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MariaDB Redo log file exists Error – Resolved

Did you know that the redo log in MariaDB is a file set that records changes made to the database?
In fact, these files ensure data consistency as well as durability. In other words, it helps recover the database from crashes or other failures.

The redo log files to be names like ib_logfileN, where N is an integer. According to our experts, there is only one redo log from MariaDB 10.5 onwards. Hence, this file is always named ib_logfile0.

Furthermore, the redo log files are created in the directory mentioned in the configured innodb_log_group_home_dir system variable. In case the variable is not configured, the files are created in the directory defined by the datadir system variable.

When MariaDB starts up, it checks if valid redo log files exist. In case the redo log file exists, it indicates that the database was incorrectly shut down cleanly and hence there might be a few uncommitted transactions that have to be replayed.

This brings bring the database back to a consistent state.

This involves reading the redo log file contents and applying changes that were not committed or rolling back transactions that are incomplete because of the database failure.

Furthermore, we can use the innodb_flush_log_at_trx_commit system variable to determine how often the transactions are flushed to the redo log. Achieving a good balance between speed and reliability is important according to our experts.

How to resolve MariaDB Redo log file exists Error

Recently some of our customers came across the following error message:

[ERROR] InnoDB: redo log file ‘./ib_logfile1’ exists. Creating system tablespace with existing redo log files is not recommended. Please delete all redo log files before creating new system tablespace.

In some cases, the MariaDB server also refuses to start.

According to our experts, this is because the obsolete redo log file prevents MariaDB from operating correctly.

Fortunately, there is an easy fix for this issue:

1. First, connect to the server via SSH.
2. Then, we have to move the ib_logfile files from /var/lib/mysql.
3. Finally, restart MariaDB,

This resolves the MariaDB Redo log file exists error.

Let us know in the comments if this article helped you resolve the MariaDB Redo log file error.

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Conclusion

In summary, our Support Techs demonstrated how to resolve the MariaDB Redo log file exists error.