I have set up a development server for myself and partner to access. I installed mysql on two different drives and assigned them different ports(3306 for dev and 3307 for production). I use to have the two databases(dev and Prod) on the same drive and could easily switch between the two from an external perl application by setting the $db parameter to either "wx" or "WxDev". I now have "Dev" on one drive with an instance of MYSQL and "PROD" on another drive. This works fine using SQLYog, I just change the port back and forth between 3306 and 3307. The problem I am having now is that the PERL application I was running does not see the PROD environment "Wx". What do I need to do in the PERL process or has it got something to do with the MYSQL Host Address Parameter? I am completely lost on this one!!! This is the connection string I am using: $DBI->connect("DBI :mysql:$db:$host ",$user,$pass. The connection works fine when $db=WxDev. When I set it to $db=Wx it doesn't make the connection. When using SQLYog I point to the WxDev database on drive E: by changing the port to 3306. By changing it to 3307 I point to the database on drive F:. Somehow I need to do something similar from with the PERL application. Thoughts anyone? I have solved the problem by following the advice of Corion and khen1950fx!! Thanks for all the help!. I should have joined this group years ago!!