Fix MySQL 1146 Table Doesn’t Exist: Easy Fix Tutorial
User Query: A mid-sized e-commerce business recently upgraded its MySQL server from version 5.7 to a newer release. So, to migrate their data, they used mysqldump to export all databases and then imported them into the upgraded server. After completing the process, they face the “MySQL 1146: Table doesn’t exist” error. Although the table files were still present on the server, MySQL could not access them. They now want a practical solution to fix MySQL 1146 Table Doesn’t Exist error to easily restore proper access to their data.
Summary: Do you face the “MySQL 1146: Table doesn’t exist” error? This is the common error that many users face when migrating a database during a MySQL version upgrade. It often occurs when MySQL is unable to find or access a table that you know exists. In this blog, we will discuss several manual methods and a professional DRS MySQL Database File Recovery. Each method offers you a quick, reliable, and 100% accurate recovery. In addition, we discussed all the essential information regarding this error. So, you can easily avoid it in future migrations.
What is the Error 1146 MySQL Table Doesn’t Exist?
The MySQL 1146: Table doesn’t exist error shows when MySQL tries to access a table that it cannot find in the database. This is common during database upgrades or migrations, especially when using tools like mysqldump. Generally, it looks like: 
Why Does the MySQL Table Doesn’t Exist Error Occur?
This error occurs due to several reasons, such as:
- Sometimes, the table name is misspelled in the SQL query.
- If you’re connected to the wrong database.
- When the table file is missing or corrupted.
- Also, an incomplete migration or failed restore.
How to Fix MySQL 1146 Table Doesn’t Exist Manually?
To manually fix a MySQL error, you can use several SQL error 1146 troubleshooting steps. Here is how you can perform it:
Step 01: Check Table Name and Query
Start by double-checking your SQL command. Make sure:
- The table name is correct (spelling and letter case).
- Also, you’re using the right database.
Step 02: Look for the Table in MySQL Data Folder
- If the table still isn’t found, go to this folder: /var/lib/mysql/your_db/
- Now, check if the table files are there.
- If the files exist but the table is not working, move to the next step.
Step 03: Create a New Table (If You Know the Structure)
If the table is missing and you remember its layout, you can manually create it again using this command:
Step 04: Restore the Table from a Backup
- If you have a backup, restore it using: mysql -u root -p your_db < backup.sql
- Further, this will bring back your table as it was during the backup.
Step 05: Use InnoDB Table Recovery (Advanced)
If your table uses the InnoDB engine and the .ibd file still exists, follow these steps:
- Create a new table with the same name and structure as the lost one.
- After that, run: ALTER TABLE tb_name DISCARD TABLESPACE;
- Now, replace the new .ibd file with the original one (from your backup or old server).
- Again, run: ALTER TABLE tb_name IMPORT TABLESPACE;
Note: This method only works if the .ibd file exists and the table was originally created as InnoDB.
Step 06: Check User Permissions to Fix MySQL 1146 Table Doesn’t Exist
Sometimes, the table may exist, but your MySQL user doesn’t have permission to access it. To check: SHOW GRANTS FOR ‘username’@’host’;
Limitations of the Manual Method
While the manual method is free to use. But, it contains several limitations, including:
- Risk of data loss or not providing a solution to fix the corrupted MySQL file.
- Sometimes, requires a good knowledge of MySQL internals, such as InnoDB file recovery.
- Moreover, manually checking the table structure, running multiple queries, and trying to restore tables can be time-consuming and complicated.
However, you can easily avoid these limitations; you can use the alternative method, which is mentioned below.
Hassle-Free Way to Fix MySQL 1146 Table Doesn’t Exist
If your MySQL database file is severely corrupted, you can use the professional DRS MySQL Database Recovery Tool. This tool is specifically designed with an advanced algorithm to handle corrupted & damaged MySQL DB files with 100% accuracy. Also, it maintains the data’s originality, confidentiality, and integrity during the recovery process. Moreover, this tool is highly compatible with all MySQL and Windows versions.
One-Time Service Available
For a more customized, quick, and cost-effective solution, you can request a one-time MySQL Database file recovery tool from our technical support.
Simple Steps to Repair a Corrupted MySQL Database File
- Firstly, download the DRS MySQL Database Recovery on your PC.

- Then, click on Open to add the corrupted file.

- Now, browse the corrupted Database file.

- After that, you can preview the recovered database file.

- Lastly, click Save to complete the recovery process.

Why Use DRS Recovery Tool?
This tool offers several advanced features, such as:
- Repair all the database components, like tables, triggers, and more.
- Effortlessly recover both MyISAM and InnoDB database tables.
- Subsequently, also fix many errors like MySQL Shutdown Unexpectedly.
- Download recovered data to SQL databases or as SQL-compatible script files.
- Also, it has a simple interface, and tech & non-tech users can easily use it.
Conclusion
Fix MySQL 1146 Table Doesn’t Exist error can be hectic, but it’s not impossible to fix. You can use the manual methods like checking your query, restoring from backups, or using InnoDB recovery. However, if those don’t work or your MySQL database file is severely corrupted. You can use the professional recovery tool. This tool offers you a quick and 100% accurate recovery without data loss. Moreover, the demo (Free) version of this utility is available to explore its features and functions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: You can fix it by checking the table name, verifying the database, restoring from a backup, or using a recovery tool if the table is corrupted.
Ans: Yes. If the table files are corrupted or missing, MySQL will not be able to read them, which leads to the 1146 error.
Ans: Yes, if you have a backup or the .ibd file of the table, it can be recovered manually or using a recovery tool.
Ans: Yes. Use the DRS MySQL Database File Recovery to fix table doesn’t exist error in MySQL. If your database file is severely corrupted, this tool gives you a 100% accurate result.
About The Author:
I, Aaradhya Jain, a technical content writer at DRS Solutions, specializes in delivering clear, practical guides on data management, migration, and recovery tools. With a detail-oriented and user-first approach mindset, I transform complex processes into actionable insights for IT professionals and decision-makers.