MySQL / Zone Alarm Problem

...and its solution

[toadhall]

I've just overcome a connection problem with a local Win32 installation of MySQL and thought I should pass on the solution in case anyone else is sprouting #$%!'s from the top of their head.

Essentially, I couldn't connect to the database; kept getting "Unable to connect..." error.

The problem was Zone Alarm.

The solution was to enter Localhost / 127.0.0.1 in the Advanced section of the Security Settings as permissible in your Local Zone:

Control Center > Security > Advanced > Add > IP Address > Description: Localhost / IP Address: 127.0.0.1

Plop Plop Fizz Fizz...