mySQL basics- how to install and create a db with one user and ODBC

1. download and install the mySQL community edition from:
http://www.mysql.com/downloads/mysql/

NOTE: It is possible that the configuration routine will not be able to connect to the mySQL server with an error message like:

Error #1045 Access denied for 'root'@'localhost' (using Password NO)

This is a mySQL configuration bug.
The configuration routine will ultimately fail, BUT THE mySQL SERVER is installed.
Use: mySQL -u root -p then let it prompt for password. then enter the root PW.

FYI: If desired, the following command can be used to set the root pw.
SET PASSWORD FOR 'root'@'localhost' = PASSWORD('MyNewPassword');

2. use the mySQL monitor to configure (from DOS command prompt)

a. mysql -u root -p (you'll need to enter root pw)
b. create user 'FFUser'@'localhost' identified by '<<password>>';
c. create database ForceFieldHost;
d. grant all on *.* to 'FFUser'@'localhost';

3. Install mySQL ODBC driver and configure.

NOTE: Be sure to enable dynamic cursors in detail settings of ODBC DSN.

4. Use third party client. See: http://www.nerocode.com/ or use the
mySQL Workbench client.

Note: By default, the mySQL database files are located in:
"C:/Documents and Settings/All Users/Application Data/MySQL/MySQL Server 5.1/Data/"