brain-damaged mysql on debian question

[scrawler]

Howdy guys,

I would be thrilled to be able to "start over" with mysql, including creating a new root password, everything. I'm running debian, and tried to purge, read docs, googled, etc.

I'd like to pretend mysql never existed in any form on my vps, and then start over. Perhaps I could fix what I have already, but, well, consider this something like a tantrum--I'm frustrated... :-)

[retep]

Hi. This _should_ be possible with a bit of wrangling. First try an apt-get remove mysql-server mysql. Then do a delete of a couple of key directories. You'll need to check them, but it will be something like /etc/mysql and /var/lib/mysql.

Then try an apt-get install mysql-server and see if things are clean enough for you.

If you get stuck, pop in a support ticket. We can likely help.