I get this error msg when i try to run /usr/local/mysql/bin/mysql
'Error 1045: Access Denied for user: 'root@localhost' (using password: NO)'

I see different postings on the net about resetting the password, but it talks about running the 'mysql' command to begin with, but thats where I can't get past!

There are some flags you can pass along with the command. The one you need to use is the '-p' (password) flag. That will let you specify the password with the command.

There are two ways to do it with this flag:

1) /usr/local/mysql/bin/mysql -p <put password here>
2) /usr/local/mysql/bin/mysql -p
You'll be prompted for the password after hitting enter.

The second option is more 'secure', and might be a better option if you have a box that is in a DMZ or is in a highly visible area.

Do a man on the mysql command to see the other flags you can pass. You can do a lot with this command.