So if I type mysql -u root I'm supposedly logged in, however upon trying to create or access a database I get this lovely error: ERROR 1044 (42000): Access denied for user ''@'localhost' to database 'test1'. I haven't the foggiest idea why after logging in as root it's trying access DB's as ''@'localhost' and it's driving me a bit crazy right now. Possibly related, when I try to set the root password I get the error mysqladmin: Can't turn off logging; error: 'Access denied; you need (at least one of) the SUPER privilege(s) for this operation'. I've tried removing mysql-server via running apt-get purge mysql-server and then reinstalling with no luck. This is running Ubuntu Server 12.10 64-bit and mysql is indeed running. --Edit-- I wonder if perhaps there is no root user. So I try to start MySQL with --skip-grant-tables and the create the root user but then I'm given this: ERROR 1290 (HY000): The MySQL server is running with the --skip-grant-tables option so it cannot execute this statement. Fun fun fun fun fun.