I will try again to reply here as I got a FastCGI error when clicking post the last time.
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In an attempt to settle the discussion on the reason behind the FastCGI let me shed some light on a few apparent facts about it's use.
a) As you see of the error message, the server is using Microsoft IIS for hosting http content.
b) FastCGI is a module provided by PHP to enable IIS to incorporate PHP in web sites it hosts.
c) IIS is in this case upgraded as far as we can get with all needed patches, however, FastCGI was a module for PHP designed for IIS 5.0, and is since the change of PHP to version above 5.2, not supported for use anymore.
Instead, PHP should incorporate use of an included ISAPI module, rather than running as a CGI.
d) The transition of the server to a new hosting software would 1/ greatly enhance serving speed and 2/ remove the need for referencing the old (no longer supported) Fast CGI altogether.
--- And here comes the difficulty in this case.
AO has well over 200,000 members and is growing on a daily basis.
In order for Chompyt and the technical admin/s to migrate to a different server software, albeit on the same server hardware, some extremely detailed planning is a must.
Consider the following...
1 - How do we set up a new server software to run on port 80, when port 80 is used?
(simple, but still caution, not to disrupt running domains until done.)
2 - In the new server software, before removing the old, install the forum software in a new location.
3 - Migrate the code calling the databases already existing, so that we don't lose all previous posts, and at the same time, make sure the security updates and patches follow in the migration.
4 - Turn off the old server software and turn on the new port settings, without disrupting server access.
Any failure along these steps will cause potential loss of data, previous posts, member settings, and possibly even the entire membership database.
As you can see this is not something any self respecting site admin will undertake without extensive practice, testing and verification of steps before even attempting it.
Chompy and the fellows are pondering these steps as we chat about the issue, and a move will be eminent however, we need to give them the time it takes to process this move in an orderly fashion.
I would like to, on behalf of all the mods, thank you for your patience in this process, and rest assured that Chompy will advertise any changes in a timely and orderly fashion on the site before making these massive changes needed.