How to Install a Localhost Server on Windows

By phpknowhow

Installing a Localhost Server with WAMP on Windows Installing a Localhost Server with WAMP on Windows

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In this tutorial, we will start off with the basics of installing a localhost server onto your computer. This will allow you to run files, such as PHP scripts, on your machine as though you were accessing them from a server on the web. It gives you a place to test your websites without the trouble of FTP and an internet connection. We will be installing WAMP server which stands for Windows Apache, MySQL, PHP. Let's get started.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • A computer running Windows
  • An Internet Connection
Step1
Open up your browser and go to:
https://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=116092
Step2
Select the latest version of WAMP and download it. You will want the file ending in .exe (which is the executable setup file).
Step3
Run the setup file.
Step4
Continue through the setup. You will need to agree to the terms of use agreement. You will also be prompted on where you want your localhost to be installed on your harddrive. I would recommend you leave it on the default setting. It will also ask you if you want WAMP to startup automatically. I would recommend that you do allow WAMP to startup automatically because otherwise, you will have to run it every time you want to work with the localhost.
Step5
Finish the installation and startup WAMP (this should be automatic if you keep the checkbox checked).
Step6
WAMP icon Now take a look at your taskbar. There should be a new icon in the tray. This is WAMP's icon, which allows you to see what state your server is in. If everything is white, then it is running smoothly.
Step7
Left click on the icon and select 'Localhost'. This will open up your browse to http://localhost/. This is your new localhost.
Step8
Left click on the icon and select 'www directory'. This will open up the directory in which all your localhost files are contained. This means that a file such as C:\wamp\www\file.php, would be accessable via http://localhost/file.php. Note that the file would only be executed as though it was accessed from a server if you used the http request.
Step9
You have successfully installed a localhost with the help of WAMP server.

Tips & Warnings

  • Get the latest version of WAMP
  • Allow any WAMP programs such as Apache in your firewall settings
  • WAMP may not support Windows 98 or ME

Photo/Video Credit

WAMP created by Romain Bourdon

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eHow Article: How to Install a Localhost Server on Windows

Article By: phpknowhow

phpknowhow

Novice Novice | 120 Points

Category: Computers

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