Re: Extracting data from a single ibdata1 (InnoDB) file???

[Ken Hanks]

Dan, you have my complete sympathy. I've had so many issues with that ibdata1 file that I almost switched to SQL Server. Or Access :~}) . Anyway, the next time you rebuild that database, I'd strongly suggest you use the "innodb_file_per_table=1" option in your config file (my.ini for Windows). It goes in the mysqld section. It makes managing the space, retrieving data, backup, restoral, and life in general much easier. I have a 14-step program (two more than AA) that I use (actually it's just a list) in case you're interested in doing this. And most of the time, you don't even have to re-install MySQL (surprise). It involves getting rid of the one, big-a$$ ibdata file and having many, smaller ones. You WILL need to restore you tables from backups, but don't be scared. I did this about 8 times before I got the courage to do it on Production.