WAMP (Windows 7, Apache, MariaDB or MySQL and PHPMyAdmin)

At previous post I already cover about installation steps for :

1. Apache on Windows 7
2. MySQL on Windows 7
3. MariaDB on Windows 7
4. PHP on Windows 7

If you followed all the steps then you already have complete WAMP solution for your Home Server. You can start learn PHP with your Netbook, Laptop, Personal PC  etc.
Today I want to explain about proof how those installation work together. MySQL and MariaDB by default use same port (3306). You must change port for either MySQL or MariaDB ( you can pick 3307 or 3308 for easy remembering and troubleshooting ) or you can simply uninstall MySQL or MariaDB.
Simple way that you can use to check whether all components glued is by install phpMyadmin. phpMyadmin is php application that work as layer between you and MySQL or MariaDB. You don’t have to understand SQL to use this application.If you want to mastering phpMyadmin I highly recommend you to read this book ( Mastering phpMyAdmin for Effective MySQL Management )

Install phpMyadmin on Windows 7

Download phpmyadmin
You can download latest version of phpMyadmin from this URL.
click .gz or .zip type.
New download confirmation will appear, save to my document or other place.

Unzip the file and put the folder to C:\apache\htdocs
as you see at the picture I already rename the folder to phpMyAdmin.

Open phpMyAdmin folder and rename one file (config.sample.inc.php to config.inc.php).

Testing phpMyAdmin

Open new browser session and open this URL :

http://localhost/phpMyAdmin

phpMyAdmin error : Cannot load mysql extension. Please check your PHP configuration.
Note : Its no problem if you use MySQL or MariaDB as those software created by same person and only need one extension on PHP side (mysql extension).
If you see this message it means PHP configuration need to adjust to recognize MySQL extension.
TroubleShooting mysql extension error
1. Check dll file
Go to C:\php\ext
Make sure at that folder php_mysql.dll is exist.

2. Edit php.ini file
Open php.ini file that located in C:\php with notepad.

Remove ; in front of the line to enable the extension.
3. save file.
4. Restart Apache Server
Every time you edit php.ini file you must restart the server to tell about new configuration changes.
Click Start -> Apache HTTP Server 2.2 -> Control Apache Server -> Restart

Windows Firewall may show up on Apache restart process. Just click “Allow Access” button and choose “Private networks, such as my home or work network”.

5. Open info.php file that you create in “Install PHP on Windows 7″ tutorial.

If you see this display like picture above then everything is OK.
If you don’t see it you must check for the problem.
On some case you might see this error message from log error that located on C:\Apache\logs

PHP Warning:  PHP Startup: Unable to load dynamic library ‘C:\\php\\ext\\php_mysql.dll’ – The specified module could not be found.\r\n in Unknown on line 0

Solution for this case is setting PHP path.
Setting PHP PATH on Windows 7

Open Windows Explorer and right click  above Computer icon.
Choose “Advanced system settings”

Click Environment Variables.

Choose Path under System variables and click Edit button.

Add this :
C:\php;C:\php\ext;
at the end of variable value.
Click OK.

Restart your computer to see the changes.
Try open http://localhost/info.php
and check at PATH section and you’ll see the path.

Scroll down and you’ll see MySQL support like the picture above.
Open http://localhost/phpMyAdmin/index.php
You will see login page. Enter username and password and if you see phpMyAdmin page correctly it mean all component (Apache, PHP, MySQL or MariaDB) working well.
Homework
You might see this message :
Cannot load mcrypt extension. Please check your PHP configuration.
You can solve the problem with same approach as mysql extension.
See you on other post!