Physical issues
• User errors

You can repair and restore the database damaged due to corruption of .MYI file, by one of the following ways:

• Using Backup: Use the database backup to restore the database objects. If you do not have a backup or the backup you have is not updated, consider the next process.
• Using MySQL Repair Commands: MySQL provides you with database repair commands so that you can tackle problem occurred due to database corruption. To use MySQL Repair commands, you first need to check the extent of database table corruption by using one of the following commands:

• CHECK TABLE table_name
• myisamchk *.MYI
• mysqlcheck *.MYI

If any corruption is detected, execute the following commands to repair the database table in which corruption is found:

• REPAIR TABLE table_name
• myisamchk *.MYI
• mysqlcheck *.MYI

After executing this process, if you still face the same error message, consider the next and the best possible way to repair the damaged database file.

• Using MySQL Recovery Tool: When you do not have a database backup and all other possible ways get failed to repair the database, the MySQL Recovery tool becomes a help for you. A professional MySQL recovery tool easy to use and provides instant results with total accuracy.

With the self-descriptive user interface, Kernel for MySQL Repair tool facilitates you to perform successful MySQL server recovery and repair the damaged database file with ease. The software has been designed to perform fast and effective database recovery. Kernel for MySQL Database Recovery recovers all database objects with full accuracy. Moreover, the software maintains data consistency and integrity. You can install the software on Windows 10, Windows 8/8.1, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2003, and Windows 2000.