so it works and " error: 'Access denied for user 'root'@'localhost'
(using password: YES)'" is what it is

are you aware that 'root' on unix-socket (localhost) is not the same
than 'root' over TCP (127.0.0.1) beause you have a host column?

also make sure you did run 'mysql_upgrade' and if nothing else helps
google for "mysql skip grant" but be aware that this allows *any* user
with *any* password until removed from the config, but so you can bypass
logins and fix things properly