Documentation :: Frequently Asked Questions

We have collected the most common help questions we have received from users, and posted the answers here for your consideration.

Connection Issues

1.1 – How do I change the root password after I log in?

Run the following query in the Custom Query tab: SET PASSWORD = PASSWORD('parrot');

1.2 – I'm having trouble connecting to a MySQL 4 or MySQL 5 database on localhost with a MAMP install.

See Connecting to MAMP or XAMPP.

1.3 – I am having trouble connecting to a database.
It says ‘ MySQL said: Can't connect to local MySQL server through socket '/tmp/mysql.sock' (2)’

Try manually setting the socket. The socket depends on how you installed MySQL on your computer. See Where are MySQL's Files? for the socket file location of common installations.

1.4 – I have correctly set up an SSH tunnel to a remote host, but connecting to MySQL via localhost doesn't work.

Try setting the host to 127.0.0.1 in Sequel Pro.

1.5 – I cannot setup an SSH tunnel to my database. I get errors that say "SSH port forwarding failed" and "MySQL said: Lost connection to MySQL server at 'reading initial communication packet', system error: 0".

On the server, configure MySQL by editing /etc/my.cnf and comment or remove skip-networking from the [mysqld] section. Then, restart MySQL Server.

General Issues

2.1 – How do I open an *.sql file for use with my database?

To import an SQL dump file using the most recent version of Sequel Pro, connect to your MySQL host and select a database, then choose 'Import...' from the File menu. This will bring up a dialog box, select the file on your file system that you would like to import, then choose SQL from the "Format:" drop down menu and click "Open". Your database will now be updated. Click the Table refresh button if needed. Careful: Importing a *.sql file may overwrite your existing data!

2.2 – How do I save the table structure/table contents as an *.sql file

To export an SQL dump file of the table structure or contents you must first be connected a mysql host and have a database selected. Next, choose Export > MySQL Dump... from the File menu. This will bring up a dialog box where you can choose what tables you would like to export.

You also have the following options for exporting to a file:

• Table Structure and Table Contents (default)
• Table Structure only
• Table Contents only

Finally, choose a place to save the *.sql file and click Save.

2.3 – How do I create an enum field in a table?

To create an enum field follow the same procedure as you would for any other field, choose enum in the Type column of the Table Structure form, and then in the Length column enter the enum values as comma separated quoted strings. If you wish to use a default value, you should enter it without quotes in the Default column.

Couldn't find a solution to your problem?

Try asking on Google Groups for help.