Apache 2.4 and PHP 8.4: Solving curl, ftp, and openssl module issues

Main Problem: Apache Cannot Find or Load PHP Module DLL Files

The main issue is that Apache cannot find or load PHP module DLL files despite their existence. This is often related to incorrect paths, missing dependencies, or configuration errors that only manifest when working with Apache, even though PHP works correctly from the command line.

Table of Contents

• Main Causes of the Problem
• Checking DLL File Paths
• Solving Dependency Issues
• Adjusting Apache Configuration
• Additional Diagnostic Methods
• Special Solutions for PHP 8.4

Main Causes of the Problem

The problem with loading curl, ftp, and openssl modules in Apache on Windows with PHP 8.4 can occur due to several main reasons:

1. Incorrect DLL file paths - Apache looks for modules in different locations than expected
2. Missing dependencies - DLL module files depend on other libraries that are not present in the system
3. Version conflicts - Incompatibility between PHP and Apache versions
4. Access permission issues - Apache lacks read permissions for DLL files

It’s particularly important to note that if PHP works correctly from the command line, this indicates that the DLL files and their dependencies are in order, and the problem lies specifically in the integration with Apache.

Checking DLL File Paths

Based on your logs, Apache is looking for modules but adding incorrect prefixes and suffixes to the paths. Try the following solutions:

1. Use only one format of notation

In your php.ini, you’re using different formats:

extension=c:\Apache24\php8\ext\php_curl.dll
extension=curl

Recommendation: Use only one format for all modules. For PHP 8.4, it’s better to use:

extension=curl
extension=ftp
extension=openssl

2. Check for the presence of correct DLL files

Make sure that the following files exist in the C:\Apache24\php8\ext\ folder:

• php_curl.dll
• php_ftp.dll
• php_openssl.dll

3. Check the architecture (32-bit vs 64-bit)

Ensure that Apache and PHP have the same architecture (32-bit or 64-bit). Mixing architectures is a common cause of such errors.

Solving Dependency Issues

Many PHP modules require additional libraries to work:

1. OpenSSL dependencies

The OpenSSL module requires:

• libssl-1_1-x64.dll or libssl-1_1.dll
• libcrypto-1_1-x64.dll or libcrypto-1_1.dll

These files should be either in the PHP folder or in the system directory System32.

2. cURL dependencies

The cURL module requires:

• libcurl.dll
• ssleay32.dll (for older versions)
• libeay32.dll (for older versions)

3. FTP dependencies

The FTP module typically doesn’t require additional dependencies but may conflict with other network libraries.

Adjusting Apache Configuration

1. Checking PHP configuration for Apache

In the httpd.conf file, make sure there’s a correct directive:

LoadModule php_module "C:/Apache24/php8/php8apache2_4.dll"

2. Checking module loading order

Ensure that the PHP module is loaded before other modules that might use it.

3. Setting the correct path to php.ini

In httpd.conf, add or modify:

PHPIniDir "C:/Apache24/php8"

4. Checking conflicts with other software

Sometimes antivirus or firewall software blocks Apache’s access to DLL files. Try temporarily disabling them for testing.

Additional Diagnostic Methods

1. Checking PHP version

Make sure you’re using an up-to-date version of PHP 8.4 that’s compatible with your Apache version.

2. Using DLL file verification

Create a PHP script with the following content:

<?php
echo "cURL check: " . (extension_loaded('curl') ? 'Loaded' : 'Not loaded') . "\n";
echo "FTP check: " . (extension_loaded('ftp') ? 'Loaded' : 'Not loaded') . "\n";
echo "OpenSSL check: " . (extension_loaded('openssl') ? 'Loaded' : 'Not loaded') . "\n";

// Path checking
echo "PHP path: " . PHP_BINARY . "\n";
echo "php.ini path: " . php_ini_loaded_file() . "\n";
?>

3. Checking system variables

Make sure the PATH variable contains the PHP path:

C:\Apache24\php8;C:\Apache24\php8\ext

Special Solutions for PHP 8.4

1. Updating to PHP 8.4.0+

Some early versions of PHP 8.4 had problems with module loading. It’s recommended to use the latest version.

2. Using Thread Safe (TS) version

For Apache, it’s better to use the Thread Safe version of PHP 8.4.

3. Checking conflicts with VirtualHost

If you’re using VirtualHost, make sure PHP directives are configured correctly for each host.

4. Manual DLL registration

As a last resort, you can try manually registering DLL files via the command line:

regsvr32 "C:\Apache24\php8\ext\php_curl.dll"
regsvr32 "C:\Apache24\php8\ext\php_ftp.dll"
regsvr32 "C:\Apache24\php8\ext\php_openssl.dll"

Sources

1. Apache PHP Integration Guide - Official Apache Documentation
2. PHP 8.4 Windows Installation Guide - PHP.net
3. PHP Extension Loading Issues - Stack Overflow Discussion
4. Apache and PHP Configuration Best Practices - DigitalOcean
5. Windows PHP Module Troubleshooting - PHP.net Wiki

Conclusion

The problem with loading PHP modules in Apache on Windows with PHP 8.4 is usually resolved by systematically checking several key aspects:

1. Check for consistency in notation format in php.ini - use either full paths or just module names
2. Ensure all dependencies are present - especially for curl and openssl modules
3. Check version compatibility and architecture of PHP and Apache
4. Analyze Apache configuration for correct paths and directives
5. Check system variables and file access permissions

If all standard methods don’t help, try reinstalling PHP and Apache using the latest compatible versions, or refer to the official PHP documentation for your specific version.