new install, v7.2.2. but installed PHP 5.2.3 and MySQL 5.0.45 on Windows server 2003 R2. Running the install.php stops at Step 3, no matter what info I put into the database fields the next screen says 'Connecting to Server' and stops there. It never returns an error message. Don't know much about PHP and MySQL but a simple database exists called 'mysql' and I allowed anonymous access to it during the install.
What am I missing? I get this when I install right from the server or from a workstation. Regards.

Hmm, normally the "mysql" database that exists by default is used for holding permissions and such. I think for starters you'll want to make sure that you've created a new database for the UBB.threads install and see if that gets you any farther.

Hello Jane.

Almost certain you have a permissions issue.

Please take a look here and make sure PHP and MySQL are setup correctly first. Then review the permissions again, and again.

IUSR_machinename (Internet Guest Account) and SYSTEM or NEWORK or IIS_WPG may need some rights in certain locations as well.

PHPBuilder - IIS6/PHP Setup FAQ

Do Not copy PHP.INI to the Windows folder as some suggest, fix the path and set an environment variable called PHPRC and set to the location of your PHP installation.

Don't forget that IIS needs rights to read PHP/MySQL as it's the one doing the work.

Aha, yes a permission problem makes sense. I wasn't sure how to fix that but I did get a lot of 'cannot access database' even when using an administrator equivalent account. I'll look at the link above and see if it can help me. Thanks for the guidance.