Do remove stuff in its own mysql directory. For example, don't delete stuff in a PHP install's directory.

Note that many programs have drivers for mysql which you do not want to remove. Using your judgement, rm -rf these files.ps -ef | grep mysql rver stop Mysql should now work and be running all the time as expected Run the commands Brew suggests, add MySQL to launchctl so it automatically launches at startup Unset TMPDIR mysql_install_db -verbose -user=`whoami` -basedir='$(brew -prefix mysql)' -datadir=/usr/local/var/mysql -tmpdir=/tmp # whoami is executed inline sudo rm -rf /private/var/db/receipts/*mysql*īrew install MySQL per user Sedorner from this StackOverflow answer.edit /etc/hostconfig and remove the line MYSQLCOM=-YES.launchctl unload -w ~/Library/LaunchAgents/.sudo rm -rf /Library/PreferencePanes/My*.sudo rm -rf /Library/StartupItems/MySQLCOM.Here are detailed instructions combining getting rid of all MySQL from your Mac then installing it The Brew Way as Sedorner wrote above: Remove MySQL completely per The Tech Lab Note the second: a commenter says step 2 is not required. Note: the -force bit on brew cleanup will also cleanup outdated kegs, think it's a new-ish homebrew feature. Launchctl load -w ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ Used the alternate security script: /usr/local/Cellar/mysql/5.5.10/bin/mysql_secure_installationįollowed the launchctl section from the brew package script output such as, #start Start mysql with rver start command, to be able to log on it Mysql_install_db -verbose -user=`whoami` -basedir='$(brew -prefix mysql)' -datadir=/usr/local/var/mysql -tmpdir=/tmp Ran the commands brew suggested: (see note: below) unset TMPDIR installed mysql with brew install mysql.Launchctl unload -w ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ Note also your alternate security script directory will be based on which version of MySQL you are installing. Used brew's remove & cleanup commands, unloaded the launchctl script, then deleted the mysql directory in /usr/local/var, deleted my existing /etc/my.cnf (leave that one up to you, should it apply) and launchctl plist I had the same problem and none of the above solutions worked for me. I think one can end up in this position with older versions of mysql already installed.

Homebrew install mysql client