MySQL password

[R Kimber]

In my 10.04 logs logcheck tells me I have the following:

mysqld[14731]: PLEASE REMEMBER TO SET A PASSWORD
FOR THE MySQL root USER !

mysqld[14731]: To do so, start the server, then issue the following
commands:
mysqld[14731]: /usr/bin/mysqladmin -u root password 'new-password'
mysqld[14731]: /usr/bin/mysqladmin -u root -h infinity password
'new-password'

/usr/sbin/mysqld is running
When I try /usr/bin/mysqladmin -u root password newpassword-that-isn't-NO
I get:-
/usr/bin/mysqladmin: connect to server at 'localhost' failed
error: 'Access denied for user 'root'@'localhost' (using password: NO)'

I'd be grateful for advice.
- Richard.
-- 
Richard Kimber
Political Science Resources
http://www.PoliticsResources.net/