MySQL cannot connect to local MySQL server, why?

Your server probably isn't running automatically on boot.  

Check "ps ax | grep mysqld" to see if it's running.
To start MySQL, run "/etc/init.d/mysqld start" or "/etc/init.d/mysql start"

Adding MySQL to the boot script varies by Linux distribution.  For RedHat, use:
  chkconfig --add mysqld
  chkconfig mysqld on

Hi I have tried what you have suggested and here is what I get:

for ps ax | grep mysqld I get:
    8586    pts/2    R    0:00 grep mysqld
for ps ax | grep mysql i get:
    8591    pts/2    R    0:00 grep mysql

for "/etc/init.d/mysqld start" or "/etc/init.d/mysql start" I get:
    no such file or directory

for  chkconfig --add mysqld
    chkconfig: command not found

Your ps should show something like:

 7824 ?        S      0:00 /bin/sh /usr/bin/safe_mysqld --defaults-file=/etc/my.cnf --pid-file=/var/run/mysqld/mysqld.pid
 7853 ?        Sl     8:25 /usr/libexec/mysqld --defaults-file=/etc/my.cnf --basedir=/usr --datadir=/var/lib/mysql --user=mysql --pid-file=/var/run/mysqld/mysqld.pid --skip-locking

There should be something in /etc/init.d/ related to mysql, database, or something.  chkconfig lives at /sbin/chkconfig.  You have to be logged in as root, of course.  If you're using "su" to get root permissions, make sure you use "su -".  The '-' creates a login-type shell with the correct paths for the root user and utilities.

I just noticed that your MySQL version says for "redhat-linux-gnu", so I assumed you were using RedHat.  What linux Distribution are you using?  What version?

I am using RedHat Enterprise Release 2.4.21-4.EL

Nothing in /etc/init.d/ related to mysql

ps has the same result if I log in as root using "su -" but chkconfig runs

Problem solved by uninstalling the MySQL packages and re-installing the rpms.
Looked like the daemon was missing.

Can I have this one closed and points refunded. Problem solved.
Thanks.