can't connect to mysql server error

[evildick]

A friend wants me to install a script for him on his shitty virtual host account. He just hosts his offline business website on it. I think it costs him like $5 a month, and that is clearly reflected in the quality of the hosting.

Anyway, I setup the mysql database and user using the hosts online interface (which is shit), but none of the scripts I have tried installing can connect to the database.

Here is an error message I received on the one gallery script I was trying to install.

"can't connect to local MYSQL server through socket 'tmp/mysql.sock'(2)."

Anyone know what might be causing that? I am using localhost for the mysql database location.

Would probably be easier for me to move the whole site to my phatservers account where everything works properly, but he doesn't want to do that.

Emailed the host many hours ago, so thought I might as well ask here while I am waiting for a response from them.

[Varius]

Most likely the mysqld daemon isn't running. Or, it could be writing the mysql.sock elsewhere than where the client is trying to locate it (as local connections use the socket).

[HighEnergy]

Try using the actual db server name instead of "localhost", many virtual shared accts do it that way.

[Iron Fist]

Try using the actual db server name instead of "localhost", many virtual shared accts do it that way.

Well cheap virtual hosts anyways...

Not all virtual hosting is the same.