[mysql] MySQL: can't access root account

This worked for me:

https://blog.dotkam.com/2007/04/10/mysql-reset-lost-root-password/

Step 1: Stop MySQL daemon if it is currently running

  ps -ef | grep mysql      - checks if mysql/mysqld is one of the running processes.

  pkill mysqld             - kills the daemon, if it is running.

Step 2: Run MySQL safe daemon with skipping grant tables

  mysqld_safe --skip-grant-tables &

  mysql -u root mysql

Step 3: Login to MySQL as root with no password

  mysql -u root mysql

Step 4: Run UPDATE query to reset the root password

  UPDATE user SET password=PASSWORD("value=42") WHERE user="root";
  FLUSH PRIVILEGES;

In MySQL 5.7, the 'password' field was removed, now the field name is 'authentication_string':

  UPDATE user SET authentication_string=PASSWORD("42") WHERE 
  user="root";
  FLUSH PRIVILEGES;

Step 5: Stop MySQL safe daemon

Step 6: Start MySQL daemon