Hi mate,
I just typed a book (Well nearly) and got a server error and lost it all so I guess I will have to type it all again..
To start with, you can download apache from the following link.
Run the installer, it should be self explanitory.
Now go to START > PROGRAMS and look for Apache. In that folder, you should see a dir called "Configure Apache Server", in there will be a file called httpd.conf. Open this file and read through it and make any changes as appropriate. (It is all well commented)
Set apache to listen only for Localhost on port 8080.
Now click on the "Start Apache In Console" that is in the apache dir. This should launch a command window that hopefully says "Apache/1.3.24 (Win32) running..."
If you get an error then check your httpd.conf file for typos..
Now, type
into your browser and you should see the default apache page.
Thats apache set up. (Well, nearly)
Search the httpd.conf file for "AddHandler cgi-script" and then change it to the following. If it is commented, then uncomment it.
AddHandler cgi-script .cgi .pl
Now go to
and download Perl..(You have to register but it is free, use the next link at the bottom of the page.)
Run the installer for this and install it to /usr/ or /usr/local/ or whatever your current server uses for the path to perl. Do not add the /bin/perl part. Installing perl here will save you from having to change the paths on your scripts when you upload them to your existing server after testing.
Now close apache by holding CTRL + C and then start it again. Everytime that you make a change to the httpd.conf, you must restart apache for the changes to take effect.
If all went well, you now have apache and perl set up and ready to use.
If you want to install PHP then go to
Run the installer.
Now go back to your httpd.conf and add the following lines.
# Begin PHP
ScriptAlias /php/ "c:/php/"
AddType application/x-httpd-php .php
Action application/x-httpd-php "/php/php.exe"
# End PHP
Change the paths if you did not install PHP to the default.
That should now be PHP set up..
On windows you cannot use sendmail, you can get alternatives but I have never seen a cheap one except Blat..
Blat can be found at
Download that and the readme should explain how to use it, there should also be a demo form there so that you know the correct syntax to use for your forms etc.
If you want MySql then you can find that at
I think that is a self installer as well but I cannot remember for sure..
Now go to the directory that you installed apache to (Default is C:\Program Files\Apache Group\Apache) and the directory named htdocs is where all of your html etc, files go. Your cgi-bin is in this apache directory also..
Now, that should be it all set up correctly and your server should be ready to go.. LOL Thank god for that!!
If you have any other questions or if you run into problems and you need help, just ask..
BTW. I tried to make this as accurate as possible but if anyone notices any errors, please let me know..
Hope this helps Wullie