How to Run PHP on IIS 6

Set up PHP compatibility with IIS.

PHP is a Web development language used primarily on Apache servers. However, Microsoft's Web hosting software, Internet Information Services, can host the PHP engine and allow you to run your dynamic PHP Web pages. The PHP Web host engine is a free download, so it costs nothing to set up your IIS server with PHP compatibility. This makes it more affordable to get started with website development and design.

Instructions

1. Download the PHP executable files (see resource below) and extract them to the "C:\PHP" directory on your IIS server's hard drive. You can extract the files to any directory, but most users keep the PHP engine files in the PHP directory on the main system drive.

2. Click the Windows "Start" button and select "Administrative Tools." Click "Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager" to open your configuration manager.

3. Click "Web Services Extensions" on the left side of the screen. This displays some links in the center detail pane. Click the link labeled "Add a new Web service extension..." This opens a new window.

4. Enter "PHP" in the file extension text box. Click the "Add" button and point to the "C:\PHP\sapi\php4isapi.dll" file on your server's hard drive. Click "OK." Click "OK" again in the main dialog properties window. Notice that PHP is now listed in the Web extensions detail pane.

References

• Visual Win: Setting up PHP to work on Windows Server 2003

Resources

• PHP: Official Download Page