CS3 mysql database connection using php

Question

Hi, this is my first time trying to connect to a database.  I have created a mysql database with my hosting provider.  I am also configured to use php. I have ready numerous threads on this topic, but am still confused.
I am getting the following error message:
When I enter the following information into the connection string, I get the following error Error http error code 404 file not found. The site does not map to ftp.readyhosting.com/_mmserverscripts/mmhttdb.php Is the location of mysql server correct? Connection name ? user defined ?aosprod?
Mysql server = aoswebeditor.readyhostingmysql.com.  Also, this is not the same location as the web server. 
The hosting company provides the following php code to connect to the database. 
<?php
$link = mysql_connect('aoswebeditor.readyhostingmysql.com', 'aosweb', '*password*');
if (!$link) {
    die('Could not connect: ' . mysql_error());
echo 'Connected successfully';
mysql_select_db(aos);
?>
Because of the connection dialog boxes in CS3, I have not used this php code but only used the mysql server aoswebeditor.readyhostingmysql.com.
My requirements are very simple, I want to use the same remote database for the dreamweaver connection for the remote and testing server.
Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks. George

Answer 1

First of all, you seem to be mixed up about terminology. ASP stands for Active Server Pages, and is a type of server technology similar to PHP. I think you mean ISP (Internet Service Provider). However, this is not correct, either. An ISP provides your connection to the internet. Although some ISPs also host websites for their customers, your website is normally located at a hosting company. You need to get that mixup out of the way. Otherwise, you might confuse people with future questions about ASP, when you actually mean something completely different.
OK, lecture over...
Your hosting company is following standard procedure by preventing remote access to MySQL databases. However, Dreamweaver does make it possible to use your remote database and website for testing purposes. It does so by uploading a hidden folder called _mmServerScripts to your remote server. This performs a local connection with your database, and then sends the results back to your local computer. When setting up your testing server definition in Dreamweaver, you need to provide the details as I indicated before. When creating a MySQL connection in Dreamweaver, fill in the server name and account details as given to you by your hosting company. If everything is set up correctly, you should be able to use your remote server and database for testing.
Having said that, it is much better to install a local testing environment. You'll find it faster, and it also lets you make mistakes (an essential part of the learning process) in the security of a closed environment. For details of how to set up a local testing environment, see this article in the Adobe Developer Connection.