Notes on Resetting MySQL Root Password on Windows
Overview
This lecture discusses the steps required to reset the MySQL root password in a Windows operating system, specifically for MySQL Workbench.
Steps to Reset MySQL Root Password
Step 1: Stop MySQL Service
- Search for services in Windows.
- Locate MySQL (e.g., MySQL 8.0) in the services list.
- Right-click and stop the service.
Step 2: Create a Command File
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Open any location (e.g., Desktop) and create a new folder.
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Inside the folder, create a text file (e.g., password.txt).
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Write the following command in the text file:
ALTER USER 'root'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'new_password';
- Replace new_password with the desired password (e.g.,
12345).
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Save the file.
Step 3: Run MySQL with the Command File
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Open File Explorer and navigate to the MySQL installation directory, typically found in:
C:\Program Files\MySQL\MySQL Server 8.0\bin
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Copy this bin directory path.
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Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
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Change directory to the copied path by entering:
cd C:\Program Files\MySQL\MySQL Server 8.0\bin
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Locate the Program Data folder (may be hidden).
- To view hidden items, go to View > Hidden items.
- Navigate to:
C:\ProgramData\MySQL\MySQL Server 8.0
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Find and execute the command in the Command Prompt:
mysqld --default-file="C:\ProgramData\MySQL\MySQL Server 8.0\my.ini" --init-file="C:\path\to\your\password.txt"
- Replace C:\path\to\your\password.txt with the actual path to the created file.
Step 4: Restart MySQL Service
- After running the command, restart the MySQL service from the services menu.
Step 5: Verify New Password
- Open MySQL Workbench or Command Line.
- Attempt to log in using the new password (e.g.,
12345).
- If you encounter an error, ensure that the MySQL service is running.
Conclusion
- Successfully resetting the MySQL root password involves stopping the service, creating a command file, executing it in command prompt, and verifying the new password.
- If there are any issues, students are encouraged to reach out in the comments.