Roger:
Yyou need to use the correct database name, username and password for the database that is specified in the setups.php file. You also need to have the right privileges for the user (see Drupal installation instructions). In my case, I set up the database with the same name, username, and password as the one on my remote server. MAMP used a different port, so I needed to change that. I'd say to focus on the setups.php file and make sure it has access to the database.

Disclaimer: I'm a newbie, too, but I think my comments are accurate.
Good luck,
Bill

William A. Prothero

http://earthednet.org/




On Jan 14, 2011, at 7:18 PM, Roger wrote:


Roger:
I just set up a copy from my web server site to a local site. I didn't
realize that the .htaccess file wasn't copied. Perhaps that happened
to you.
Good luck,
Bill

William A. Prothero
http://earthednet.org/

Hi Bill , I copied the .htaccess over and it still does not work, I'm
wondering of it's a pasword / user name issue with the mysql database I
copied, I'm uncertain what the original admin used when setting up the
database on the server.

When setting  up a new drupal installation do I have to use the same
mysql pasword and usrernames?
Roger
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