Installation of test version of CiviCRM/Drupal on pc

[joe58]

Hello

I am a complete beginner and not very computer literate. However we (a small charity) would like to get a test version of civiCRM  running on my workstation (not the server). I have looked through the topics here and I'm afraid I can't even identify which might help me.

So far I have followed the instructions on Page 50 of the civiCRM guidebook in terms of downloading WAMP, Drupal and civiCRM. However I have no idea how to get them to work together.

Some very simple instructions would be fantastic, or a link to where they already exist.

Many thanks, Joe

[Hershel]

First is to install and confirm that WAMP works. Google for WAMP help for that.

Next is to install Drupal: http://drupal.org/documentation/install/windows

and then install CiviCRM: http://wiki.civicrm.org/confluence/display/CRMDOC40/Installation+and+Upgrades

If you have specific questions to ask, those would be easier to answer.

[joe58]

Thank you.

I have downloaded WAMP but it is not working. The icon on the rhs of my screen is red (although it was green for a little while) but red or green it does not react to left or right click. If I hover my mouse over it a message saying WAMP5 zero of 2 services not running, server offline. From Start, I can see 'start WAMPserver' but when I click on it, nothing happens.

This may be because I have downloaded it onto my workstation which is part of an office network. Our network support organisation is unwilling to support my use of WAMP and there may be firewalls or something interfering with the software. I have looked at some of the help conversations I found through google but they entail changing things on the computer at a level that I am unhappy with, especially as I don't want to disturb the network.

Would you advise me starting again on a laptop instead?

Many thanks
Joe

[Hershel]

Sounds like starting fresh would be advisable. Please be warned that most of the people involved with CiviCRM don't use Windows and we don't know much about WAMP in particular.

But it sounds like your current setup may be limited or blocked so a more "open" laptop would make sense.

[mcarson]

joe,
I have configured, installed and used CiviCRM on WAMP, following with a clean install later on IIS. The difference though, is the system changes required and the impact that may have in an environment that does not support your use of WAMP.

I agree with you and hershel that it would be better deployed in a less secure environment. But, have you considered VirtualBox / VMWare / VirtualPC to completely isolate the testing of CiviCRM. Maybe your network guys would understand/support that better.

Also ask about IIS.
This; http://wiki.civicrm.org/confluence/display/CRMDOC40/Installation+of+CiviCRM+on+Microsoft+IIS may help.

hope this helps