I tried connecting to the MySQL Server directly and still cannot do so. I've got MYSQL running, but need to make a new root user account so that I can enter a password and User name. I tried C:\ mysql to invoke it but the command isn't recognized as a valid commmnad. What command is used to invoke MySQL within windows 2000?

Did you accept all the defaults as you installed MySQL?  If so, the executables will be in \mysql\bin ... thus, to run the MySQL program to try out a commection
           c:\mysql\bin\mysql

In terms of setting up a root passowrd, use mysqladmin, for example:
            c:\mysql\bin\mysqladmin  -uroot  password  abc123

I tried entering the code at the C:\> as you indicated and it still wont acept the command. Could simply uninstalling, redownload and reinstalling help?

Rather than re-install, can I suggest you search for the files mysql.exe, mysqladmin.exe, etc, using the operating system tools; my guess is that you'll find them on some other directory path which you'll then be able to use.  Uninstalling and re-installing might leave you exactly back where you were, and there's the potential for old stuff to not get properly cleaned out as well.   OK - if all else fails you may have to re-install, but all else hasn't failed yet  

Ok-I've verified mysql.exe and mysqladmin.exe.
I've got two other files mysqladmin.exe and winmysqladim.exe. (all of the files are in C:\mysql\bin)

Problem sorted, then?   You can contact the MySQL daemon from the command line, set up password, check that it's working ....

How do I do that? Please remeber I'm an absolute beginner with MySQL.

I took a shot in the dark and entered mysql\bin\mysql.exe at the C:\> and got this:

Welcome to the mysql monitor. Commands end with ; or \g. Your MySQL connection id is 1 to server version: 4.0.13-nt.

I now have a mysql> prompt. I guess I've invoked it...

Yep, now you can start experimenting with some SQL commands, creating tables, etc.   You might find at first that you get a lot of error messages - SQL commands have to be much more exactly correct (right words, right quotes, right commas) than does English.

Tip - when you get on to longer commands, write them into a plain text file with notepad, and save that text file.  Then invoke mysql with
            < (filename).txt
on the end of it and it should run all the commands in the file.  Any errors, correct the text file and re-run - no need to retype!

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