Can't Connect to localhost MySql

I have been working on a dynamic web application connecting to a MySQL database.

That database is located on my web hosting organisation's server.

I have been able to set up a database and link to this through DreamWeaver with no problems at all. I can see the tables, query the data in my dynamic pages (PHP) etc.

As I want to do some development work I installed a local version of MySQL to do the database development but cannot (after days of trying!!!) get DreamWeaver to connect to the localhost MySQL.

Here is what I currently know and have done - would be very appreciative of any suggestions of what to try next.

1. Am I Sure MySQL installed Correctly.

Pretty sure this is all OK with the following evidence.

I can run MySQL Workbench, create schemas and save them. I can run queries of the data.

I can run a console window and start and stop MySQL.

I can see the schemas created through Workbench and I can query the data.

If I run two console windows - the first showing the warnings from MySQLd and the other running mysql I can create warnings by logging in

with the wrong password etc. and see the server report those warnings in the other console window.

2.     What error is Dream Weaver Reporting

I have a user on my local MySQL instance called fred with password fred and a database called fredDB.

From the console or the Workbench I can login to these and use them (as described above).

Now I go to DreamWeaver and create a new site then a new PHP page and save those.

I set up my remote and testing servers (I don't have a local web server so these are both pointing at my remote hosting server).

I then go to database window, click + and select MySQL.

I fill out the details

Name:   Localconnection

Host: localhost

User: fred

Pwd: fred

DB: fredDB

when I click test I get error 1045 Access Denied for "fred"@"localhost" [using password: Yes]

All of the information I can find on this error would suggest I simply got the username of password wrong BUT

If I connect to MySQL through the console window and get my password wrong, I do get the exact same error and I see it flagged in the MySQL console window (where I am asking MySQL to log warnings).

However, when I do the above with dream weaver, although it reports error 1045 nothing ever appears in the MySQL console window - so that login request has not gone to my local MySQL.

I am suspicious (but have no evidence and don't know how to find out) that DreamWeaver is still looking at some ftp site for the MySQL instance.

3. Firewall

I have McAfee installed and have gone to the firewall settings for that and opened port 3306 just in case that was causing a problem - it didn't help.

I then deactivated the firewall completely - still not difference.

That's about it - if you need any further information please let me know, but currently I am very perplexed.

Best

James