I installed mysql using rpm package in my Fedora 9. Though the installation did not point out to any errors when i tried to start mysql using mysqld_safe the server starts and then shuts down immediately automatically. When I try to access mysql I got the error that it could not connect to local server through /var/lib/mysql/mysql.sock. I think that this is because I hadn't started the server yet. But how do I start it? mysqladmin and mysqld_safe do not work.
The settings in my.cnf are correct and the path for socket is /var/lib/mysql/mysql.sock. But no such file is found. I have no mysql.sock in /tmp either.
I have disabled selinux if that would have been a problem. Can anyone help me out please.

Hi -

The reason you're getting "mysqld.sock not found" is because you haven't started the MySQL Server.

The best way to test-start is:
Once you're sure everything is working, then configure MySQL to start automatically when the system boots. I'm not sure what tools Fedora provides to configure your runlevel (there's probably some kind of "Control Panel" GUI), but you can always use the command-line "chkconfig".

'Hope that helps .. PSM

Thanks.. So i hadn't started the server at all.. It works now

Thanks a lot paulsm4 ...the best and appropriate answer I found in internet for 'mysql.sock not found' problem ...I have been struggling to solve this problem since last two days. Thanks again.