PHP & MySQL® Web Development All-in-One Desk Reference for Dummies®

3.3. Installing MySQL

Although MySQL runs on many platforms, we describe how to install it on Linux, Unix, Windows, and Mac, which together account for the majority of Web sites on the Internet. Be sure to read the instructions all the way through before beginning the installation.

3.3.1. Installing MySQL on Windows

MySQL for Windows includes two wizards:

• Setup Wizard: The Setup Wizard installs MySQL. The directories are created and the files are copied into the appropriate locations.

• Configuration Wizard: The Configuration Wizard installs MySQL as a service, creates the MySQL accounts and passwords required to access the database, and configures other MySQL settings.

When you install MySQL for the first time, you need to run the Configuration Wizard after you run the Setup Wizard. You can't access the MySQL databases until you run the Configuration Wizard.

3.3.1.1. Running the MySQL Setup Wizard

To set up MySQL on Windows, follow these steps:

1. Double-click the installer (.msi) file that you downloaded.

   The file is named mysql-essential-, followed by the version number, followed by -win32.msi, such as mysql-essential-5.0.37-win32.msi.

   The opening screen shown in Figure 3-1 is displayed. Note: If you're installing from a Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista system, be sure that you're logged into an account with administrative privileges.

   In Vista, you might need to right-click the filename and choose Run as Administrator.

   Figure 3-1. The opening screen of the MySQL Setup Wizard.

2. Click Next. ...