Recovering a lost mysql root password

you can always start mysql in safemode (equivalent of single user mode in linux) and reset the root password.

 

What operating system are you using ?

 

Execute the following in order:

Code:

sudo /etc/init.d/mysqld stop
sudo mysqld_safe --skip-grant-tables &
mysql -u root
use mysql;
update user set password=PASSWORD("PUT_A_NEW_PASSWD_HERE") where User='root';
flush privileges;
quit or ctrl+D or exit
sudo /etc/init.d/mysqld stop
sudo /etc/init.d/mysqld start

 

I used /etc/init.d/mysqld because it uses the absolute path which should work on all systems. I always try to avoid aliases when giving instruction to a third party.
You are most welcome by the way.