Multiple apache.exe files

[CathyM]

Hi,

I have downloaded a number of opensource programs to play around with on my system, but there seem to be giving me problems in the use of apache as a server. I am on Windows XP, and recently when trying out ruby on rails, I changed the port to 8088 and that worked ok. But I noticed that I have a number of apache.exe files on my hard drive. I have one in the instantrails dir, one in the typo3 dir, and recently when I tried my hand on symphony, I just couldn't get it to work. With the multiple apache.exe files I am at a lost at to what to tweak. I also have a number of apache.conf files on the hard drive.

Is there a way to have apache in one central location, so that it would work with any open source software?

Regards,

[ldivinag]

with xp pro (like what i use), the important part is what service is running and where it is launched from.

go into CONTROL PANELS -> ADMINISTRATIVE TOOLS -> SERVICES

the look at the list and find APACHE (for me it's APACHE2).

double click and it will pop up the PROPERTIES window and look for "Path to executable"

that's where your machine finds apache...

my suggestion?

get rid of all instances.

then download an all in one (i use XAMPP from http://www.apachefriends.org/en/index.html) for all my WAMP (windows, apache mysql and php) needs.

[CathyM]

Hi,

I will remove the instances and try with one download. Surprising enough, when I looked at the services running I could not see Apache, although I started InstantRails, and did the localhost:8888 from the browser and got a default webpage. I guess it runs from the instantrails setup, as this was the title in the web browser.

Do I delete all the apache.conf files as well? I seem to have at least 12 of them on file.

Regards,

[dklynn]

CathyM,

Good answer from ldiv EXCEPT that you should NOT use a "canned suite" like XAMPP. The prevailing opinion here (members as well as both Mentors) is to download Apache from Apache.org, PHP from php.net and MySQL from MySQL.com and install them individually. That way, you can upgrade any one of them at your convenience and not have to wait for some third party to update (which will set you back to the start where you'd have to reconfigure EVERYTHING).

DELETE from Services first (the DELETE button is useful) then delete from Add/Remove Programs then delete from WinDoze Explorer - KILL THEM ALL then install each program.

The FREE Chapters of Kevin Yank's book provides a great checklist on installing as described and you may actually learn something while you're doing it!

Regards,

DK

[CathyM]

Thanks All,

I will make the deletions, then the installations and test with the open source programs that I am trying out. If I have problems, I will do some research/holler over the weekend. It's a long weekend so with some luck, I should be able to sort it all out. I also have a copy of Kevin Yank's book, so will use that as well.

CathyM

[dklynn]

CathyM,

Good! I got started with PHP years ago with Kevin's first book and haven't looked back!

Regards,

DK

[ldivinag]

DK

i use xampp since that's the only one (when i was looking) that had ssl as part of a windows apache...

do you know of a standalone SSL'd apache for windows?

[dklynn]

leo,

It's already there as part of Apache. You merely need to do the same configuration of the security certificate you would have gone through for xampp - and you would have been able to update without any significant hassle, too.

Regards,

DK

[ldivinag]

i thought you had to compile apache with open ssl, etc?

that's the part i dont need. i just need a windows binary.

[dklynn]

leo,

The WinDoze binary comes with modules which can be enabled/disabled.

Regards,

DK