Local MySQL Can’t Connect to Server

Connecting to a MySQL server can sometimes be tricky. You might encounter a "Connection Blocked" error, which usually means the server has security measures in place to prevent unauthorized access. This can happen due to various server settings or security features.

In essence, this article helps you understand why this happens and provides practical steps to fix the connection while keeping your database secure.

Why Local MySQL Can’t Connect to Server

The database connection error:

Warning: mysql_connect() [function.mysql-connect]: Host 'host#.Bluehost' is blocked
because of many connection errors; unblock with 'mysqladmin flush-hosts' in /home#/username/ on line #
Unable to select database

You're facing an issue connecting to your MySQL server. This often happens when a MySQL client (like your web application) fails to connect. MySQL has security measures in place to prevent excessive connections, which could indicate a security threat. This might be why your connection is blocked.

Here's a breakdown of the error message:

mysql_connect() [function.mysql-connect]

The error message likely occurred while trying to connect to the MySQL server using the `mysql_connect()` function. This function is used in PHP code to establish a connection to a MySQL database.

Host 'host#.Bluehost' is blocked

The message indicates that your server (something like`host#.Bluehost`, where `#` represents a specific identifier) has been blocked. This means the MySQL server has automatically stopped connections from this server due to too many failed attempts. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized access

Because of many connection errors; unblock with 'mysqladmin flush-hosts

This means the server blocked your connections because there were too many failed attempts. The suggestion to run `mysqladmin flush-hosts` is a command for your server. This command resets the block, allowing you to try connecting again. However, use this command carefully, as it disables the security measures that were put in place to protect your server.

in /home#/username/ on line #

This part of the error message usually shows where the problem occurred in your code. It points to the file path (`/home#/username/`) and the specific line number (#) in your PHP script where the connection attempt failed. This information can help you find and fix the issue.

Unable to select database

This message typically appears after a failed connection attempt. Since the connection to the MySQL server wasn't successful, you can't select a specific database to work with.

In phpMyAdmin "flush hosts" results in error:

#1227 - Access denied; you need the RELOAD privilege for this operation

To fix this, first, figure out why your host failed to connect so many times. This could be because of incorrect login information (username, password, database name) in your PHP code, network problems, or even a possible security breach. Once you've fixed the problem, you can use the `mysqladmin flush-hosts` command on your MySQL server to clear the block and allow connections again. Remember to use this command with caution as it disables a security measure.

How to Fix Local MySQL Can’t Connect to Server

If your connection script is on the Bluehost server itself, you can simply change the hostname to localhost.

If your script is trying to connect remotely to our server, and you're currently using domain.com try using the server's actual hostname (like host#.Bluehost) or its IP address. You can find this information in the Stats box on the left side of your cPanel.

Summary

If you see a "Connection Blocked" error when trying to connect your local MySQL to a server, it usually means the server has blocked connections from your computer because of too many failed attempts. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized access. Before you try to unblock it, figure out why the connection attempts failed. It could be due to incorrect login information, network problems, or even a security threat. Once you've fixed the issue, you can use the `mysqladmin flush-hosts` command on the MySQL server to unblock it. You can also try changing the hostname to localhost or using the server's actual hostname or IP address.