Unknown system variable 'language' on Database Setup page when using MySQL

Platform Notice: Data Center Only - This article only applies to Atlassian products on the Data Center platform.

Note that this KB was created for the Data Center version of the product. Data Center KBs for non-Data-Center-specific features may also work for Server versions of the product, however they have not been tested. Support for Server* products ended on February 15th 2024. If you are running a Server product, you can visit the Atlassian Server end of support announcement to review your migration options.

*Except Fisheye and Crucible

Summary

Problem

When installing JIRA, on the Database Setup page of the wizard, the error "Unknown system variable 'language'" shows up on the screen after clicking Next.

Diagnosis

Environment

  • Using MySQL as the database server

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 http-nio-8080-exec-7 ERROR anonymous 949x7x1 1u8y9vf 10.161.64.214 /secure/SetupDatabase.jspa[c.a.config.bootstrap.DefaultAtlassianBootstrapManager] Could not successfully test your database: java.sql.SQLException: Unknown system variable 'storage_engine' at com.mysql.jdbc.SQLError.createSQLException(SQLError.java:959) at com.mysql.jdbc.MysqlIO.checkErrorPacket(MysqlIO.java:3870) at com.mysql.jdbc.MysqlIO.checkErrorPacket(MysqlIO.java:3806) at com.mysql.jdbc.MysqlIO.sendCommand(MysqlIO.java:2470) at com.mysql.jdbc.MysqlIO.sqlQueryDirect(MysqlIO.java:2617)

Cause

There is a bug in the MySQL Connector/J version 5.1.36, when connecting to MySQL server 5.0.x. This is tracked at http://bugs.mysql.com/bug.php?id=77665.

Solution

Workaround

  • Install the working version of MySQL Connector/J 5.1.35.

Resolution

  • Once MySQL fixes the bug, you may use the fixed version of the Connector/J.

Updated on April 2, 2025

Still need help?

The Atlassian Community is here for you.