How can I fix Engine errors after migration from 5.7 to 8

[Vito Cavallo]

I am migrating 6 databases from MySQL 5.7.44 to 8.0.44 and ran into issues with some lacking InnoDB engines.

I used mysqldump command to export databases to an sql file.
I was able restore only with mysql < database-file.sql. Nothing else worked.

Terminal and MySQL workbench worked fine, i can see schemas and tables.
I gracefully shut down the mysql server and rebooted the physical server.

After restarting the mysql server threw errors. Some databases, I believe mysql were MySAM engine. They need to be InnoDB engine.

I am starting the 3 day import again into a clean installation.
I will hold off on the reboot.

Can I alter if running?
How can I alter tables after import?

Is there a better way to backup mysql 5.7 databases for easier 8.0 import?

All the documentation I read recommends mysqldump. Never a mention of converting engines.

Thank YOu.