Setting the root mysql password

[Paul F. Johnson]

Hi,

I'm trying to set the root password for mysql using

mysqladmin -u root password <new_pass>

but all I'm getting back is 

mysqladmin: connect to server at 'localhost' failed
error: 'Access denied for user 'root'@'localhost' (using password: NO)'

mysqld is running

/etc/hosts has the following

127.0.0.1   localhost.localdomain T7.linux localhost T7

Any ideas?

Using fc4t2, mysql-4.1.11-2

TTFN

Paul
-- 
"In an urban society, everything connects. Each person's needs are fed
by the skills of many others. Our lives are woven together in a fabric.
But the connections that make society strong also make it vulnerable." -
Threads, BBC-TV 1984