Important Note:
Before continuing to this tutorial, you must have the APACHE 2.x software installed properly on your computer system.  The latest version of Apache as of 06 March 2010 is Apache 2.2.15. The installation and configuration process of PHP5 have strong connection with the configuration process of Apache 2.x. If you have not installed Apache 2.x, please see the tutorial on How to Install Apache 2.2.15.

And if you're already installed the Apache properly, please continue with this  How to configure PHP 5.2.13 tutorial....:)

Changing the Windows System Property

• There are some very important files in PHP5 and their existence have to be known by the operating system, which are php5ts.dll, php5apache2_2.dll, etc.

• In order to be recognized by the system, on Windows 98/ME systems we need to add the  SET PATH = C:\PHP; line in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.

• For  Windows XP, go to the Control Panel and click on the System icon (or Start> Settings> Control Panel> System). And in Windows Vista or Windows 7, select Advanced System Settings tasks

• Click on the Advanced tab





• Click on the Environment Variables button.

 


• Please note on the System variables, and find the Path line.

• Click on the Edit button, or do double-click on Path line to edit the System Variables.

 

• Add the  C:\PHP; command on Variable value line.


• Click the OK button to end this process.


• Restart your computer for the changes that have been made can be identified and implemented.

Editing the PHP5 configuration file

• Find a file named PHP.INI in the C:\PHP directory.

• Edit the PHP.INI file by using a pure text editor in your computer, such as Notepad++ , NotePad ™, ™ TextPad, Crimson Editor ™, and so on. Activate the line numbering facility (if any).