[RESOLVED] First Time Installing PHP 5.2.3 and Apache 2.2.4 need help!

[PHP_newbie018]

I would like to ask for help for installing PHP 5.2.3 and Apache 2.2.4. This is the first time that I will be using this applications. I have installed it using the default settings of the windows installer. I have followed the installation process from the sites. Unfortunately I kept getting the 404 message. Can some one guide me through this?
I don't know if I'm not configuring something in the conf or theres a bug in configuration that I need to fix... Need help!😕

[laserlight]

Just install Apache. Check that it works. After that, install PHP.

[PHP_newbie018]

Yes, I have done that! I also did

<?php

   phpinfo();

?>

save it in htdocs using notepad and given it a file name phpinfo.php

I open a browser to see if it works http://localhost/phpinfo.php

the result was 404 error. I think it says it cannot find it in the server.

Been giving me headache for quite sometime now.

any solutions?😕

[PHP_newbie018]

I've tried the

<?php

 phpinfo();

?>

save it as phpinfo.php at htdocs using notepad

I keep getting 404 error message it says can't find it in the server

do you have a solution for this?

[sheephat]

or install a package, Xammp or wampserver

[laserlight]

I keep getting 404 error message it says can't find it in the server

Double check the location. If you place say, index.html there, can it be found? At the moment it looks like a problem with your web server. Uninstall everything, then start by installing the webserver. Confirm that you can access normal webpages, and only then install PHP.

do you have a solution for this?

You could install a package like Xammp or wampserver, as sheephat suggested, but I think that those are rather unnecessary. You could just end up with more problems if you do not know where things should go.

[PHP_newbie018]

I have tried xampp but when I uninstall it left the apache server on the service. So I'm trying to used the installer from the apache site and php site.😕

[sheephat]

I think for beginners WAMPserver is the best, if its just for a development area. Which as you say its first time install im guessing it is.

If not then go with what laserwitch says

[PHP_newbie018]

laserlight wrote:

Double check the location. If you place say, index.html there, can it be found? At the moment it looks like a problem with your web server. Uninstall everything, then start by installing the webserver. Confirm that you can access normal webpages, and only then install PHP.

The index.htm from htdocs is working. That is why its a mystery to me that it cannot find the phpinfo.php? I've also tried to add the AddType thing and also the Path in the environment variables path. 😕

[laserlight]

So I'm trying to used the installer from the apache site and php site.

What I do is use the Apache installer and the PHP zip archive. Install Apache first and test that it is working. After that, unzip the PHP archive to your desired location (I usually use C:\php), then follow the manual installation steps and Apache 2 installation steps in the PHP manual. Keep in mind that instead of php5apache2.dll you would use php5apache2_2.dll

That is why its a mystery to me that it cannot find the phpinfo.php?

Another pitfall is that Windows hides common file extensions by default. Check that you really have "phpinfo.php" not "phpinfo.php.txt".

[PHP_newbie018]

laserlight wrote:

What I do is use the Apache installer and the PHP zip archive. Install Apache first and test that it is working. After that, unzip the PHP archive to your desired location (I usually use C:\php), then follow the manual installation steps and Apache 2 installation steps in the PHP manual. Keep in mind that instead of php5apache2.dll you would use php5apache2_2.dll

Another pitfall is that Windows hides common file extensions by default. Check that you really have "phpinfo.php" not "phpinfo.php.txt".

Ok, how do I check if Windows is using the .txt rather than the .php? If this does not work I'll do what you did and use the PHP archive. Let me clear up few things:

1. I'm still installing Apache 2.2.4

2. Instead of the PHP installer .msi I will be using PHP 5.2.3 anrchive? If you don't mind me asking what is the difference between the two?

Just want to say thank you to 2 of you for giving time to answer my post and being very patient for a newbie like me.

Thank you very much!🙂

[laserlight]

Ok, how do I check if Windows is using the .txt rather than the .php?

In Windows Explorer go to Tools -> Folder Options -> View -> uncheck "Hide extensions for known file types". Alternatively, browse to the location from the command line.

2. Instead of the PHP installer .msi I will be using PHP 5.2.3 anrchive? If you don't mind me asking what is the difference between the two?

The installer is expected to automate server configuration for IIS, PWS, and Xitami, but not Apache. It does not include any extra external PHP extensions. Using the zip archive means that you control exactly what is happening (and you usually only need to follow the PHP manual instructions anyway).

[PHP_newbie018]

I'm using Windows XP Pro SP2 can I use the IIS of windows XP? Do you think it will be less difficult? What type of server are you using for PHP? 😕

[laserlight]

I'm using Windows XP Pro SP2 can I use the IIS of windows XP?

Probably, in which case I would advise you to read bradgrafelman's thread on Install FAQ (IIS6, mysql_*() functions, etc.)

Do you think it will be less difficult?

I do not know. I mean, you could use the installer and it might work out of the box, or it might fail for some reason that is harder for us to diagnose than with the zip archive. Or it might just work but then later you might want more support for extensions and have to puzzle your way through that.

What type of server are you using for PHP?

Apache 2.0.59 + MySQL 5.0.41 + PHP 5.2.3

[PHP_newbie018]

laserlight your the best! I've got it working your right, I was saving it with a .txt extension. I did what you told me to unchecked the folder option for "Hide extensions for known file types". It works!

The only question is will it be fine to leave the thing unchecked?

[laserlight]

The only question is will it be fine to leave the thing unchecked?

Yes. It is only for the convenience of those who do not have to worry about such a problem.

[PHP_newbie018]

Thank your very much for your help!🙂

I've been wondering about the extension but I only tried to change it using the properties. I really not aware of the folder options thing, never really check the setting there except for show hidden folders.

Now I can sleep well. 😃 This is my first PHP forum that I've been in. Looks like I can learn a lot of things here. This will be my official PHP forum. 🙂

Thank you very much again for your kind help and patience. 🙂

[laserlight]

You're welcome, and remember to mark this thread resolved 🙂

[bradgrafelman]

PHP_newbie018 wrote:

I really not aware of the folder options thing

Not totally your fault - Micro$oft is doing everything it can to dumb down all of its products.