how do i use the php configuration tool?

Answer by: George Kaloyanov, Aplus.Net Knowledge Base Support.

You can use the PHP Configuration tool to switch between PHP version 4 and version 5 with your Unix-based shared hosting plan. You can also choose to create and manage your own php.ini configuration file for both PHP4 and PHP5. With your own php.ini file, you can reconfigure most of the server’s default PHP settings.

Important: A switch from PHP4 to PHP5 will affect only the PHP files owned by your Main FTP Username. Furthermore, changing your PHP version might make your php scripts not to work. Same applies to any php-based application installed through the Aplus.Net Control Panel. We strongly recommend that you do not modify your own php.ini file unless you are absolutely sure what settings you need. Incorrect directives or values in your php.ini file might prevent your php scripts from working properly.

I. HOW TO ACCESS THE PHP CONFIGURATION TOOL:

Start by logging into the Aplus.Net Control Panel at http://cp.aplus.net using your Registration Number and Customer Password.
Select Web Hosting from the top navigation bar.
Next, select Hosted Domains and click on Manage Hosted Domains.
Now, select the hosted domain name that you’d like to manage.

Note: If your actual domain name does not yet resolve to Aplus.Net’s servers, you can use the utility domain (yourftpusername.web.aplus.net) that is associated with your Unix-based hosting plan.

Click the PHP Configuration icon.

II. HOW TO SWITCH BETWEEN PHP4 AND PHP5:

Select the PHP version you need and click Apply.

Note: The php.ini files for PHP4 and PHP5 are different and not interchangeable. Your custom php.ini file (if such was present for the PHP version previously used) will be backed up in your home directory -> /. Furthermore, if a backed-up php.ini file is present for the newly selected PHP Version, it will be restored.

All PHP scripts owned by your Main FTP Username will be handled by the newly selected PHP.

III. HOW TO CREATE AND MANAGE CUSTOM PHP.INI FILE:

Click the Create php.ini button.

Note: If you are already using a custom php.ini file, you will see certain configuration options.

Use the available radio buttons to enable/disable common PHP Extensions and Directives:

GD2 Library
cURL
FTP
XSLT
IMAP
register_globals
display_errors

Click Save Settings to apply the changes to your custom php.ini file.

Important: The Advanced Edit button will open the entire php.ini file in edit mode. Please use this option, if you are familiar with PHP configuration. You can:

Add new PHP Directives.
Enable existing PHP Directives (uncomment the respective text line by removing the semicolon symbol).
Change the values of the existing PHP Directives.

The official php.ini directives documentation is available here: http://www.php.net/manual/en/ini.php

Note: If you use the Restore Original feature, your custom php.ini file will be deactivated and backed up. You will then use the server default php.ini file.

IV. PHP VERSION AND SETTINGS:

You have to create a text file named test.php and upload it in your /html folder. The test.php file must contain a single line with the following PHP code: <?phpinfo()?>

You have to access your test.php file by pointing your browser to “http://yourdomain.com/test.php”. The result page will display the current version and settings of your PHP.