How to use .htaccess file with Apache server on Window systems?

1. Assuming that your Apache server is installed at: C:\Program Files\Apache Software Foundation\Apache2.2

2. Open in "notepad" Apache server configuration file at C:\Program Files\Apache Software Foundation\Apache2.2\conf\httd.conf

3. Find the Directory section and set AllowOverride to "All" to allow .htaccess override configuration settings:

<Directory "C:/Program Files/Apache Software Foundation/Apache2.2/htdocs">
...
    AllowOverride All
</Directory>

4. Add an new command to change access file name from .htaccess to dot.htaccess. This is important because Windows systems do not like .htaccess as a file name.

AccessFileName dot.htaccess

5. Save httd.conf file and restart the Apache server.

6. Create an access file and save it as: C:\Program Files\Apache Software Foundation\Apache2.2\htdocs\dot.htaccess with:

Redirect /_test_htaccess.html http://windows.fyicenter.com

7. Run Web browser with http://localhost:8080/_test_htaccess.html. Your browser will be redirected to our Web site.