I have read this question and have not found it as a solution and I have even attempted much more.

I've uninstalled MySql 5.5.18 and deleted:

C:\Program Files\MySql C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\MySql

After uninstalling, I restart the computer. When I reinstall, in the MySql Server Instance Configuration Wizard I leave everything to their defaults except:

• I add a firewall exception
• I check Launch MySQL Server Automatically
• I check Include BIN directory in windows path
• Enable root access from remote machines (I'll lock that down later, just debugging for now, I have also tried installing without this option to no avail)

I've tried Typical and Complete while installing, as well as with and without strict mode. No combination shows a difference. After all this, it cannot Apply Security Settings and I get a 10061 error (it also said error number 2003) and this article didn't help. I've tried everything I can to completely uninstall and successfully reinstall so I can start from scratch. I've uninstalled and reinstalled about a dozen times with minor changes (including turning off the firewall at times), each time deleting the above folders and any proper registry entries with no success. Note by success, applying security settings and a working remote connection. I can connect locally every time, but it's remotely that counts. I have tried to look for exterior problems such as port forwarding in the router and (even though the installer should add it) I do double check the firewall settings, which have always allowed the default port. I'm out of ideas.