XF 1.5 xf_search table using 20.7 gig

[Handyman]

I have been getting warnings from the server that the /var is almost full. Looking around it's the database that's the biggest with xf_search table taking up a whopping 20.7 gig
Why is this so large and can i empty it. I am using the Elastic search addon.

 

[AndyB]

You can run this Cron Entry to delete rows older than 24 hours.

Admin CP -> Tools -> Cron Entries -> Daily Clean Up

 

[Handyman]

Thanks, just run that and i get a server error.

Zend_Db_Statement_Mysqli_Exception: Mysqli statement execute error : Lock wait timeout exceeded; try restarting transaction - library/Zend/Db/Statement/Mysqli.php:214

 

[AndyB]

That error messages explains why the xf_search tables has grown so large. I suggest you contact your web host and explain what is happening, provide the error message. They will be able to increase the lock wait so the Cron Entry can run without error.

 

[Paul B]

You can truncate the table manually using phpMyAdmin.

Once it is clear, assuming the cron runs correctly in future, it shouldn't continue to grow.

 

[Handyman]

I have truncated the table and now the cron runs ok manually.
I did try to restart mysql before hand and that really screwed up but everything seems normal again now.