[RESOLVED] cgi wrap for phpmyadmin -- another junk host?

[BEFOR]

Today I loaded phpmyadmin to a new server, (moving from another host giving false claims, borderline dishonest support, etc)

Only to find that when I load phpmyadmin 2.6.4-pl4 it errors:

"The mbstring PHP extension was not found and you seem to be using a multibyte charset. Without the mbstring extension phpMyAdmin is unable to split strings correctly and it may result in unexpected results."

I've deleted and reloaded (understanding older versions didn't rely on mbstring):

2.6.4-pl4 -- gives same errors.
2.6.4-pl3 -- gives same errors.

My host suggests apply a cgi wrap which I'm not in favor of. As an explanation they referred me to a page saying, in addition to protecting files:

"... it also has the potential of leaving all your files vulnerable if your files that have been "wrapped" using cgiwrap were compromised. If a script that you have wrapped is compromised, then the hacker would have access to run programs and delete and modify files from your username, allowing virtual access to all of your files. "
...........

phpmadmin is to be used with MySQL 4.1.14
...........

Now I also understand that the fix for this should really be to uncomment:

;extension=php_mbstring.dll (php.ini)

But the host will not alter the php.ini file where this is found.

This is suppose to be one of the most reputable hosts in the county. It's nice to have the database on a seperate server but this is ridiculous. It's obvious why they won't talk about phpmyadmin beforehand. I spent the day tryig to sort this out.

Question: Is there anything else that can be done for a fix?

If not, I'll probably cancel this account too.

[bpat1434]

Unfortunately it doesn't seem like you can actually add the extension without them modifying the php.ini file. One option you could do is create your own function and then just load that file with phpmyadmin. That's one option; however, it's totally too much work for you, and you'd be better off going elsewhere if they're going to give you grief over this one little thing. Personally, I've found the following hosts to be good:

IX Webhosting
HostRocket
HostGator

I've personally used all three, and for the price, HostRocket was good, and ixwebhosting and hostgator are just as good. I'd use them since they've been around longer, and they're more flexible with adding and subtracting things. I once asked them to see about installing Zend instead of the other speed enhancer, and they checked to see if it would work. They actually tested it. But that's just my experience...

~Brett

[BEFOR]

One option you could do is create your own function and then just load that file with phpmyadmin.

Which function is that?

One reason for choosing them in the first place is they put database on seperate servers as the hosted site. For security reasons.

I've debated how much an advantage that may be.

Other option is to have someone compile and load php 4.3.1 onto the site with SSH.

Then I could change the php.ini and any other php file. -Seems like flying to the nearest start just to get to the moon.

I've never maintained php myself and wouldn't know what to expect out of this scenario.

[bpat1434]

I know IX Webhosting has a separate domain for their SQL servers, not sure if they actually are separate....

And you would define your own mbstring function...

HostExellence is another company I'm looking at for moving all my sites over....

~Brett

[BEFOR]

Host came up with a solution.

-htaccess being placed in same directory as phpmyadmin
-placed cgi bin folder right outside this.

Which uses a sym link to point to their php version having mb string.