Problems with remote MySql connection

Hi,

I'm trying to build up a PHP site for the first time using Dreamweaver
8. I've installed PHP and IIS locally, and they are running fine after
some testing. Now, should I also install MySQL on my local machine or
can I use the MySQL database that is on my remote server?

I have tried to set up the connection to my remote sql server, but all
I get is the "HTTP Error Code 500" in Dreamweaver.

How should I do this to make it work?


My setup:
Local root folder: C:\onlymalts\

Access: local/network
Remote folder: C:\Inetpub\wwwroot\MySampleApps\

Access: local/network
Testing server folder: C:\onlymalts\