Description of problem:
Mysql used to work for me through all redhat linux versions. When I
upgraded to fedora core it would no longer start up. I have tried
doing a fresh reinstall, but It still doesn't start.

When the init script is run (service msqld start) I get the error:

Timeout error occurred trying to start MySQL Daemon.
Starting MySQL:                                            [FAILED]

If I delete the /var/lib/mysql/mysql and /var/lib/mysql/test databases
(there is no socket), the startup script works until I set the root
user's password. After the  password is set, when I shut the database
down and start it up again I get the same error.

Version-Release number of selected component (if applicable):
mysql-3.23.58-4

How reproducible:
everytime