[Resolved] Can someone explain this in layman's language please!

masood131

I copied this from the explanation on mail() function in PHP-Manual, and I think I should check sendmail binaries on my system because I can't send mail to myself using mail() function, but I really don't know where to look for the sendmail binaries or what to do with them. Can someone please use a simpler language for me to do this.

LX. Mail Functions
Introduction
The mail() function allows you to send mail.

Requirements
For the Mail functions to be available, PHP must have access to the sendmail binary on your system during compile time. If you use another mail program, such as qmail or postfix, be sure to use the appropriate sendmail wrappers that come with them. PHP will first look for sendmail in your PATH, and then in the following: /usr/bin:/usr/sbin:/usr/etc:/etc:/usr/ucblib:/usr/lib. It's highly recommended to have sendmail available from your PATH. Also, the user that compiled PHP must have permission to access the sendmail binary.

Installation
There is no installation needed to use these functions; they are part of the PHP core.

Runtime Configuration
The behaviour of these functions is affected by settings in php.ini.

Table 1. Mail configuration options

Name Default Changeable
SMTP "localhost" PHP_INI_ALL
smtp_port "25" PHP_INI_ALL
sendmail_from NULL PHP_INI_ALL
sendmail_path DEFAULT_SENDMAIL_PATH PHP_INI_SYSTEM

This is the address where I picked the above quote if you like to look at it for yourself directely:

http://us4.php.net/manual/en/ref.mail.php

ty
masood

XinXang

one thing is clear, you have to check the phpinfo file and see if your settings match those listed in the table exactly. Do you know how to do that? phpinfo is probably installed somewhere in your web folder and you just need to enter the url into a browser and you'll get a printout of all php settings.

If it's not already there, you make a phpinfo file:

<?php

phpinfo();

save it as phpinfo.php and drop the file into your web publishing folder somewhere, anywhere. Then put the url into a web browser and you'll get a page of your php settings for the web server.

Compare the mail configuration settings to the ones above.

masood131

I did find my phpinfo when brett sent me there. I will check what you and brett have guided me to do, and get back to you guys. I am getting so much help on this issue. I hope it benefits someone later.

ty XinXang.
masood

masood131

Here are values that I saw in my phpinfo.

Directive Local Value Master Value

SMTP "localhost" "localhost"
smtp_port "25" " 25"
sendmail_from "no value" "no value"
sendmail_path "no value" " no value"

XinXang

ok, so there's your problem - now the only problem is getting your php.ini settings changed.

Are you on shared hosting? I'm assuming you are, so ask your host to change the settings for you, and as soon as they do try the sendmail again and I bet it'll work.

XinXang

you can also create your own php.ini in your public_html folder which will be applied specifically for your own files, but before you do this I would tell the webhost what you plan to do and ask for a copy of the default php.ini file for the webserver to use as a template for editing your own settings. Then only change what you need to change.

masood131

XinXang,

So, after looking at my settings in my phpinfo file, I know I have to change a few things as you can see on the top. But, what do I change and where will I go to change them?

I have no webhost to get the php.ini from. I do have access to the file. I am setting these up myself on my own computer and trying to learn this. So, this is not a company nor anymore than a simple laptop.
I only share the ISP with my roomate through a router if that makes a difference. All other changes are done by me and on my laptop.

ty
masood

XinXang

find your php.ini file and then open it in a text editor - notepad, dreamweaver, whatever...then edit settings and save it, making sure it's still named php.ini once saved and not .txt or something.