The win2k box already has myodbc isntalled and crystal reports can successfully use it. (at least it says so)
I can telnet to port 3306 so it isnt a problem of connectivity. I am 100% sure of the database name and user.
Do I need to isntall an ODBC manager on the server? Or is there another problem here.
edit: Nevermind

I had to grant permissions for the host to connect via the mysql server. sorry for the bother
edit :Nm, all working now

I forgot to grant permissions for the remote host.