===== install Apache application server ====
You can download a pre-configured Apache from [[niota_links | niota download page]] or from an official Apache download page. Please check [[niota_requirements | system requirements]] for valid combinations of niota application and Apache application server.

----
=== Prerequisites ===

  * Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2019 Redistributable (x64). 

You can find the installer on [[niota_links | niota download page]].
----
==== Windows - install Apache ====

=== install Apache ===
Unpack the downloaded file and copy the folder to drive’s root. 

Eg.: “C:\Apache24x64” or “D:\ Apache24x64”. 
**This is the recommended by the to Apache’s install guide.**

  * open **''..\conf\httpd.conf''**
  * verify server root directory path at ''Define SRVROOT "c:/Apache24x64"''
  * verify document root directory path. If you want to place niota somewhere else than “htdocs” folder, change it, otherwise leave it as it is.
  
<code>
Define SRVROOT "c:/Apache24x64"
# ...
DocumentRoot "${SRVROOT}/htdocs"
</code>

** You can install PHP now or later. Check [[niota_install_php | PHP install]] for further details.**

** If you would like to use LDAP(S) go to page [[niota_system_config_ldap|set LDAPS authentication]].**

=== install Apache as service ===

  * stop Apache if running
  * run command prompt in admin mode
  * navigate to folder: “Apache24x64\bin\”
  * run command: 

<code>
httpd.exe -k install -n "Apache24x64_niota"
</code>

In case you need to run the server with a specific service user you can do this:
  * open 'Local Services' window
  * right click on Apache2.4 -> Properties -> Log On tab -> fill 'This account' form


=== remove/uninstall Apache service ===

  * stop Apache service
  * navigate to “\bin” folder of that Apache installation which service you would like to remove (e.g.: C:\Apache24x64\bin\ )
  * run command:

<code>
httpd.exe -k uninstall -n "Apache24x64_niota”
</code>

=== verify dll files for openssl - used by niota password encryption and LDAPS connection ===

If the following three dll file are different in Apache24/bin folder than the ones in PHP folder it raises error during LDAPS connection or password encryption/decryption:
  * libssl-1_1-x64.dll
  * libcrypto-1_1-x64.dll
  * libsasl.dll

These files must be copied **from ''PHP''** root folder **into ''Apache24/bin''** folder. It is recommended to back up original files of Apache.

Error message starts with //"Call to undefined function openssl_decrypt()..."//