mysqld: Can't change dir to data. Server doesn't start

Question

I installed a MySQL server with installer and it started. After reboot I tried to start it again and get the error:

D:\\Program Files\\MySQL\\MySQL Server 5.         


        

Answer 1

This solution uses the windows mysql installer.

I have tried every other way mentioned here and other related posts, but it did not solve my problem, the service just wont start, but the below approach with the mysql-installer did.

If you still have your installer or atleast remember the version then follow below steps:

1. Start your windows mysql installer. For me it was "mysql-installer-community-8.0.20.0"
2. Then remove/uninstall the SQL Server and remove all configurations
3. Manually delete the SQL Server folder from "C:\Program Files\MySQL\MySQL Server 8.0."
4. Start your mysql installer again and install the SQL Server again

You can check from the window's services that the MySqL Server has started.

Hope it helps someone.