title: Attaching an existing database with MySQL
body: <p>Disclaimer: I have never used MySQL before!</p>
  
  <p>I have a folder containing a number of .frm, .myd and .myi files that I believe are a MySQL database. I have pulled these files from a defunct server for a client who has not used the server or database for some years but is now looking to resurect some of the data for a new venture.</p>
  
  <p>I have downloaded the latest free edition of MySQL, along with MySQL Workbench and am looking to connecct the existing database to the new installation; the equivalent to an "Attach" if I were using MS SQL Server.</p>
  
  <p>I have found a few articles that say if I simply copy the folder into the data folder for MySQL and restart the service the database will show up. I have tried this (using both the data folder within the installation folder and also the "MySQL Datafiles" folder created during the intial configuration but when I restart the service nothing shows up.</p>
  
  <p>How should I go about attaching this database?</p>