Troubleshooting Mail Setup in XAMPP Locally

When working with PHP and XAMPP, you may encounter issues setting up your mail options. The php.ini file contains settings for mail configuration, but they may require adjustments.

Understanding the SMTP Server Settings

The SMTP server handles email delivery. In your php.ini file, you have configured:

• SMTP = localhost (specifies the localhost as the SMTP server)
• smtp_port = 25 (sets the port for SMTP communication)

These settings should allow XAMPP to send mail locally. However, if you're still experiencing issues, there may be other factors at play.

Consider Using hMailServer

Instead of relying on XAMPP's built-in mail server, you may want to use a third-party SMTP server such as hMailServer. It offers:

• Easy setup: It has a user-friendly installer and configuration wizard.
• Flexibility: It allows you to proxy through existing email accounts or send emails directly.
• No configuration changes: Once hMailServer is installed and configured, it should enable mail to work in XAMPP without further adjustments in your php.ini file.

Steps to Set Up hMailServer

1. Download and install hMailServer.
2. Run the configuration wizard and follow the prompts.
3. Once installed, restart XAMPP.

Your mail setup in XAMPP should now function using the hMailServer SMTP server.