(gs) External MySQL Database Access using desktop-based software
Summary:
When attempting to connect externally to your MySQL server through a database-management software, such as Navicat or MySQL GUI Tools, you will run into problems being able to connect. Typical error messages include "Lost connection to MySQL server" or "Access Denied", or some other text describing a difficulty in establishing the connection. The reason this happens is because we secure your database access to limit external connections only to IP addresses you've explicitly declared on your External Database IP Access List.
To edit your Access List please log in to your AccountCenter, navigate to "Domains" > domain.com (gs) > Manage Databases" > "Global Settings". You will see a heading titled "External IP Access:". You may add up to 10 IP addresses to the access list. For your convenience, we provide you with a "use my current IP" button to conveniently eliminate any guesswork.
NOTE:
Text in this color is used as an example. Please be sure to replace this text with the proper information for your site or server. Be sure to replace ##### with your site number.
After saving the changes, you will be able to connect to your database using the server name external-db.s#####.gridserver.com AccountCenter Server Guide section.
Supplemental links:
Detailed PDF file on setting up Navicat (directly from the software vendor): http://support.navicat.com/downloads/Connection%20Settings.pdf
MySQL GUI tools download:
http://MySQL.org/downloads/gui-tools/5.0.html
Alternative method of connecting externally to MySQL using a method called "tunnelling": http://kb.mediatemple.net/article.php?id=133
Problems and fixes:
Q: Why can't I connect to MySQL from an external connection even though my IP address is listed?
A: This usually happens when your database has been moved to / from a MySQL Container.
FIX: simply remove your IP address from your AccountCenter and add it again. This will reset the permissions and allow you to connect to your database(s) again.
NOTE:
When making an external MySQL connection from an external webserver, you must enter the server IP into the DB access tool and not the IP address of the website. When the server is making the external call, it will use the default IP address which is the server IP and not the IP address that the website was provisioned to.
Revisions:
10-16-2009: Fixed bad link for Navicat guide
08-25-2009: Added more notes, and fixed some formatting issues.
08-05-2009: Corrected the number of IP's allowed to be added to the access list.
07-20-2009: Minor Fixes
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