1.
You can use the
xampp\apache\conf\extra\httpd-vhosts.conf file to set up your test site
or you can move the site to the
xampp\htdocs\yoursitename\ directory.
(a forum search for
vhosts may give you some clues as to how to set this up, read the httpd-vhosts.conf file comments and there is some good reading on the Apache manual site:
http://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.2/vhosts/examples.html
http://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.2/mod/co ... irtualhost
Post back if you need more specifics after having a go or if you get stuck with it.
The
htdocs\yoursitename\ method would mean an address of
http://localhost/yoursitename/ but the virtual host method coupled with an entry in the system
hosts file would mean you could use an address of
http://yoursitename/ - more complex to set up but easier to relate to your hosted site's paths and does not require you to move your site's files from their current location.
2.
Testing server settings in DreamWeaver (I have MX 2004 still - 8 might be similar)
Under Edit>Preferences...>Site>Manage Sites...
Highlight yoursitename
Select Edit...
Select Testing Server
Server model: PHP MySQL
Access: Local/Network
Testing server folder: Path:\xampp\htdocs\yoursitename\ <-- if using the htdocs method.
Testing server folder: PATH:\To your current site's folder\ <-- if using the vhosts method.
Your choice to tick or not the Refresh remote file list automatically.
URL Prefix:
http://localhost/ <-- if using the htdocs method
URL Prefix:
http://yoursitename/ <-- if using the vhosts method
3.
You can do a database dump (export) from your hosting server to your local XAMPP MySQL (import) using phpMyAdmin with very few issues.
Note your hosting MySQL version will not be as up-to-date as the XAMPP MySQL version.
So when you do the export and import bear this in mind and import using the correct version compatibility.
Most of this will be seem much clearer when you read the export/import facilities in phpMyAdmin.
Again post back with more specific issues if required.
Hope this helps a little.
)
