Installing on a Windows 2000 Server

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Installing on a Windows 2000 Server

Getting PHP and Apache to work on a Windows machine (it doesn't have to be Windows 2000) is easier in some ways than using Linux, as you have a graphical interface to make use of. Also, you do not need to necessarily be the server administrator and it is easier to install and test on the same machine.

You can install PHP on Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, or 2000, just be sure to download the proper files from the Apache and PHP Web sites. There are even specific Windows PHP files available to make installation easier.

To install Apache and PHP:

1. Download the most current, stable versions of PHP and Apache to your computer (Figure A.7).

   Figure A.7. I downloaded the necessary files for installation on a Windows machine to my desktop.

   

2. Unzip PHP to a logical folder (like C:/php ). You'll need a zip utility to unzip the downloaded package.

3. Install Apache by running the installation application (Figure A.8).

   Figure A.8. Double-clicking on the Apache icon starts the installation process.

   

4. Copy the php.ini-dist file from the PHP folder (Figure A.9) to the proper system folder (e.g. C:/windows ). Save the file as php.ini.

   Figure A.9. The unzipped PHP files have been placed within the C:\php folder.

   

5. Start the Apache server.

   The easiest way to start the Apache server is by going through the Start menu: Start > Programs > Apache Web Server > Start Apache.

6. Test to see if Apache and PHP is working with your Web browser.

   The easiest way to test Apache is by typing http://localhost/ in your Web browser window. Again, you can test the success of the PHP install by using the test.php file.

Tip

You can also get PHP to run with other Web servers on a Windows machine such as IIS.

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