Do you want the solution if MySQL 5.5 doesnot start on MAC OS 10.6 Modify the mysql.server script file using the following command : sudo /Applications/TextEdit.app/Contents/MacOS/TextEdit /usr/local/mysql/support-files/mysql.server Locate the configuration defining the basedir and set the following : basedir=/usr/local/mysql datadir=/usr/local/mysql/data Save the file and start the mysql server in the system preferences or terminal.