on the Apache and MySQL modules. The status lights turned a reassuring green. Success and Modernization Alex opened a browser and typed

In this comprehensive guide, you will learn everything about running PHP 7.1.3 with XAMPP: how to install it, upgrade or downgrade your existing XAMPP installation, understand its key features, troubleshoot common issues, and navigate the security considerations of using an older PHP version. Whether you are a seasoned developer maintaining legacy systems or a newcomer needing a specific environment for a course or project, this article has you covered.

: Developing on an isolated, local machine ( localhost ) behind a secure firewall.

When selecting the appropriate package:

Open the XAMPP Control Panel and start Apache and MySQL/MariaDB.

If you are unsure if you are running this specific version, you can verify it using these methods:

When working with PHP 7.1.3, several php.ini directives deserve your attention:

: If you need specific features like intl , open php.ini via the Control Panel, find the extension line (e.g., ;extension=intl ), and remove the semicolon.

Because it has been unsupported for years, XAMPP stacks running PHP 7.1.3 do not receive security patches. Running this environment comes with distinct parameters: Safe Environments

. Instead of modifying the main php.ini file directly, create a custom php.ini file and reference it in Apache configuration when possible.

| Component | Version Range | Purpose | |---|---|---| | Apache | ~2.4.x (latest compatible) | Web server handling HTTP requests | | PHP | 7.1.3 (specific or higher point releases like 7.1.33) | Server‑side scripting language | | MariaDB/MySQL | ~10.x | Relational database management | | phpMyAdmin | Latest version | Web‑based database management | | OpenSSL | Current version | Secure communication | | Perl | Latest version | Additional scripting language support |

After installation:

If you encounter issues with XAMPP or PHP 7.1.3, here are some common troubleshooting steps: