PHP4 as CGI binary on WinNT - doesn't know it's PHP

baireynet

I'm a PHP programmer, 4 years so I know what I'm doing, but my work has been limited to *nix servers, and now I need to write code for a WinNT system, with PHP installed as a CGI binary.

I'm writing a site for a client who doesn't have shell access, and their tech support people have NO input on this.. simply mind boggling. After admitting that my script is error free, they tell me they have "no information" on getting it to process. So, I'm turning to others who may have info.

Here's my issue: I can't make their server understand that it needs to process my script as PHP. I'm told I don't need to shell escape the script by using #!/usr/bin/php as the first line (and since I "don't need it" they won't verify that it's a correct path) but I've tried it anyway, with and without the line. I've tried using forward slashes as well, since it's a windows system.

My script:

#!/usr/bin/php
<?
print "Hello World";
?>

I get this error message:

Unterminated <> operator at d:\html\users\xxx\html\test.pl line 2.

I've tried changing the path (guessing at it), removing that line entirely, still nothing. By putting the entire PHP script on one line, since the php tag is confusing it, i.e.:

#!/usr/bin/php
<? print "Hello World"; ?>

I lose the unterminated operator error but now get:

'd:\html\users\xxx\html\test.pl' script produced no output

The server just isn't recognizing that the page contains PHP commands. Plus, I won't write a web site that can't have line breaks in the code! 🙂 I've tried using long tags (<?php), tried various extensions.. was told by tech support that .pl or .plx would work, but have also tried .php and .cgi. I would try chmoding the file, but it's a windows system, everything is always rwxrwxrwx.

Does anyone know how to tell a WinNT system with PHP installed as a CGI binary that a file needs to be processed as PHP? Would anyone have a sample script that processes some PHP in that set up? I would REALLY appreciate any help! I've been through every manual and forum I can find, and tried tons of possible solutions, but none have resulted in a simple processing of PHP. Sorry to go on and on, I just want you to know what I've already tried.

Thanks much,

Steph

piersk

Are you running IIS or Apache on NT?

jmcneese

basically the tech support must configure IIS correctly for this to work. to quote the Win32 FAQ:

To install PHP on an NT/2000 Server running IIS 4, follow these instructions:

In Internet Service Manager (MMC), select the Web site or the starting point directory of an application.
Open the directory's property sheets (by right clicking and selecting properties), and then click the Home Directory, Virtual Directory, or Directory tab.
Click the Configuration button, and then click the App Mappings tab.
Click Add, and in the Executable box, type: 'c:\path-to-php-dir\php.exe %s %s'. You MUST have the %s %s on the end, PHP will not function properly if you fail to do this.
In the Extension box, type the file name extension you want associated with php scripts. (You must repeat step 5 and 6 for each extension you want associated with php scripts. (.php and .php3 are common)
Set up the appropriate security. Make sure the directories that have php script files have 'Script & Executables' permission. (This is done in Internet Service Manager), and if your NT Server uses NTFS file system, add execute rights for I_USR_ to the directory that contains 'php.exe'.

piersk

Originally posted by jmcneese

(You must repeat step 5 and 6 for each extension you want associated with php scripts. (.php3 and .phtml are common)

Dont forget the most important, .php

jmcneese

hehe, caught me while i was editing. we need to get a life :rolleyes:

piersk

Originally posted by jmcneese
hehe, caught me while i was editing. we need to get a life :rolleyes:

So true, so true

jerdo

Anyone catch that the error is saying Unterminated <> operator at d:\html\users\xxx\html\test.pl line 2? I don't believe that there are many servers set to parse perl files as php files. Try changing the name to php and maybe even make your tags <?php ?>.

baireynet

Thanks for the help, everyone. I passed this on to the tech support people. First they insisted it was a scripting error. When my client, who pays them for hosting, got involved and insisted on support as there WAS no scripting error, they actually told him that there were other hosting companies who would rather have his business! We got a supervisor on the phone, he read the instructions sent by you all above, put us on hold, and voila, it worked! He says all he did was change the extension to .php (something I tried many times) but it couldn't be more obvious that your instructions made the difference. Thanks to all!

Steph