New Installation Fails Trying to Create the Database

Hi There,
I am trying to install a new copy of MODx Revolution.
I should have all the latest versions as it is a new OS install.

Here are the details
Operating System: Debian ( 3.2.0-4-686-pae #1 SMP Debian 3.2.46-1 i686)
This is a test server so I can do whatever I want to it.

MODx Revolution Version: 2.2.8-PL New Installation
Database Type: mysql

I ran the setup program and picked the New Install option
Then I click the "Test Database server connection and view collations" link
I received the following message

Connecting to database server: Success!
- Checking MySQL server version: OK! Running: 5.5.31-0+wheezy1
- Checking MySQL client version: OK! Running: 5.5.31

However the Connection Character Set drop down list is empty
And the Collation drop down list is empty

When I click on the 'Create or test selection of your database I received the following message
Checking database: MODX could not create your database. Please manually create your database and then try again.

I have manually created a database and it makes no difference.
I have set the default Collation Character set as some articles suggest but this also didn't help.

I have been trying to get over this hump for days.
It is a new clean server. I must be missing something very obvious here.

Any Ideas?

I can throw the lot and start again with a different OS if someone can point me at some guaranteed to work instructions.

Thanks
David

PS I forgot to include my PHP Version 5.4.4-14+deb7u3 [ed. note: pollardd last edited this post 13 years, 1 month ago.]

Sounds like the MySQL engine isn't configured correctly to have the different charsets/collations available. I've loaded up new servers a few times, though, and never had such a problem, so I don't know what might be causing it.
http://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/5.0/en/charset-mysql.html

Hi Sottwell,
I have uninstalled and re-installed MySQL. I re-created a new database manually and then set the default collation and character set.
When I re run the setup my the character set and collation still comes up blank int the drop down. I have double checked my SQL user has permissions to do anything and everything. I have revisited the server prerequisites page here http://rtfm.modx.com/revolution/2.x/getting-started/server-requirements in case I have missed something.

!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH !!!!!!!
I haven't configured a remote GUI on my the server so I have been running the install from Internet Explorer on my Win7(64) Workstation.
Reading the browser compatibility list that seems like it shouldn't be a problem.
Just for fun I installed Google Chrome and bingo the Character Set and Collation drop downs are populated.

The rest of the install went through like a breeze.

Thanks and I Hope this helps someone else!

David

IE strikes again.