[UMN_MAPSERVER-USERS] Internal Server Error: "Premature end of script headers, php.exe"

[Jennifer Zeisloft]

Hello All,

I am dealing with what seems to be the infamous problem of "Premature end of script headers".  I have read through the list responses, checked the syntax of my mapfiles, but all without coming across a solution.  From other posts to this list, I am guessing this is a MapServer issue rather than Chameleon (though I could be wrong).

The error occurs somewhat randomly: when certain (not all) WMS layers are included in a map context or added to a map (through Chameleon's WMS add layers tool), the map breaks down after one or two (maybe three) navigational operations, like zooming, or after adding other WMS layers.  I think the bottom line is two or three map-refreshes one way or another.  I have tested this with a number of WMS layers from a number of different servers.  While there are some layers for which I cannot reproduce the error, many eventually lead to the same error.  First, the browser notes an "Internal Server Error".  Second, the Apache error log states:

[Wed Nov 09 18:13:04 2005] [error] [client 144.92.46.35] Premature end of script headers: php.exe, referer: http://maps.aqua.wisc.edu/lscmp/viewmaps.phtml
[Wed Nov 09 18:13:04 2005] [error] [client 144.92.46.35] File does not exist: C:/ms4w/Apache/htdocs/favicon.ico

Our installation currently includes ms4w 1.2.1 and chameleon 2.2 on Windows XP.  Lately, I have been receiving the standard Microsoft Error Report pop-ups on the server for an error that the "PHP Script Interpreter encountered a problem and needed to close".  I am suspicious that this may have something to do with it (and have asked our IT administrator), but really know very little about it. 

I would really appreciate any tips or suggestions you could offer.  Thank you in advance for your help!

Jennifer Zeisloft
UW Sea Grant