LOCALHOST

I was wondering I could be told where to download a local server that came with loval DB and php for manly a purpose of a testing server so I wont need to upload my files to my server every time I write a script like PHP (db not needed but helps) or is it possible to install just php and have no need for the server

OP system = Windows XP Home

you need to install a web server in order to test your pages.

So I cant get like an apache server and install into my computer and run php on that

yes you can, apache is your best bet because XP Home does not support IIS. That is what I meant to say...

Is there a package that comes with it apache and php ready or do I need to install each by themselves and if so what version of apache would be best?

I prefer to install each seperatly, so I can't recommend anything specifically. As far as versions go, I would install the latest versions but you may want to install the same versions that your web host is using so you do not have version conflict problems when uploading the files.

Im trying to install php for my Apache server wich works fine but when i try to open a php file it says "HTTP 404 Not Found" but the file is there any help?

actually got it to work thanks

sorry to bug u guys...

i can't seem to get the thing to work
i follow the tutorial on webmasterstop.com but can't get it to read php file.

my situation is kinda like def

thx all

P.S. if i use firefox.. i can see the content of the php file.. (something wrong here ??)

so youve downloaded apache and downlaoded php. put the regired files in the required places and then edited apache to run php? then visited your apache server to run the php not locally

example...
not - C:Web Sitesindex.php - or wherever your files are stored (files must be stored in apaches htdocs folder)
but - 134.5.6.31/index.php - or whatever your localhost number is

or