Mysql Setting - how do I change it??

[Lulubelle]

Hi

I'm pretty sure that this has been asked already but done a search and couldn't find anything in the forums.

I have a max_allowed_packets error when uploading attachments.

I have googled my heart out trying to find out how to change this. When I follow the directions given it doesn't work.

I SSH onto my server and type a mysql command - tried this but it came back with an authentication error despite using the root login.

I change the my.cnf file in the /etc folder manually by editing it in notepad++ - which is something else suggested but there is no setting in that file for max packet upload.

I am not technical but I do need to change this setting myself, can someone give me an idiot proof way of doing this please?

Help would be very much appreciated