XAMPP ERROR My SQL Shutdown Unexpectedly

How can I solve "Error: MySQL shutdown unexpectedly"?

Fix the XAMPP MySQL shutdown unexpectedly error with our step-by-step guide. Learn the causes, solutions, and how to prevent it from disrupting your local development.

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Have you ever started Xampp and ran into this error message?

When you open XAMPP and click the start MySQL button, it gives me an error. It can be quite scary the first time, especially if you don't know how to fix it. Today we are going to walk through step by step on how to fix this common Xampp error. Let's get started.

Error: MySQL shutdown unexpectedly.

This may be due to a blocked port, missing dependencies, improper privileges, a crash, or a shutdown by another method.

Press the Logs button to view error logs and check the Windows Event Viewer for more clues.

If you need more help, copy and post this entire log window on the forums.

Step 1: Kill all xamp processes

Step 2: Click the Explorer button
or go to your 'Xampp' folder.

Step 3: Open 'mysql' folder

Step 4: Copy the data folder and make a backup just in case you make a mistake.

Step 5: Open the backup folder 'xampp\mysql\backup'

Step 6: Copy all files EXCEPT ibdata1
This is the database so if you copy this one you will delete all your databases.

Step 7: Paste all these files into your data folder.

EXCEPT ibdata1
You could destroy all your databases if you copy over this file so be carful.

Step 9: Restart Xampp Apache and my SQL and, voilà! Everything should work now.

This is a temporary / quick fix solution. Once your data is recovered, it's highly advised to back it up and reinstall XAMPP. The issue stems from corrupted XAMPP files.

Bonus Step: Make another backup of your data folder. Having a backup working version is helpful if something ever goes wrong. You don't want to lose all your hard work.