One more thing the instructions i followed last time were like this.
Apache PHP & MySQL
Before you start you must have the following
1. PHP version 4.3.10 http://www.php.net you need to download the zip file (SAPI module) not the CGI module( *.exe)
2. MySQL version 4.0.23 http://www.mysql.org we need version 4 and above do not download any previous version
3. Apache 1.3.33 http://www.apache.org be careful with the version we need 1.3.33 not 2.0.48
Step 1
Install Apache by running the installer. Fill the blank fileds with data that you like. It wont't be used. Just remember where do u install it.
On Windows machine I installed mine in C:\Apache
type http://localhost or http://127.0.0.1 in your Internet Explorer.
If you see a web page with Apache's logo then you have installed Apache successfully.
* if you are using a proxy server you have to exclude the above addresses from it
Step 2
Unzip php4.3.10.zip (or similar) I did that in C:\php ( you might choose different directory)
2.A - Copy the file [php4ts.dll] from your php directory (C:\php) into c:\WINDOWS\System32\
2.B - Rename the file [php.ini-dist] to [php.ini] and copy it into your Windows Directory (C:\WINDOWS).
2.C - Open [php.ini] and edit the following line (Line number 818) -> [session.save_path = /tmp] to look like [session.save_path = C:\Apache\sessions] ( You might choose different directory to store the sessions if you like for example c:\temp)
Step 3
Go to C:\Apache\conf and paste the following lines at the end of [httpd.conf] file
DirectoryIndex index.php index.html index.htm
LoadModule php4_module c:/php/sapi/php4apache.dll
AddType application/x-httpd-php .php .phtml
AddType application/x-httpd-php-source .phps
Pay attention to line number 2 it indicates the location of file named [php4apache.dll]. If you unzipped PHP in different directory you have to change that path accordingly.
Step 4
Restart Apache ( Probably you've got its folder in the Start Menu) so that the changes take effect. You can restart your computer as an aternative.
Step5
create a simple php file with any text editor with the following content. Name the file whatever you like (for example info.php but make it with .php extension)
// File Starts Here (Do not copy this line)
<?php
phpinfo();
?>
// File Ends Here (Do not copy this line)
Save this file and copy it into C:\Apache\htdocs directory. (If you installed apache into different location then use that path accordingly)
You can delete or move the contents of your htdocs directory into another folder.
Open Internet Explorer and type http://localhost. If you see a directory structure with the file info.php then we are almost there. Click on info.php If PHP was installed properly then you will see a page with information about you current php version and some settings that you have)
Step 6
install mysql by running the installer. I installed mine in C:\mysql
Go to C:\mysql\bin\ and run [winmysqladmin.exe] It will pop up with a page which asks you to enter username and password.
Use username root and some password.( Remember them)
You can start playing with the RDBMS with any mysql client. At the begining use mySQL CC (available from mySQL website).
I personally like SQLyog. You can follow TLU ( Try it, Like it, Use it) if it suits your needs.
If you decide to use OS different than Windows then the steps wont be the same.
If you face any problems during installation give me a call or send me an email.
