TeamCity server does not start: the database is in use

Symptoms

• TeamCity server can't be started.
• The database is in use error is displayed.

Cause

Only a single TeamCity server can work with one database, which is checked on the TeamCity server start. The database is in use error on the start-up is reported in either of the following cases:

• An attempt to start more than one TeamCity server connected to the same database.
• The internal HSQL database is being used by another application.

Resolution

The error is most probably caused by another running TeamCity installation connected to the same database. Check that the database properties are correct and that no other TeamCity server is using the same database.