PHP Wrong username/ passwrd & MySql error: 2003 - can't connect local resolved

Thanks for the suggestions Doug G, .....but I think I may have been barking up the wrong tree.

In short, I developed a further complication in the form of MySql Error 2003: Cannot connect to localhost (MySql)server 10061.

To fix, I entered.../mysql/bin> mysql --debug --standalone from cmd line(idea picked up from a misc thread).

opened a 2nd command box and entered:" >mysql -u root -p
mypassword" and this seemed to start mysql.exe (haven't a single clue as to why)without a glitch.

Next, I opened phpMyAdmin/config.ini.php and changed
$cfgServer[Si] ['host'] = 'localhost';
$cfgServer[Si] ['user'] = 'root';
$cfgServer[Si] ['password'] = 'mypassword'; (not sure if this poses a security risk...but once again I was able to enter phpMyAdmin homepage at first attempt)

If anyone can explain what i've actually done and why it worked I would be grateful for the feedback.

happy bunny

rb2

Which port you are using with MYSQL. Please make sure the port you are using is correct. By Default MySQL Port is 3306.