The web hosting company I am using, for some bizarre reason, started
using PHP4 as the default installation setup.

In the CPanel there is an option under PHP Config that allows you to
choose PHP5 as the correct version.

But as far as I can tell it only adds a line to the .htaccess file
# Use PHP5 Single php.ini as default
AddHandler application/x-httpd-php5s .php

I am worried that if the .htaccess gets deleted or overwritten
the whole freakin site will crash.

Is there a more robust way to ensure that the site runs in PHP 5?

I thought it was possible to install a php.ini file or something like that.

Most web hosting companies store that information on their web site. Some not. But you always can get in touch with provider and ask about that in presales conversation. I suppose that small unmanaged VPS could be good option as well.

Originally Posted by SiberForum

Most web hosting companies store that information on their web site. Some not. But you always can get in touch with provider and ask about that in presales conversation. I suppose that small unmanaged VPS could be good option as well.

WTF...

Thank you Captain Non-Sequitur

Reading through that link, it only describes how to set up a custom php.ini

but misses the point really.

I am looking for a way of FORCING the server to dish up PHP5 WITHOUT
using a .htaccess file. I've looked line by line through php.ini anyway and
it has lots of settings but nothing that explicitly directs the server to use
either PHP4 or PHP5.

add

AddHandler application/x-httpd-php5s .php

to httpd.conf

(if you have access to it)

Originally Posted by chrishirst

add

AddHandler application/x-httpd-php5s .php

to httpd.conf

(if you have access to it)

Hmmm. I can't see it in any of the server directories I have
access to.
Where should it be located...in the public_html directory?

/etc/apache/conf/ usually, which is above the document root folders.

There are many web hosts that support PHP4 version, Google search will help you to find a good option.. Also try to contact the company and ask them about PHP4.

Originally Posted by ~ServerPoint~

There are many web hosts that support PHP4 version, Google search will help you to find a good option.. Also try to contact the company and ask them about PHP4.

Travis. You really should read some questions fully.

The OP is NOT looking for hosting with PHP4!

The question is "How to ensure that php5 is the default handler" for .php scripts.

Jesus wept.

Have you considered asking your host to force PHP5 instead of PHP4? It seems ridiculous to have PHP5 available but defaulting to PHP4. Never heard of that one.

Originally Posted by cantletugo

It seems ridiculous to have PHP5 available but defaulting to PHP4. Never heard of that one.

I agree. And I have.

Why not to choose PHP 5 version?
There are many web hosts that support PHP 4 & 5 versions.

Try to contact the current customers of the web host provider of your choice and see if they are satisfied with the kind of services being rendered by the web host company.

KShilling me softly!!!!

I believe that you need to look at the quality of the service and especially customer support.

Cockadoodle doooo !

Time to close this thread I think.

Agreed