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Testing many things (CMSes, themes etc.) on the internet for me and many others is sometimes a big pain and it has many disadvantages. You need to buy a domain, to pay for hosting, to use your internet providers slow upload speeds to upload a files over ftp, whenever you want to change some configuration of Apache or PHP you have to contact your hosting provider and wait some time until they response and I could continue with other disadvantages.
There are many all in one packages, which will install all together like WAMP or XAMPP, but I do not like them. In my opinion, they make a lot of uncontrolled rubbish on the computer and they are not often up to date. But they are good as a very fast solution for people who do not want to learn how it all works and they only need the fastest way to install local web server, to test their projects.
This tutorial is more complicated, than WAMP or XAMPP solution, but the biggest advantage is that you have all over your control – because you configure all by yourself. And you can be always up to date and enjoy the latest fixes and improvements in Apache, PHP and MySQL packages. As soon as you master this tut, you will agree that local web server can be installed, using original packages, in few minutes, like the WAMP or XAMPP. Updating with new packages is also really simple. Just install the new package over the existing one and that is it.
This tutorial is great for web developers and web designers, who needs real-time testing of web-based applications or themes for WordPress, Joomla, Drupal without a need of internet connection or web hosting. It should also cover and beware of all most important mistakes and unexpected errors, which sometimes happen and which other tutorials do not cover. So users who will follow this tutorial step by step, should have working localhost web server in 99,9 %, without any unexpected errors. I decided to write this tutorial, because I followed many tutorials on the web, but I was not able to get all work for the first time, so I spent many hours of searching and fixing unexpected errors, which are all covered in this tutorial.
I often use quotes to put syntax, commands, login names, passwords, paths and names of the folders between them. So whenever you see quotes in the tutorial, always use only what is between the quotes, it will be marked as bold text too. Sometimes there are quotes between quotes, theese quotes (between quotes) are important to use them in configuration files.
This tutorial was made on 32bit Windows 7 Ultimate in VMware Player, but I am using it on a real installation of 64bit Windows 7 Ultimate without any problem. I have also used it in on 64bit version of Windows Vista Ultimate before. So in that case it should work on any Microsoft operating system. Even if the packages are 32bit they do work on 64bit operating systems without any incompatibility issues. There are unofficial 64bit packages for Apache and PHP, but their installation is much complicated and they are not often updated. Only official support for 64bit operating systems has MySQL, but it would not work properly with 32bit Apache and PHP.
Apache 2.2.15 win32 x86 no ssl msi
PHP 5.3.2 VC6 x86 Thread Safe Installer
MySQL 5.1.46 x86 32-bit MSI Installer
Optional – WordPress 2.9.2
If you find any new versions on these packages, you can use them too, the steps will be the same.
Now we are done with pre-installation Steps.
Run the installation of Apache, click next, check that you accept the terms, click next and next again. On the next screen fill the Server settings, like on the picture below and click next again.
On the next page select Custom Setup Type and click next. All features leave as they are, change only the installation path to “C:\dev\progs\Apache\” and click Next. Now click install. After the installation you should see new icon on a windows taskbar with small green triangle which signalizes that apache is installed and running.
To test it properly open Internet Explorer, Firefox or whatever browser you are using and write “localhost” to your address bar, if everything went well you should see “It works!“.
Now we need to edit Apache configuration file! Go to the folder “C:\dev\progs\Apache\conf\” and open the file “httpd.conf” in Notepad. For better, more comfortable editing, I recommend advanced text editor like Adobe Dreamweaver or free PSPad, because you can see line numbers and navigation through the text file will be more comfortable.
That is it, save the file, exit the editor and restart Apache. You can do it by clicking on the taskbar Apache icon and then move the cursor on the Apache 2.2 and click restart. At this state if you point your browser again to “localhost” you wont see “It works!” but just something like “Index Of”. Do not worry, it is due to changing the directory from where the Apache translates the webpages. Apache installation and configuration is now completed!
Run the downloaded PHP install package. Click Next, accept the terms and click Next again. On the next screen click Browse and navigate the installation program to install PHP to “C:\dev\progs\PHP\” and click Next. Now select Apache 2.2.x Module and click Next again. At this step you need to tell the installation program where the Apache configuration file (we have edited in apache configuration) is. So navigate the installation by clicking on the button Browse to the directory “C:\dev\progs\Apache\conf\” and click Next. On the next screen click Next again and then on the Install. If all went well you should see following new lines at the end of Apache configuration file “httpd.conf“:
#BEGIN PHP INSTALLER EDITS – REMOVE ONLY ON UNINSTALL
PHPIniDir “C:/dev/progs/PHP/”
LoadModule php5_module “C:/dev/progs/PHP/php5apache2_2.dll”
#END PHP INSTALLER EDITS – REMOVE ONLY ON UNINSTALL
Now we need to configure the PHP configuration file “php.ini” which is in the folder “C:\dev\progs\PHP\“, so open it in Notepad, PSPad or Dreamweaver and change the lines like this (the PHP should also work with the original php.ini, but these changes are recommended for more comfortable using):
That is it save the file, exit editor and restart Apache. Now we need to test if PHP works. So navigate to directory “C:\dev\www\” and create new text file called “index.php” and put this”<?php phpinfo(); ?>” as a text inside, save the file and exit. Open your web browser and point it to “localhost“. If PHP is successfully installed you should see the same like on the following picture.
This is the easiest part, because all is configured in installation wizard. Just run the MySQL installation file. Click next, choose Custom and then click Next, change the installation directory to “C:\dev\progs\MySQL\“, click Next once more and then Install. After the installation completes you will see other screen, so once again click, Next, Next, check “Configure the MySQL server now” and uncheck “Register the MySQL server now“, then click Finish. On the next screen click Next, then select “Detailed Configuration” and click Next, select “Developer Machine” and click Next, select “Multifunctional Database” and click Next, other screen leave as is and click Next, select “Decision Support (DSS)/OLAP” and click Next. Now check “Enable TCP/IP Networking“, leave port number 3306, check “Add firewall exception for this port“, check “Enable Strict Mode” then click Next. Select “Best Choice For Multilingualism” and click Next. Check “Install As Windows Service“, select service name “MySQL5“, check “Launch the MySQL Server automatically” and check “Include Bin Directory in Windows PATH” then click Next. Check “Modify Security Settings” and as a “New root password” use “root” without the quotes, confirm password, other things leave as they are and click Next. Last step is to apply all settings we have done, so click on Execute and wait until you see this:
If you do not see this picture there is something wrong. And it should be many things. I will try to help in comments. But I expect there will not be any problems.
phpMyAdmin is web-based MySQL database manager. For me personally it is the best and easiest solution for managing and creating databases even if it runs on localhost. There is a solution from MySQL developers called MySQL GUI Tools, which runs on Windows operating systems, but it is not providing the easiest survey and it is a bit chaotic for me. Also many users using web hosting services for their web pages knows phpMyAdmin very well. I often install WordPress, Drupal, Joomla and vBulletin together to test themes etc. and I use single database for each CMS so that is why I use phpMyAdmin, which allows me to create databases in friendly way without knowledge of MySQL command line.
We will start with creating a directory called “pma” in “C:\dev\www\“. Now open the zip file with phpMyAdmin and extract all content of directory “phpMyAdmin-3.3.2-all-languages” to “pma” directory. Now open your favourite web browser and point it to “localhost/pma” if you are lucky, you should see phpMyAdmin login screen. You can login to phpMyAdmin by entering “root” as login name and password.
Sometimes on Vista and Windows 7, maybe on XPs operating systems too, you will get some kind of error saying that PHP is not installed or configured properly. This is one of the very often unexpected errors which I was searching for a solution for many hours, before I solved it! The solution could be simple – first is go to the directory “C:\dev\progs\PHP\“, find file called “php5ts.dll” and copy it to “C:\Windows\” and “C:\Windows\System32\” directories and restart the Apache. Maybe Apache will refuse to start and it will show some error, if so, ignore the error and start him again, it should work now! :) After this fix you should see phpMyAdmin login page by pointing your browser to “localhost/pma“. If the first solution did not help the problem has a lot to do with Windows write folder permissions and PHPs session save path and Temp directories. PHP have no rights to write to desired Temp directories. This problem is really individual and if someone will report it in comments I will help him/her individually.
So log in to phpMyAdmin and you will get to the phpMyAdmin database administration interface on the left panel, you will see actual databases, which is important to run MySQL properly, so do not delete them at any time. On the right side you will see some information about your web server, you can change a theme or language or create new database. On the bottom you will see some errors, which we are going to fix. For basic use it is not necessary, but I can’t stand something showing errors :-) First we must create some tables to unlock phpMyAdmin’s full potential, so at the left panel click on database called “test” and then click on the “Import“.
After that click on Browse button and navigate phpMyAdmin to folder “C:\dev\www\pma\scripts\” and select file called “create_tables.sql” and in phpMyAdmin right bottom corner click on “Go“. It will create new database called phpmyadmin with 9 tables. It will be used for phpMyAdmin advanced features, like creating PDFs etc. You can close the browser and look forward for the last part – editing phpMyAdmin configuration file :-). So go to the folder “C:\dev\www\pma\” and open file “config.sample.inc.php” in Notepad, Dreamweaver or PSPad.
Save the file in the same folder as “config.inc.php” and exit the editor. phpMyAdmin should now work without any errors and we are done with whole installation of localhost web server. Now you can restore your UAC settings as we were talking about at the beginning.
First we must create new database for WordPress, so login to phpMyAdmin and under the text “Create New Database” fill the name “WordPress” and click on Create. Now go to folder “C:\dev\www\” and create new folder called “wp“. If you have downloaded the WordPress 2.9.2 installation open the zip file and extract all content of the WordPress directory to “C:\dev\www\wp\“. Open your browser and point it to “localhost/wp“, If all was done well, you should see first WordPress installation page, so click on “Create a Configuration File” and then on “Lets go!” On the next page. On the following page fill database name, which is “WordPress” and User Name and Password which is the “root” for both. This is password for WordPress to write tables in the database not for accessing CMS admin panel. All other values can stay as they are, click “Submit” and then “Run the Install“. Fill the Blog title, as you wish and in the email field, fill any true email address, sending emails will not work because our Apache is not configured for sending emails, but who cares? We do not need it on localhost! ;-)Then continue with install. On the next screen it will be shown your login and password, write it down somewhere and click on “Log In” to get to the WordPress admin interface, you can change here the password to something easier to remember. You are done. If you point your browser now to “localhost/wp” you will see something like this:
Now you now basics of how to install any other CMS you prefer, installations of Drupal or Joomla are very similar.
I told you that it is not so complicated ;-) If you are like me, you like a good coffee, in your favourite café (which unfortunately has no internet connection), you like to work in company of people and not being alone at home or office, you will probably appreciate this tutorial. Most of you are most likely using WAMP or XAMPP solutions, some of you are using my solution in most advanced way, which Apache configurations offers, but I know many web designers and web developers, who do not know about these solutions and this tutorial is exactly for them.
If you are facing any problem, then let me know and I will try my best to help you.
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Hey there, I am Tomas Varil and I am from Prague, Czech Republic. I am a freelance graphic designer. I study biology at the university and graphic design is my hobby for 6 years. Last 8 months I am trying to built my own freelance portfolio and start my freelance career. You have something to tell (ask) me? Please do not hesitate to contact me on tomasvaril.com, Twitter, Behance or LinkedIn.
Thursday, July 1st, 2010 13:43
Hi
I have 2 websites that i will be using php for , is it possible to have both on my localhost for editing purposes and if so how would i change the local host location in PHP … i know how to do this in IIS very easily but can’t figure out how to do this in php
Thanks
Thursday, July 1st, 2010 15:50
It’s just amazing. Thanks a lot! =D
Friday, June 11th, 2010 01:37
Thank you for your help. I have a question about the PHP setup.
Apache is installed successfully.
PHP 5. 3.2 is installed successfully.
When testing the index.php, it is giving text instead of the HTML page.
I doubled check all the steps and still get the same thing .
Friday, June 11th, 2010 12:58
If you open Apache Service Monitor from your taskbar can you see Apache/2.2.15 (Win32) PHP/5.3.2 at the bottom?
Tuesday, July 6th, 2010 00:09
When I look in the service monitor I see the apache2.2.15 (win32) PHP/5.2.13 at the bottom.
Any ideas to resolve as I also had previous installations which I removed including the install directories. I then reinstalled apache which worked and showed the “It Works” entry. PHP was also reinstalled and does not seem to function even though it is showing as part of the Apache Service Monitor.
Thursday, July 8th, 2010 14:54
Hey MikeE, I did not understand what is your problem? The same like Alexander have written before?
Tuesday, June 1st, 2010 02:58
Ok… localhost/pma will load… But when logging in as root/root.. It will just go to blank screen.. token ID will be shown in address bar, but nothing loads.. I have setup the config file also. Let me know what you think.
Tuesday, June 1st, 2010 11:28
Hello Wes, thank you for your question. phpMyAdmin should work out of the box, if everything is setup OK. It seems like your problem should be the one I was talking about during the tutorial. The session save path problem and the mysql connection problem. Just to make sure, did you copied the php5ts.dll file in System32 and Windows directory? And please provide other information like Windows version and how far did you get in tutorial. Did you skipped some steps?
Tuesday, June 1st, 2010 21:06
Hey,
Yea I copied the php5 files to both windows and system32..
I even used the Phpmyadmin setup process to set up server and still not work. I am on Windows Vista 32bit SP2.. I followed exact instructions. PHP and Apache are both working. Is there a way to test mysql? If not, I will just start over and/or try installing on my other machine which is Windows 7 64bit.
Thanks!
==== ADDED ====
I can connect to the mysql command line client.
Tuesday, June 1st, 2010 22:49
Hey Wes,
you can test whether the PHP can connect to MySQL database with the following script.
In C:devwww make a file called for example “test.php” and put there these lines:
<?PHP
echo ‘Connecting to OBMS Database… ‘;
$link = mysql_connect(‘localhost’,'root’,'root’);
if (!$link) {
die(‘Could not connect: ‘ . mysql_error());
}
echo ‘Connected successfully’;
?>
Save the file and point your browser to localhost/test.php
I expect it will show “Connecting to OBMS Database… Could not connect”
If so try to copy the file libmySQL.dll from C:devprogsMySQLbin to C:WindowsSystem32 and restart Apache.
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010 14:16
Hey Thomas…
Nope still not working.. Not connecting to mysql.. copied the file to both windows and system32..
I will just start all over. Thanks for the help. I will let you know if I need anything else or let you know when it is success :)
Wes
Thursday, June 3rd, 2010 12:35
Please let me know ;-) I had a one last idea what to do before you start over. Try to change “localhost” in phpMyAdmin config.inc.php to “127.0.0.1″ maybe it could help too, like Bernardo below suggested ;-)
Sunday, July 11th, 2010 06:06
can you help me for this message
what should i do to solve this issues
Forbidden
You don’t have permission to access / on this server.
please help me tnx
i wait for your replay
Monday, July 12th, 2010 23:38
Is that a phpMyAdmin error message? When it is appearing, before login or after? Which OS are you using? What about Apache error log in Apache directory? Please provide more information.
Tuesday, June 1st, 2010 02:21
Thanks! One thing.. Setting up the config.sample.inc.php for phpMyAdmin should come before logging in with root/root… I was stuff for almost an hour trying to log in :)
Tuesday, June 1st, 2010 01:01
apache restart > request operation has failed
Tuesday, June 1st, 2010 11:35
Dear Cuneyt, this could have many reasons, could you please provide more information. When did you get this error? Which part of the tutorial?
Sunday, May 30th, 2010 20:23
Installed Apache successfully. Downloaded PHP 5. 3.2 and installed it. When testing the index.php, it is giving text instead of the HTML page. Am I missing something or doing something wrong. Please help. Thank you in advance.
Fyi..I followed the instruction and updated the Apache conf and PHP ini files as directed in the steps.
Monday, May 31st, 2010 21:01
Hello Abhinav, thank you for your question. Just to make sure, could you please tell me, which version of windows you are using? Also did you get the “It works!” message after Apache install? It seems that php apache library is not loaded…or the phpinfo script is not correct…
Wednesday, May 26th, 2010 00:44
For those of you having error with new function called tracking in latest phpMyAdmin 3.3.3. Just add line:
“$cfg['Servers'][$i]['tracking'] = ‘pma_tracking’;”
below line:
“$cfg['Servers'][$i]['designer_coords'] = ‘pma_designer_coords’;”
in config.inc.php file and restart web browser. The error should be now solved and new table called “pma_tracking” in “phpmyadmin” database will bee created.
enjoy ;-)
Saturday, May 22nd, 2010 13:34
Hello Frankilin, did you edit the hosts file which is described in pre installation steps? Also check out if your firewall is not blocking 127.0.0.1 IP address by default…
Saturday, May 22nd, 2010 03:41
I had problem “Connection to 127.0.0.1 Failed ” on Windows 7. Anyone have anyway for solve the problem. Thank in advance.
Sunday, May 16th, 2010 22:50
At appservnetwork.com there is release of Apache 2.2.8 but at apache.org,
the latest (stable) version is 2.2.15. I’m confused, how could it be. Can someone explain me please? :)
Monday, May 17th, 2010 09:00
because 15 is greater than 8 :D
You shouldn’t look according to place value ;)
Monday, May 17th, 2010 10:10
You can find the latest current stable releases only at Apache.org, php.net and mysql.com. That is why I use this tutorial to setup localhost web server. WAMP, XAMPP and Appserve are always bit or more otutdated…
Friday, May 14th, 2010 20:49
Nice tutorial, but… “the biggest advantage is that you have all over your control – because you configure all by yourself. ” IMHO the biggest disadvantage is: The day after you will not remember anymore what you did exactly and where to change this and that, if you are not a terminal hero :-)
Friday, May 14th, 2010 21:51
It is not about being a terminal hero ;-) When you repeat this tutorial three times, you will agree, it is not so complicated and hard to remember the steps, which are still the same. And if you forget you can still look here for help. Anyway there was said, that you can still use WAMP or XAMPP if you feel more comfortable with it. So you have still the opportunity to select solution which more fits your needs ;-) This tutorial is for people who is interested in the problem and they like to know more and how to start…
Friday, May 14th, 2010 18:55
Great tut. I have been using the install packages like XAMPP but, for testing having everything setup, configured and installed separately is the way to go. I prefer to run my web server on a Linux server since my web hosts are on a Linux system. But since I do not have a Linux server, I can follow this tut and install it on my Windows 7 Desktop
Friday, May 14th, 2010 21:42
Linux installation for example under ubuntu is much easier, because all packages are at the repositories, they are not often up to date, but it works nicely :-) There are few things to take care, but it is not so complicated…
Friday, May 14th, 2010 16:05
I’m getting weird errors after I’ve installed PHP and the only remedy to re-start Apache is to comment out the PHP lines at the end of the httpd.conf file. Any ideas why it’s not working for me on both Vista and Win7?
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010 16:44
When I finish installing PHP and the changes to php.ini, I get the restart errors in Apache. I was able to get it to work this time and finish everything, but I still get that error from time to time in Vista. I think part of it, at that time, was installing too many features.
Friday, May 14th, 2010 15:38
Guys I do not want to be rude. But have some of you, who has been talking about WAMPP or XAMPP read the article? Just few paragraphs at the start? I would say that NO is the answer ;-)
Friday, May 14th, 2010 05:22
Why does one have to install PHP | MySQL | Apache separately when there are open source software like lampp and Xampp available?
Friday, May 14th, 2010 08:34
Thank you vry much for this nice tutorial , i changed to windows 7 and then mov back to vista cuz the apache 2.0 and php 4 didn’t work on windows 7 , and i wasn’t have no idea how to setup apach 2.2 and php 5.3 , thank you again
Thursday, May 13th, 2010 21:25
Excellent, this might just be the dev server article I have been waiting for! I am looking forward to trying out for myself and ditching WAMP after all these years…
…I always thought it was more complicated than that!
Thursday, May 13th, 2010 20:11
why rather not use xampp then setting up everything differently and it also take few mins of time.
I think some people will prefer this method too for their convenience.
Friday, May 14th, 2010 10:08
Read the article again.:) There are many pros of using this method.:)
Thursday, May 13th, 2010 18:44
…or the easier solution MAMP(Mac) XAMPP(Linux/Win/Mac) package and you ready to go. Super-easy to configure and use. Peace!
Thursday, May 13th, 2010 18:41
Good write up Tomas, for those who don’t have a local host of MySQL I use this to test out themes.
Thursday, May 13th, 2010 13:05
Awesome!
Thanks for the guide :)
I do use uniserver but knowing the “manual” way is always better.
Thursday, May 13th, 2010 12:55
I would like to use all-in-one package to do all of this stuff for me. XAMPP is a good choice, but there’re many other packages out there. It makes the install process faster, users don’t need to think about the configuration. All is ready for use.
If you’re a PHP programmer, maybe installation each component, their configuration are useful. But if you just want a rapid installation, and want to use CMS, web apps or just design, I think this is not the best choice.
Thursday, May 13th, 2010 17:46
Excellent post, works fine for me!
Just a a few tips:
- If after logging your phpMyAdmin shows a blank page, do this:
1- Open your config.inc.php file.
2- Search for a line with: $cfg['Servers'][$i]['host'] = ‘localhost’;
3- Replace the line above with: $cfg['Servers'][$i]['host'] = ‘127.0.0.1’;
4- That’ s it!
-If after hitting the submit button your wordpress shows a blank page
1- Open your wp-config.php file.
2- Edit the file with the configuration that Tomas already explained.
3- Done!
Thanks!
Thursday, May 13th, 2010 13:27
Sorry guys, I have found that I lost some text in tut. In Apache configuration number 3. There is:
Go to line 205 or search for “progs/Apache/htdocs”>” and replace it with ““
there shuld be:
Go to line 205 or search for “” and replace it with ““
We will fix it as soon as possible.
T.
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chandu
Wednesday, April 25th, 2012 11:32
sir ,i am unable to start service with mysql server .i am geting not respondind during mysql-5 installation.Please help me
Rean John Uehara
Thursday, April 26th, 2012 04:35
Hi Chandu, this guide is very outdated.. may I suggest the use of XAMPP? All you have to do is install it, and everything is already setup for you. http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp.html
roz
Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012 02:59
Hi,
To get rid of the msql extension is missing, I deleted the file of config.inc.php and didn’t follow that instruction and that removed the error. I was able to log on.
I hope this information helps.
Gleb Rodin
Friday, March 9th, 2012 23:34
Great tutorial. Only here I found what I looking for a very long time. All works great !!! Thanks a lot.
Harish
Tuesday, March 6th, 2012 19:32
Hi
Great step by step walkthrough.
Got everything done, but stuck at pma. I get the same error many have been voicing here, but without a valid solution
The mysqli extension is missing. Please check your PHP configuration.
Can you help?
Thanks
Faith
Wednesday, February 29th, 2012 16:36
I just used your instructions, thanks for how clear they were. However when I am installing MYSQL I get the following error:
Could not start the service MYSQL5: Error:0
Any ideas?
Faith
Wednesday, February 29th, 2012 16:39
Actually now I get.. Cannot Create Windows Service for MySQL5: Error: 0
ralf
Thursday, March 1st, 2012 20:30
Hi,
sorry, but your info is so outdated, the links you provide are obsolete, the refs you give aren’t available anymore. And the packages one can get at the download destinations will not work the way you describe.
I spent 7 hours on trying to make this work, but there is no way.
Please update your post with up – to – date links and verify that your method is still valuable and functional.
A deceived reader
Rean John Uehara
Friday, March 2nd, 2012 11:37
Sorry about that, the article was published almost 2 years ago. You can check the date. :)
Craig
Wednesday, December 28th, 2011 03:19
Great guide.
Got me the furhest so far in getting this up and running on Windows XP.
However, no go on PHP admin.
Getting error:
The mysqli extension is missing. Please check your PHP configuration.
Checked everything in PHP.INI as per documentation and some other forums, but can’t find why I have this error.
Alex
Tuesday, November 29th, 2011 15:07
Very good job!thanks works fine for me
Vernon
Monday, November 1st, 2010 23:31
FWIW to Win 7 users – I made a separate temp folder for this setup to play in:
C:myTemp
and then updated the php.ini file like so:
upload_tmp_dir=”C:myTemp”
session.save_path=”C:myTemp”
error_log=”C:myTempphp-errors.log”
I set the permissions of this folder to be promiscuous for all users.
This solves the WSOD when attempting to log into phpMyAdmin without messing with the integrity of the Windows Temp folder (which might make you attackable).
Thanks for the awesome tutorial, it taught me a lot more than a WAMP installer would have!
Jonathan
Tuesday, November 30th, 2010 16:12
Thank you so much, you saved my day!
Mohan RajKumar
Monday, January 3rd, 2011 11:12
PHP Startup: Unable to load dynamic library ‘C:devprogsPHPextphp_curl.dll” – The specified module could not be found.
PHP Startup: Unable to load dynamic library ‘C:devprogsPHPextphp_openssl.dll” – The specified module could not be found.
PHP Startup: Unable to load dynamic library ‘C:devprogsPHPextphp_pgsql.dll” – The specified module could not be found.
These are the errors that I am getting while re-starting the apache server ( after editing and saving of the file ” php.ini ” ). Could you please provide me a solution ?
Tom
Thursday, May 5th, 2011 07:50
Hi Thomas,
After configuring the httpd file for the Apache installation, I get the error below when going to the http://localhost/. Before changing the file I got the “It works!” message.
Do you know what the problem may be? Thanks!
Forbidden
You don’t have permission to access / on this server.
Robin Anderson
Sunday, November 20th, 2011 22:45
I have also run into the 403 Forbidden error when trying to access localhost. I am on Windows 7. This happened after I installed php. Is the problem with my httpd . config file? I have check it over many times to make sure it matches exactly with your instructions.
Robin Anderson
Sunday, November 20th, 2011 23:09
Nevermind: i repaired my Apache via the downloaded file (first I rewrote the httpd.conf to httpd.conf.old to hid it), instead of restarting, I stopped the server, then started again. Then I renamed my httpd.conf file back. Now it works again…yeah
Tomas Varil
Wednesday, January 12th, 2011 08:39
Hello Mohan, these errors have a lot to do with PHP windows libraries. Which installation of PHP did you used on which platform? I recommend to use latest PHP 5.3.4. Did you try to restart a computer. This often happen if computer is not restarted after PHP installation. Windows cannot find important libraries for cURL and others, because system Path to PHP installation directory is not loaded. What happen if you try to stop loading these extensions by commenting their lines at the end of php.ini?
Rayne
Friday, August 20th, 2010 23:37
Hi Tomas great tutorial I’ve been looking for something this far into details for a long time.
However i am having a same problem as Abhinav.
I am seeing all the documents and folders in a form of a text. Like a directories tree but without the lines that indicate which folder is inside of which parent.
After installing apache and PHP everything was working fine i got all the messages you mentioned. Then i tried adding that php line to get the php screen showing me all the info about the php version i have installed, but all i saw was that line written on the screen.
I added a simple template to see if it will work. One template loaded nicely but all others failed. All i see are folders and files in txt form.
I’m using XP SP3.
Thank you for your time and effort.
Tomas Varil
Wednesday, August 25th, 2010 16:06
Hello Rayne, sorry it took me for long. I have no idea what is causing this kind of error. It seems like PHP is not successfully loaded. Could you please provide more information if it is not solved (like where did you finished in the tutorial, did you make your own modifications of configuration file)? And if it is solved already, how did you get it to work? I recommend to try to install MySQL and then phpMyAdmin and try what phpMyAdmin say when you want to login. It has a good error reporting system, so it could lead us to solve the problem.
David
Tuesday, August 31st, 2010 12:03
PHP Installation and configuration
Run the downloaded PHP install package. Click Next, accept the terms and click Next again. On the next screen click Browse and navigate the installation program to install PHP to “C:devprogsPHP” and click Next. Now select Apache 2.2.x Module and click Next …. sorry this is the point where I have shipwrecked!
I dont have there Apache module and also I have one option more before selecting the modules… there is to select the webserver that I want to isntall and than nothing more, so in modules is not present the Apache and dont know what to do at this point … thanks for help, urgent
Tomas Varil
Tuesday, August 31st, 2010 23:30
Hello David, it seems like you downloaded wrong installer. The installer must be VC6 threaded safe version ;)
Rick
Tuesday, October 5th, 2010 06:39
Hi,
Many thanks for this tutorial i have been able to follow everything up to the point of installing phpMyAdmin. I keep getting the error meassage “Cannot load mysql extension. Please check your PHP configuration. – Documentation”when accessing localhost/pma. I tried copying “php5ts.dll” to windows and system32 but that didn’t work. I did some googling and tried copying “libmySQL.dll” to the system32 and windows folders but still no joy. I have restarted apache after every change.
Please could you help me solve this so i can login to phpmyadmin. As i say everything else installed correctly.
You mentioned it possibly being a path issue. All directory paths are set as per your instructions and phpmysql is installed in the devwwwpma folder. I am using windows vista.
Rick
Tuesday, October 5th, 2010 08:34
Ok as a follow up to me previous comment i have looked into the issue “Cannot load mysql extension” and realised in my php folder there is no “ext” folder? Should there be? Has my install of php not worked properly? In the php folder i have 13 files including php.ini and 1 folder called “dev”, is that right?
After googling further I ran a re-install through “programs and features” and did everything the same except i installed 1 extension for mysql so now i have “php/ext/php_mymsql.dll”. But i still get the error.
So next i looked in php.ini and found
“; Directory in which the loadable extensions (modules) reside.
extension_dir = “./”"
which i changed to “extension_dir = “C:dev\progs\php\ext”"
later in php.ini i found
“; extension=msql.dll”
and changed to “extension=php_msql.dll” removing the ; and changing the filename to match what i have. But then the apache server wouldn’t restart and in the error details that came up it was showing “php5ts.dll” as causing a problem.
I have added the ; back into the line “extension=php_msql.dll” to comment it out and the apache server will now restart but i still get the original error. I have also removed “libmySQL.dll” from the system32 and windows folders.
So basically to recap i have “php5ts.dll” in windows and system32 folders, the mysql extension installed in php/ext/php_msql.dll, the path set in php.ini to “extension_dir = “C:dev\progs\php\ext” but the line “;extension=php_msql.dll” is commented out with the ; otherwise apache will not restart and references “php5ts.dll” in the error that pops up.
Please could i get some help on this as i’m stuck now with my head in pieces :)
Tomas Varil
Friday, October 8th, 2010 15:42
Hello Rick, sorry it took me so long, the article is a bit old and I am not checking it quite often and also there is no way to subscribe to the comments. You are still writing about php_msql.dll which is not the right library for MySQL. I think it is a library for Microsoft SQL. I recommend to uninstall PHP again and delete all other PHP dll remaining files which you copied to System32 and other folders. After you are done, grab a newest copy of PHP 5.3.3 VC6 thread safe x86 version and install it the same like it is described in this article. And let me know if it works.
Anto
Thursday, June 2nd, 2011 00:03
Dear Tomas Varil,
In Mysql server Instance Configuration .. start service is getting failiure ..
is i wrong in anywhere ??
Please suggest me ..
Sean D
Wednesday, August 10th, 2011 00:34
Tomas,
Great step by step – only a few hiccups using Apache 2.2.19 & PHP 5.2.17 … needed to go back along the way and add in some extensions for the PHP like mySQLi, mySQL(a couple of them) etc. and each time I did I had to reediit the Apache config in the last couple lines to add the paths to the PHP ini dir and dll. This is the first time I’m running a server on my XP box – mostly to test out scripts before going live with them – so I have one question.
Should I be able to just copy my html and php files into the www directory and they will work? Or do I have to do something in the code of the php files to tell it how to find php – because for the test form I copied the html form worked but the php response page just shows the code, not the echo output(therefore it is not being compiled by the PHP)??? I’m sure it’s something simple I’m missing – please help.
john
Tuesday, November 8th, 2011 07:09
Your PHP MySQL library version 5.0.51a differs from your MySQL server version 5.5.17. This may cause unpredictable behavior.
can anyone help me for this?
George Guindi
Tuesday, November 8th, 2011 16:40
More than excellent job, the above explanation I feel that I have a teacher at the board explaining step by step.
George Guindi
Cumhur
Thursday, October 20th, 2011 14:49
Hello there,
I must admit that this is the easiest tutorial I’ve ever come up to. Thanks. I have installed MySQL with your instructions and it went well. Nevertheless I need to create a file on “http://localhost/admin/msgapi.asp”.
Could you please help me how am I suppose to do that. Because for the time being all I can see is MySQL program under the start/programs menu and there is only a “Comment Line Client” link.
Where is that MySQL now (sorry for my illiterate question) and how can I create a file as I mentioned above please?
Thanks for your support.
All the best
Joe
Wednesday, August 10th, 2011 09:33
Hi, first of call great article helped me heaps.
second I’m getting a couple of errors. One when I created the PHP file to view PHP information. All I got from Local Host was ‘It Works!’
Second I installed phpMyAdmin and followed everything step by step but I still get the errors
The phpMyAdmin configuration storage is not completely configured, some extended features have been deactivated. To find out why click here.
and
The configuration file now needs a secret passphrase (blowfish_secret).
Help me please :-)
Stan
Wednesday, August 10th, 2011 03:58
I am getting an error..please help.I have extracted phpadmin on the folder pma but this happens when I open the localhost on the browser.
phpMyAdmin – Error
The mysqli extension is missing. Please check your PHP configuration.
Sean D
Thursday, August 11th, 2011 06:57
same thing I got – go back to your php download run again, select change, select your apache service version, confirm your directory. When the screen comes up with all the options for download expand the extensions + sign and find the mysqli extension and select it. you should also select all of the mysql extensions as well(needed for myphp). You will also need to update the last couple lines of your apache config with the correct paths again.
Paul
Sunday, October 23rd, 2011 19:04
I ran into the exact same problem. I read, and did, your solution and all is well. Thanks bunches.. Now to complete the setup.
francis
Sunday, September 11th, 2011 18:58
MYSQL PROBLEM
——————-
I have this problem at the last part of MySQL installation. When I clicked the Execute I turns the setup window to “Not Responding.” I think there’s something to do with the settings or what? Can anyone help me in this last step. Thank you!
Rean John Uehara
Monday, September 12th, 2011 06:48
In my experience it might mean the problem is with the computer you are using. There might be incompatible programs and the likes. Sometimes rebooting helps, or maybe uninstalling some un-needed applications.
Kevin
Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011 19:18
I am having trouble with phpadmin. I tried the first solution of copying the dll file you mentioned. This did not work.