PHP Script question - extension_dir does not exists - php.ini ?

Hey guys, I have just installed a php download script from www.rwscripts.com. My web host is netfirms.com, and I've set it to PHP4 (same as the php script I got). However, after the installation was completed, I'm getting this error messege. "extension_dir does not exists /usr/local/nf/lib/extensions/no-debug-no...





I just googled extension_dir does not exists


and found the FAQ from the site you got the script from:


http://www.rwscripts.com/docs/index.php?...





The extension_dir setting in php.ini should point to the real directory for SourceGuardian loaders to work (as well as any other dynamic PHP extension). This may be any directory on server. Common setting is /usr/local/lib/php/extensions. Please contact your server provider about this issue. They need to create this directory and alter the setting in php.ini and then restart the webserver. "





How do I get the php.ini from? I can't find it in FTP. I don't really understand
PHP Script question - extension_dir does not exists - php.ini ?
As it states there in the wording you quoted you need to first contact your provider netfirms.com and tell them about this extension you are trying to use and tell them the message you told us here. They need to do a few things on their end with regards to this, and they may or may not want to do it. It is strictly up to their discretion.





1) They will need to alter the php.ini file. PHP.ini, if you don't know what it is, is a file which configures the PHP interpretor.





Think of it as a file with custom settings in it that PHP uses like where uploads go, how much memory to use, which abilities should PHP have etc. One of the settings in there is extension_dir which tells PHP where to find extensions (extra feature files for connecting to databases or how to draw graphics etc).





In all likeliness they will need to modify that PHP.ini because it may effect all the other accounts they host or may just effect yours, they would know how to do that. It might be located in a folder you don't have access to through FTP.





2) They will need to then reboot the server and might be the reason they say no to your request. PHP.ini files are read and then the settings are loaded into memory. Only way to get the server to re-read the settings again is through the reboot process. This is a standard procedure when dealing with PHP. If the server you host with is running other accounts using the same PHP, they may not want to shut down the server just for your script. Or they may wait until they have lots of changes and then reboot and make all changes at once.





3) They will have to take a look at your script to see if it might open up security problems with their current configuration and they may need to compare its expected settings to what they have on the server to see if the two are compatible.





So I recommend that you talk to netfirms.com support, tell them what you would like to do and see what they say about configuring it. Most providers will work with you and see if they can get it installed and working properly for you. If it is really important and they are not willing to cooperate, you might want to tell them you will have to take your account elsewhere then... but only use that as a last resort effort to resolve the situation.





Hope that helps.