Minidlna fails start with: "ERROR: Failed to open sqlite database! "

environment:
BBB Rev B board with debian image.sqlite database in /root
data base permissions set to 777
logged on as ‘root’

The build of sqlite database with minidlna -R is successful with no errors. There were 247 entries.
when issuing: “/etc/init.d/minidlna start”
the log contains the “Failed to open sqlite” message.

I have a similar installation on an ubuntu server, which is running OK. My BBB installation will not start.

Suggestions?