-2

So, I need to free up some space on our database server.

On investigation it looks like lots of space is being taken up by MariaDB/MySQL databases that are no longer used (snapshots and defunct applications). I want to delete those, but due to events, nobody here has access to a MariaDB user account which can drop those database schemas.

MariaDB is running on the server, running a live system.

Can I just go into the /mysql folder and delete the redundant data from the filesystem without it messing up the live database?

Mikey C
  • 39
  • 6

1 Answers1

7

While this might work without immediate problems, this is a very bad idea. Don't do this. MySQL expects to have full control over its data directories.

Instead, if you have lost root access, schedule a maintenance window and reset the root password for MySQL and afterwards, drop the database properly.

Sven
  • 98,649
  • 14
  • 180
  • 226