"Unicode library" in Status report?
jason342 - September 21, 2007 - 13:28
I just installed a fresh Drupal, 5.2, looking at my Status report everything looks fine in green tables, except for the yellow table, Unicode library, it says "Operations on Unicode strings are emulated on a best-effort basis. Install the PHP mbstring extension for improved Unicode support"
Can somebody explain what this is, What is Unicode library, and what happens if i DON'T install it or DO install it?
Anybody?
Anybody?
Did you get any answer about it?
I have the same issue when I launched the Drupal Installation.
Do you have the solution?
Thanks in advance,
Ivo
?
?
Here i add a
Here i add a solution
http://drupal.org/node/211642#comment-710316
Hope this helps you.
=-=
feel free to state the specifics of your OS.
specifically version of PHP ?
is this a WAMP install on a local machine ?
makes sense to google "PHP mbstring extension" which gives you back - http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=PHP+mbstring+extension&btnG=Google+...
specifically I would read http://us3.php.net/mbstring which is right off of php.net. There are even install instructions there.
my guess is the version of php you are working with is outdated.
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I did google it before
I did google it before posting, it was too technical to understand and I’m still non the wiser.
If I install this or not will it make a difference to my Drupal?
Is there any risk in not installing it?
=-=
previous questions unanswered
the mbstring extension has to do with multibyte characters in internationalization of Drupal. In other words languages. What will using it give you ? The ability to internationalize your site.
WHat risk do you run if you don't install it ? you site wont work with internationalization. In other words as the internet moves forward with multi language sites to reach a larger target audience, you will be left behind as your site will only work 100% properly in English.
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How do I find out the PHP
How do I find out the PHP Version? And I don't know what you mean by WAMP install on a Local Machine. Perhaps if you could clarify please. And OS? Do you mean my computer's Operating System?
For this internationalize thing to work, do i have to add other modules, or just by installing the mbstring extension i'm good to go and that warning yellow log in the Status Report turns to green?
=-=
you purchased a host without knowing what version of php it is using ?
your administer -> status logs should tell you all you need to know.
example: my status log in a 5.2 install
what's in BOLD is relative.
OS, would be Operating System, though in this case, were talking about a server not your computer.
therefore, your OS would include your version of Apache or IIS, your version of PHP and your version of MySQL. Hence why devs added the status log screen pulling necessary configuration information, which makes it easy for you to paste it to a topic when you are having abnormal issues.
If you want to find out what version of PHP you are running manually
do a phpinfo() to find php version, or check your hosts documentation.
to do a phpinfo()
create a blank php file. inside it add
<?php// Show all information, defaults to INFO_ALL
phpinfo();
?>
save the file as phpinfo.php
upload the file to your server
call the file in your browser yoursite.com/phpinfo.php
This will tell you all you need to know about your php installation.
As you see, the administer -> status logs method is less a hassle.
If you don't know what WAMP is, you aren't using it. http://www.wampserver.com/en/
Internationalization is coming built in with Drupal 6, the beginings of which are in Drupal 5.2. In drupal 5 you need one of the contrib modules that deals with languages, in Drupal 6 this probably won't be necessary.
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So wait, you mean when I
So wait, you mean when I upgrade to Drupal 6 everything about my drupal will be all good and well?
Even without me doing anything about this internationalization process now or installing the mbstring extension?
=-=
The answer to your question is No. you will not be alright. multi language in Drupal 6 won't "fix" the problem you have with the mbstring not being installed. the mbstrng is a setting in PHP that either isn't setup properly or isn't installed at all by your host. Drupal has nothing to do with it other then the fact it's letting you know it's missing.
What I tired to state was ..... with the oncoming drupal 6, multilanguage will be part of core thus you may not need any multi language modules. As such, unless you fix the problem you have now ? you won't have multi language features now, or when Drupal 6 is released.
Now, could you please state what version of PHP is in use ?
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Ok I got you. So mean the
Ok I got you. So mean the problem is my host? If I change hosts then this problem maybe will get solved ?
=-=
I'm not telling you to change hosts. I'm asking you what version of PHP is installed?
you can turn it ON, provided your version of PHP is new enough. using documentation already provided as well as using search for keyword "mbstring" and reading the drupal.org documentation on how to set it.
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It says PHP 4.4.4 Which
It says PHP 4.4.4
Which version Drupal recommends?
=-=
Thank you. Your version of PHP is fine, now you can proceed to the methods to turn on mbstring, or ask your host to do so.
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Everything in your Status
Everything in your Status report is same as mine except for the PHP version (mine 4.4.4) and also where mine says: "Web server .... Apache 3" Yours has a longer complicated code.
So there's nothing wrong with the my Host's PHP version and Apache versions?
=-=
mbstring is part of PHP and as such needs to be turned on , or installed by your host. Sending a support request to your host would be beneficial as they know the servers they run and how things are installed.
tell them you want to run a multi language site, and you need mbstring enabled.
Apache 3? are you sure they aren't running Tomcat ?
Apache is only up to 2.2.6 see: http://httpd.apache.org/
you should really get your host on the phone, or fire off an email and ask them what the exact server specs are.
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At the moment I don't want
At the moment I don't want to run a multi language site, maybe in the future, perhaps when Drupal 6 is out.
Can this wait till then, or not doing it now or soon will cause harm to my drupal?
P.S If I ask them to turn on mbstring will it sort this problem out, or do I still need to install the mbstring and the other modules?
=-=
jason, your original question was about how to get rid of the notice in adminsiter -> status log. I've described how to do that, and by your host turning on or enabling mbstring now, that notice will go away. I don't understand the reluctance to contact your host.
There is no need for modules. The only reason I mentioned modules was specifically for multilanguage and to try and explain to you why mbstring is needed.
Why ask your host now ? because if they don't turn it on, and Drupal 6 when D6 is released what will you do then ?
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Oh ok, I thought it will
Oh ok, I thought it will lead me to install further modules, I will contact them and ask them to "turn on and enable mbstring", so as soon as they do that the notice will go away automatically?
By the way, what's the minimum specification does Drupal recommend in a host?
=-=
yes
always available in the handbooks see: System requirements
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So in essence, until this
So in essence, until this problem is solved I can’t upgrade to Drupal 6, because doing so will leave me in an advantage, correct?
By the way, at the moment, is this problem harming my Drupal 5.2?
=-=
I assume you mean disadvantage. answer = yes
not that I am aware of outside of the fact that you won't be able to get rid of the warning. This should be something your host shouldn't mind turning on for you.
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Yeah I did contact them, but
I mean as in the time being and for all this time not knowing about it, has it/was it harming my Drupal?
=-=
as previously stated:
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So you mean it's a harmless
So you mean it's a harmless warning? (while still on Drupal Version 5.2)
=-=
The keywords in my statement twice. is "Not that I am aware of"
I've never run a site on a machine without mbstring enabled. Thus I don't know if you will run into possible problems down the road. I would think not based on the reading I've done for you.
I hesitate to use the word "harmless". It's a warning. Is it generating any errors in your watchdog tables ? is it generating any errors in your error_log on your server ?
If not, then there is your answer. Obviously if something is broken you'll know when you recieve errors.
Through out this entire 20 something posts, I'm more concerned about the statement that you are using Apache 3. This makes no sense to me at all and wouild be something I'd be more concerned about then the lack of mbstring.
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Where to find error logs on
Where to find error logs on my sever?
Yeah the bottom table says Apache 3
=-=
if there is nothing in your watchdog area, you have no where else to look.
Drupal creates an error_log file in the root folder, when errors occur in 5.x
if you mean where to find apache errors on your server, ask your host.
Once again, Apache 3 makes no sense. There is no apache 3 even created yet. I'd be questioning my host before I worried about adding content.
In future know exactly what a host runs on its server before signing up with them.
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My only comfort is that it's
My only comfort is that it's in a green table. Should I be asking them, why does my Web Server say Apache 3 when it doesn't exist yet?
"Drupal creates an error_log file in the root folder"
Where is this? Where do I look to see of error_log exist? In my Drupal?
Also, What did you mean by the worry about adding content part?
PS... can mbstring only be turned on by my host or I can do it myself too?
=-=
yes, you should. This seems self explainatory. And I've already told you to do so, at least twice.
your Drupal root is the folder you installed drupal in.
means, I wouldn't add content until my host answered the questions you should be asking them with regards to mbstring and what version of apache they are actually running.
I hesitate to walk you through turning on mbstring on your own. contact your host.
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there was no 'error_log'
there is no 'error_log' file in my root folder, does that mean this problem hasn't harmed my drupal (yet atleast) ?
=-=
no error log in your drupal root means that your drupal installation hasn't produced any errors in your watchdog.
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Ok then so to put it
Ok then so to put it differently, if the drupal installation hasn't produced any errors in my watchdog does that then mean this problem hasn't harmed my drupal (yet atleast) ?
Sorry I just want to be sure where my drupal stand currently and these drupal issues are frustrating me.
=-=
A) This isn't a Drupal issue. This is a server issue. Thus be frustrated with the host you've chosen. I certainly hope you are being as persistent in your hosts support forums as you are here with these types of questions.
B) as I"ve already stated at least twice, I don't know what adverse effects NOT having mbstring will cause down the road. I've never had a host who didn't have it enabled.
Lastly, All I can tell you is that if your Drupal isn't producing any errors, then your drupal isn't producing any errors. This is what the status logs, watchdog logs and error_logs are for.
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But i won't be without no no
But i won't be without no no mbstring permanently, just till I get this issue sorted out, hopefully very very soon. So my question was when I finally turn mbstring on, does that mean my drupal is ok and unharmed, or was it “too little too late” some harm has been caused
Also, can you please link me to a step-by-step on how to turn this on myself?
I want to know how complicated it is.
=-=
Again, I state for the record, I do not know what harm will come from running a site with mbstring missing. Which should also state, I don't know what will come after/if your hosts enables it after the fact. This is why I made the statement to WAIT to add content until YOUR HOST gets back to you.
with regards to installation:
see the second link in my first post. (this only shows you didn't actually read it when I linked to it originally)
use drupal.org search for unicode and/or mbstring for more information regarding this.
if you host doesn't actually have it installed it won't enable.
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I did read it, thanks i even
I did read it, thanks i even looked at it again an hour ago, I re-read the whole thread too. was just hoping for a something simpler. Too technical.
Good idea on not adding content yet. So ok when finally mbstring is turned out, how would I be able to tell that no harm has been caused by all this to my drupal/database, to proceed with adding content in peace of mind?
=-=
If it were me, I'd just do a fresh install to provide insurance. Considering Drupal takes no more then 10 minutes to install, it's a cheap policy.
Please refer any more questions about mbstring to your host. I've already given you a big chunk of my time in the past two days working with you and this issue.
Best of Luck.
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Thanks VM, I suppose I can
Thanks VM, I suppose I can re-install this fresh installed site. But I also have another drupal site I’ve installed long ago which has a fair amount of contents which I don't want to lose. But lastly, can I just save the database and install drupal again, then upload the database of the site? Or is it the databse that's harmed by this, i'e that site is doomed?
=-=
You've already got another Drupal 5.2 site with this warning and you are just noticing it now?
Drupal is database driven, thus all of the configuration is saved in the DB.
Again, I'll repeat myself. (Hopefully for the last time)
I don't know what adverse / non adverse effects not having mbstring enabled on your site will have.
Again, my guess is NONE because you aren't running a multi language site.
The ONLY way to know for sure at this stage is to have your host enable it. check administer -> status logs see if the warning is gone. If it is, and you have no errors in your watchdog, or in your error_log then you are FINE and there will be no need to do anything else.
consistently asking hypothetical questions is pointless. You are now the guinea pig with this issue and we'll learn from what happens through you. Again, I don't think there will be any adversity but we'll only know for sure ONCE mbstring is ENABLED.
a site is never "DOOMED" I've told you this in past threads during your year of being part of this community. However, you can't expect hypothetical questions, about hypothetical errors to get you any insurance. Even the answers at that point become hypothetical.
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Yeah I do, I actually just
Yeah I do, I actually just brushed the notice off due to naivety and I only made this topic about this notice out of curiously I didn't know it was this important. Which I’m glad I did that way at least I don't get to lose this site.
As I mentioed before, I don’t have a error_log file/folder amongst my drupal folders, should I cerate one so when mbstring is enabled I can look into the folder to see if I have any errors?
=-=
:sigh:
drupal will create an error_log itself, if there are errors produced. You need to do nothing more, beyond getting your host to install and/or enable mbstring. Or closing your eyes, crossing your fingers and sticking with Drupal 5.x series.
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sticking with Drupal 5.x
sticking with Drupal 5.x series? What do you mean?
=-=
because Drupal 6 has internationalization (multilanguage) built in as I've previously stated in previous posts in this thread ......... That being said, if your host doesn't get this sorted for you, upgrading to drupal 6 won't give you some of the built in features of the next major release. If it (D6) will install at all without this fixed by your host.
This thread is approaching 50 posts and your question has been answered multiple times jason.
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Oh I see, I am confidant
Oh I see, I am confidant that this mbstring will be turned on soon. I’ve contacted them, if not then I’ll change host. So I’m not worried about this aspect.
What I’m worried about is even when enabling mbstring, i may still not be able to use the features in Drupal 6 and ofcourse the internationalization due to mbstring being turned on late, especially for my older site. Is this scenario possible?
Will all this be answered and revealed once mbstring is enabled and no errors are in error_log/wathdog, or will i be left hanging till Drupal 6 is released and only upon upgrade I find out if I have a problem (not being able to use internationalization and other features )?
=-=
My answer still applies as to see what happens once mbstring is turned on. Your questions above are like the many preceeding it. Hypothetoical. Especially consideirng Drupal 6 isn't released yet. My guess still applies as well. Whether we are talking about Drupal 5 or Drupal 6. That NOT having mbstring on, then turned on. All will be fine. This ISN"T an error it IS a warning. If it was an error your site wouldn't work NOW and you would be generating errors. which you aren't.
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I just found out the Apache
I just found out the Apache version is 1.3.37 (Unix). Is this satisfactory with Drupal 5.2?
But why does it say Apache 3.0 in my Drupal log I don’t know.
=-=
Apache 1.3.37 is fine just as it says it is on the system requirement page already listed in this topic. see: http://drupal.org/requirements
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Any guesses to why it says
Any guesses to why it says Apache 3.0 in my log status, under Web Server, when is 1.3.37?
=-=
nope.
as you see in a my previous post of mine in this thread, where I list my status log, drupal does indeed recognize apache 1.3.37 , which is the same version of apache I am using.
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