How to fix Port 3306 in use by Unable to Open Process?

This article gives you an understanding of how to fix port 3306 in use by unable to open the process, and also we have given some relevant details of this port 3306 for your better reference.

by A N Rahul

Updated Mar 25, 2023

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How to fix Port 3306 in use by Unable to Open Process?
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What is Port 3306 in use by Unable to Open Process?

The error "Port 3306 in use by Unable to Open Process" is commonly encountered when using XAMPP or MAMP to configure MySQL and PHP to start on system startup. This error occurs because MySQL uses port 3306 by default, and another process is already using it. To fix this error, you need to open the XAMPP Control Panel and follow the steps to change the port number used by MySQL. Once you've made the necessary changes, save the file and restart the XAMPP Control Panel to allow MySQL to connect through the new port number. Then, edit the value of the port number in the my.ini file from 3306 to a different number, such as 3307. This will allow MySQL to connect to the XAMPP server without conflicts. Finally, restart the XAMPP Control Panel and start the Apache and MySQL servers to verify the issue is resolved.

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Cause of Port 3306 in use by Unable to Open Process

The error message "Port 3306 in Use by 'Unable to Open Process'" occurs when there is a conflict with port 3306, which is the default port used by MySQL to communicate with the XAMPP server. This conflict can be caused by several reasons such as:

  • Another application is already using port 3306.
  • The MySQL server did not shut down properly during the last session, causing the port to remain open.
  • The XAMPP Control Panel was not closed properly, leading to the port remaining in use.

As a result, when the user attempts to start MySQL using XAMPP, it fails to connect to the port and the error message is displayed. The issue can be resolved by stopping the Apache server, editing the port value in the my.ini file, closing and restarting the XAMPP Control Panel, and starting the Apache and MySQL servers again.

How to fix Port 3306 in use by Unable to Open Process?

If you encounter an issue with port 3306 being in use and unable to open the process while trying to start MySQL on XAMPP, follow the steps below to resolve the issue:

  • If you encounter the "Port 3306 in use by Unable to Open Process" error when starting MySQL on XAMPP, follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Step 1: Stop Apache Server

  • Open the XAMPP Control Panel and click on "Stop" under the Module Apache on Action Column to stop the Apache server if it is already running.
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Step 2: Edit Port Number

  • Under the Module MySQL on the XAMPP Control Panel, click on "Config" on Action Column and select "my.ini". On the my.ini-Editor window, scroll down to "# password = your_password port=3306 socket="C:/xampp/mysql/mysql.sock"". Change the port number from 3306 to 3307. Scroll down to "# The MySQL server. default-character-set=utf8mb4 [mysqld] skip-grant-tables=TRUE port=3306 socket="C:/xampp/mysql/mysql.sock"". Change the port number from 3306 to 3307. Save the file and close.

Step 3: Restart XAMPP Control Panel

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  • Close the XAMPP Control Panel and restart it.

Step 4: Start Apache and MySQL Server

  • Start the Apache server first and then start the MySQL server. You will now see that MySQL is trying to connect to the xampp server through port 3307.
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Conclusion:

  • By following the above steps, you can resolve the issue of conflicting port when starting MySQL on XAMPP. If you need further assistance with installing XAMPP step by step on a Windows machine, refer to the relevant documentation.


Disclaimer: The above information is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on the Site.

How to Fix Port 3306 in use by Unable to Open Process - FAQs

1. What causes the error message "Port 3306 in use by Unable to Open Process"?

This error occurs when another process is already using port 3306, which is the default port used by MySQL to communicate with the XAMPP server. This can happen if another application is already using the port, or if the MySQL server did not shut down properly during the last session.

2. How do I fix the error "Port 3306 in use by Unable to Open Process" on XAMPP?

To fix this error, you need to change the port number used by MySQL from 3306 to a different number, such as 3307. This can be done by editing the my.ini file on XAMPP Control Panel.

3. How do I access the my.ini file on XAMPP Control Panel?

On the XAMPP Control Panel, under the Module MySQL, click on "Config" on Action Column and select "my.ini". This will open the my.ini file on the editor window.

4. How do I restart the XAMPP Control Panel?

To restart the XAMPP Control Panel, simply close it and open it again.

5. What should I do if the error persists after following the steps to fix port 3306 on XAMPP?

If the error persists, try using a different port number other than 3307. Also, check if any other application is still using the port and terminate it if necessary.

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