can mysql user be blocked on the local server but have remote acces? So at work we have a windows server running mysql, the IT guy got fired but he supposedly left root password.

Try to login with root user:
  - Locally: "ERROR 1045 (28000): Access denied for user 'root'@'localhost' (using password: YES)

- Remotely: "ERROR 1045 (28000): Access denied for user 'root'@'hp-01' (using password: YES)

Beacause i've been using a .net app which connects to that server I thought I'd give it a try with that user. it went like this: 

- Locally: "ERROR 1045 (28000): Access denied for user 'adminpect'@'localhost' (using password: YES)

- Remotely: I stablished connection, but because it's not an admin user I only have limited acces to one database.  

All this i tried from the command line and mysql workbench and in both I get the same results.

For the record I have very basic mysql knowledge and I've been searching all over the internet for this but have'nt had much luck.

Thanks in advance.
Yeah its possible that an user only have access from serveral locations. Did you try just google 'reset root password windows server'? Or just contact that guy who installed it. Is that a dumb idea?