Question: I'm trying to start the mysql command-line utility and keep getting 'ERROR 1045: Access denied for user.' What does this mean and how do I fix it?

Answer: There are a few possibilities; you:

1. Didn't tell mysql to prompt you for the password. Try starting it like this:

     mysql -u username -p

(Remember to replace "username" with the MySQL username assigned by your administrator.)

2. Supplied the wrong password. (Usernames and passwords are case-sensitive.)

3. Don't have access. Contact your administrator for more assistance.

Warning: While it's possible to specify your password while starting the mysql utility, we strongly recommend against doing so. If you do so, it's very possible your password can then be viewed by others using your system. Consider, for example, the w command, which (among other things) displays the command you're executing--along with any parameters used to start it.