The 403 forbidden server error occurs when there is a permission issue during the installation of the Xampp , WAMP or other local web server.

In this context, we will look into what triggers this error and how to fix it.

What triggers forbidden 403 error in Xampp or wamp server

The forbidden error is usually triggered after the installation or an upgrade process of a Xampp server or other development web server.
Therefore, when the "LocalHost" is started, it gives a 403 permission error.

The error message looks like as stated below;

Forbidden

You don't have permission to access / on this server.

When there is a permission issue in the configuration files of the phpMyAdmin or Apache web server, the Forbidden error usually occurs.

How to solve 403 forbidden errors in Xampp server

In the Xampp Local server environment, this issue can be fixed by modifying the Apache ".httpd.conf" file located at C:\Xampp\apache\conf\httpd.conf. You should first stop the Apache and local server and following the instruction below.
As soon as you open this file, locate the following lines;

<Directory/>

Options FollowSymLinks

AllowOverride None

Order deny,allow

Deny from all

</Directory>

Simply replace with;

<Directory/>

Options FollowSymLinks

AllowOverride None

Order deny,allow

Allow from all

</Directory>

Additionally, locate the following in the httpd.conf file;

Order Deny,Allow

Deny from all

Allow from 127.0.0.1

Do replace with the following;

Order Deny,Allow

Deny from all

Allow from All

Then you can save the file and restart the Xampp Server. After restarting, you can test the Localhost url and you will see that it will work fine.

How to solve 403 forbidden error in Wamp phpMyAdmin

You can take the following steps in Wamp.
i. To begin, navigate to the following directory and edit;
C :/WAMP/alias/phpmyadmin.conf

ii. Then find the following lines with the shortcut "CTRL+F";

Order Deny,Allow

Deny from all

Allow from 127.0.0.1

Replace this with;

Order Deny,Allow

Deny from all

Allow from all

After modifying the file, save it and restart the WAMP server.

You will see that the error will disappear and on your web browser, enter "localhost/phpmyadmin".

Do you need support in solving web server permission issues? You can reach us.