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TadreebLMS_Windows_Setup

title: TadreebLMS — Windows Local Setup​

TadreebLMS — Windows Local Setup

This guide explains how to set up TadreebLMS on Windows using XAMPP (PHP 8.3). It follows a strict step-by-step sequence and includes expandable fixes for common Windows/XAMPP issues.

Step 1: Install XAMPP (PHP 8.3)​

Download XAMPP for Windows (PHP 8.3) from:
https://www.apachefriends.org

Install to:

C:\xampp

Start Apache and MySQL from XAMPP Control Panel.

Step 2: Install Composer​

Download Composer for Windows from:
https://getcomposer.org/download/

Run Composer-Setup.exe

When prompted for PHP path, select:

C:\xampp\php\php.exe

Restart all terminals after installation.

Verify:

composer --version

Step 3: Add PHP to System PATH​

Add the following to System PATH:

C:\xampp\php

Restart all terminals.

Verify:

php -v

Step 4: Clone TadreebLMS​

cd C:\xampp\htdocs
git clone https://github.com/Tadreeb-LMS/tadreeblms.git

Step 5: Verify Composer​

composer --version

Expected:

Composer version 2.7.8+

Step 6: Create Database (phpMyAdmin)​

Open:

http://localhost/phpmyadmin

Create database:

laravel_db

Step 7: Create Sessions Directory​

Ensure this directory exists:

storage/framework/sessions

Create it manually if missing.

Step 8: Run Web Installer​

Open:

http://localhost/tadreeblms/public

Use database credentials:

Host     : 127.0.0.1
Database : laravel_db
Username : root
Password : (empty)

Step 9: Access Application​

Always use:

http://localhost/tadreeblms/public

Troubleshooting (Expandable)​

❌ PHP 8.3 CLI not found

Cause:
PHP is installed via XAMPP but not available to CLI or not inherited by Apache.

Fix:

  • Ensure PHP exists at: 
    C:\xampp\php\php.exe
  • Ensure System PATH contains: 
    C:\xampp\php
  • Restart:
    • All terminals
    • Apache (from XAMPP Control Panel)
  • Verify: 
    php -v
❌ Composer command not found

Cause: Composer not installed or PATH not refreshed.

Fix:

❌ Dependencies not installed / vendor folder missing

Symptom:

vendor/autoload.php not found

Fix:

cd C:\xampp\htdocs\tadreeblms
composer install

After completion, refresh the installer page.

❌ JSON Syntax Error (Unexpected token <)

Cause:
Installer AJAX expects JSON but receives HTML (Apache reload / session / cache issue).

Fix:

  • Refresh once
  • If it persists:
    • Open installer in a new tab
    • Or open in Incognito

Then continue installation.

❌ Database access denied (SQLSTATE[HY000] [1045])

Cause:
Windows MySQL default auth mismatch.

Fix:

Username : root
Password : (empty)

Ensure database laravel_db exists in phpMyAdmin.

❌ GD / ZIP extension missing

Fix:

  1. Edit: 
    C:\xampp\php\php.ini
  2. Uncomment: 
    extension=gd
    extension=zip
  3. Restart Apache
  4. Verify: 
    php -m
❌ Installer completed but default XAMPP page opens

Cause: Wrong URL accessed.

Fix:
Always use:

http://localhost/tadreeblms/public

Do not open the project root.

Notes​

  • Windows installation is intended for local development only
  • For production deployments, use the Linux installation guide
  • Ensure Apache and MySQL are running before accessing the application
  • Recommended Composer version: 2.7.8+
  • The .env file is automatically generated during installation

Installation is complete once the TadreebLMS login page loads successfully.