There is no testing server running on the server machine

I've moved this site onto a new machine, and created a whole new DW site definition. mySQL connection details are correct, and the DB is there out on the host. I'm using a HOSTS file to point my own computer to the new host IP so as not to disturb the existing site while I test. Trying to create a connection though, the Behavior is throwing this error. I've even deleted the MM scripts on the host and locally, and even deleted the DW cache dat. Nothing is helping, so any guidance is appreciated.

That means your testing server settings are not correct. Most likely an issue with the site url.

Right, so the URL is a live URL, and I can't mess with the files on the live site. So I'm using the true URL but have entered the test server IP in a local hosts file so in theory DW would call to that URL on the testing server. Not sure what else to do..

If you copy and paste the testing server url into a browser does it browse the local site like it should? Why not enter the local url there?

Yes, if I put the URL into my browser, the site comes up on the new host (it's not local - just another host server). That's the URL that's in the site definition - which is why I'm confused I'm getting this error.

If you send me the site definition I can take a look and see if I can spot the problem. I'll also need to know the entry you used for your HOSTS file.

PM

You need to use:
http://naturaldisasterconsulting.com

not:
http://www.naturaldisasterconsulting.com

as the Web URL in your site definition to match your HOSTS file update

That did indeed solve the issue. Sorry to bother you for something so inane that wasn't specific to your code. You're a real champ for helping me figure that out. Hope that helps someone else out there!