30 Steps to install PHP 5.x.x on Windows Server 2003 SP2 with IIS 6

OK, so you tried installing PHP and it did not go well. Here are the steps I used.




When using the installer, I believe there is a universal agreement that though it might work, that

too many things can go wrong. Ok, here we go:

1. Install Server 2003/SP2 and IIS 6 on your server


2. Got to www.php.net, upper part of page, download php 5.2.10


3. Make sure you download the Win Bin Zip Package


4. Create a folder for php, like c:\php5


5. Open the Zip File


6. Copy all the files to the folder you just created - c:\php5


7. Go to the Windows directory


8. Copy php.ini.recommended to the Windows Directory


9. Rename the file to just php.ini in the Windows Directory


10. Got to system32 Directory under the Windows Directory and copy php5ts.dll to it from the c:\php5 folder


11. Go to IIS


12. Right click Web sites, and select Properties


13. Select the HOME tab


14. Select Configuration


15. Add button, then browse to c:php5


16. Select php5isapi.dll


17. Add the extension .php


18. Ok, Ok


19. Select Document Tab


20. Add index.php


21. Select the Web Services Folder


22. Right Click on it


23. Select Add new Extension


24. Add PHP


25. Add phpisapi.dll


26. Check the "set allow extension"


27. Go to the root of your web site, like inetpub\webroot\ Create an index.php with Notepad
    
    and add:
    
    <?php
    
    phpinfo();
    
    ?>


28. Save


29. In browser go to url http://localhost


30. PHP Info should pop up

Giving due credit where credit is due, there is a great How to video on the above steps at: Video Tutorial