Problem activating plugin

[GSLookingForAnswers]

I have just installed xammp 7.1.1 on W10 with what I believe is a standard installation with UAC disabled.
Have verified that it is working.

Made following changes to c:\xampp\php\php.ini

post_max_size=1024M
memory_limit=1024M

Installed a new theme and that went well. Installed several plugins that were recommended with mixed results.
When trying to install contact form 7 I receive a fatal error.

Fatal error: Cannot use $this as parameter in C:\xampp\htdocs\wordpress\wp-content\themes\Total\framework\3rd-party\contact-form-7.php on line 37

Is this possibly a problem with xampp?
I have posted into the wordpress/plugin/contact form 7 forum but am not getting any response.

How do I make progress?
thanks for any help.
Gavin

[Altrea]

Hi,

Did you check that the Wordpress version you want to use is compatible with PHP 7.1.1?

best wishes,
Altrea

[GSLookingForAnswers]

That was the problem.

Thanks