Re: Cannot log in to the MySQL server

[Barry Galbraith]

You need to be aware that usernames and password e.g. root user, are stored in mysql database.
When you first install mysql, and new fresh copy of mysql database is installed, along with the server.
Installation guides you to create a password for root.
Then, when you uninstall / re-install mysql, it detects that a mysql database already exists from the previous installation.
The installer is smart enough not to overwrite / destroy your old mysql database. This means that root password is retained from the previous installation.
If you remember that password, then use it. If you don't remember then you can reset it using PB's guide.

Good luck,
Barry.