Cannot Find File: .myi – MySQL Error and Recovery

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MySQL is a widely-used database management application, albeit not as prevalent as commercial alternatives. It employs MyISAM as its default storage engine, derived from older ISAM code but enriched with numerous valuable extensions. The MyISAM storage mechanism consists of three files with the extensions .frm, .MYI, and .MYD, which are essential for organizing and preserving data. Within the MyISAM storage engine, the .MYI extension stands for MyIndex and is responsible for housing the table’s indexes.

Occasionally, when using MySQL, you may encounter a situation where the .MYI file fails to open, resulting in the display of the following error message by MySQL:

Can’t find file: .MYI

The provided error message occurs when the .MYI file becomes corrupted, potentially causing database corruption. Several factors can contribute to the damage of the .MYI file, including:

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

You have several options for fixing and recovering a corrupted database caused by a damaged .MYI file.

• 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 offers database repair commands to help you address issues arising from database corruption. Before utilizing these MySQL Repair commands, it is essential to assess the degree of table corruption within your database. You can do this by employing 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

Following the completion of this procedure, should you continue to encounter the same error message, it is advisable to explore the next and most effective method for rectifying the corrupted database file.

• Using MySQL Recovery Tool: In the absence of a database backup and when all other attempts to restore the database have proven unsuccessful, the MySQL Recovery tool steps in as a valuable resource. This proficient MySQL recovery tool offers user-friendly operation and delivers rapid, precise results.

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.The Kernel for MySQL Database Recovery tool ensures the complete and precise recovery of all database elements. Furthermore, it upholds data consistency and integrity throughout the recovery process. This software is compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8/8.1, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2003, and Windows 2000 for installation.