Need help configuring the [mail function]

[simpson_121919]

I came across this error when trying to learn how to send form data to my email address -

Warning: mail() [function.mail]: Failed to connect to mailserver at "localhost" port 25, verify your "SMTP" and "smtp_port" setting in php.ini or use ini_set() in C:\Apache\htdocs\websites\php_learn\report.php on line 30

 

From what I have read so far I think I need to reconfig my php.ini file.  So I looked into my php.ini file and found this -

 

[mail function]

; For Win32 only.

; http://php.net/smtp

SMTP = localhost

; http://php.net/smtp-port

smtp_port = 25

 

; For Win32 only.

; http://php.net/sendmail-from

;sendmail_from = me@example.com

 

I have a 64 bit system so do I need to download another version of php? Also when I do get to the point at where I can config the php.ini file how do I go about it? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Pikachu2000]

Did you install a mail server?

[simpson_121919]

I did not. I just assumed that it was part of the apache server software. Im doing all the testing of my php scripts on my local computer so what would be the best way to go about solving the mail server problem.

[Pikachu2000]

No, it is not part of Apache. You'd need to install one, use an external mail server that does not require authentication, or make use of a mail class such as PHPMailer or PEAR:Mail.

[simpson_121919]

so if I install the phpmailer does it overide my [mail function] in php.ini or do I have to reconfigure that or does the phpmailer do it for me?