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XX000

PostgreSQL XX000: internal_error

Verified with sources2 sourcesReviewed Aug 23, 2026
Trace

Evidence linked to this decision

View source: PostgreSQL 18 Appendix A: Error Codes

Risk level

High

Professional inspection is recommended.

Urgency

High

Quick answer

SQLSTATE XX000 (internal_error) means PostgreSQL raised a non-specific internal error. Diagnose the named condition before retrying.

Safety first

Stop and check this first

  • Do not run destructive recovery commands from a generic XX000 alone. Preserve logs and backups before any repair action.

Safe checks you can perform

  • Preserve evidence and isolate the failing path

What a technician must be able to justify

A technician is coming

These are the steps they must carry out and show you. Tick them as they work: if steps are skipped, do not accept a part swap.

These are not instructions for opening or handling the equipment yourself. They are the checks that should support a technical conclusion.

    Before accepting a part or repair

    Nothing has been shown yet. Do not accept a part swap based on the code alone.

    Follow these steps

    Note: Follow the documented order. An error code identifies the affected system, but it does not prove by itself which part has failed.

    1. Preserve evidence and isolate the failing path

      Tools required

      Capture the complete server error, stack or context, PostgreSQL exact version, extensions, query fingerprint and logs around the event. Stop automatic retries if the same operation reproduces it. Reproduce on a safe copy, check supported minor releases and involve the DBA or vendor before repair, reindex or data changes.

      Evidence: PostgreSQL 18 Appendix A: Error Codes · PostgreSQL bug reporting guidelines

    Still not solved

    If the error persists, stop here. See what the technician must do and show you.

    Virtual technician

    Does XX000 still appear after these checks?

    This guided flow uses the exact code and your answers to choose a test, an expected result and the next branch.

    Where this code applies

    A code is meaningful only inside the right product and version context.

    Primary scope

    System
    Software and systems
    Brand
    PostgreSQL
    Product type
    Database

    Known code variants

    • internal_error
    • PostgreSQL XX000
    • SQLSTATE XX000

    What it means

    PostgreSQL assigns XX000 to internal_error in Class XX — Internal Error. Applications should branch on the stable SQLSTATE and structured error fields, not localized message text.

    Warnings and stop conditions

    • Higheditorial warning

      Do not run destructive recovery commands from a generic XX000 alone. Preserve logs and backups before any repair action.

      Evidence: PostgreSQL 18 Appendix A: Error Codes · PostgreSQL bug reporting guidelines

    Symptoms and causes

    Probable causes · in order

    • Likely trigger in this requestCommon

      The server hit an unexpected internal condition; the real cause can be a PostgreSQL defect, extension, corrupted state or unsupported edge case.

      Evidence: PostgreSQL 18 Appendix A: Error Codes · PostgreSQL bug reporting guidelines

    Sources and technical references

    1. 1

      PostgreSQL 18 Appendix A: Error Codes

      PostgreSQL Global Development Group · 2026 · official_doc

    2. 2

      PostgreSQL bug reporting guidelines

      PostgreSQL Global Development Group · 2026 · official_doc

    Sources: PostgreSQL 18 Appendix A: Error Codes · PostgreSQL bug reporting guidelinesreviewed 2026-08-23 · verified

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