Fatal error: Class 'COM' not found by PHP. Win7 - Apache - PHP

Question

$myapp = new COM("word.application"); // returns a fatal error: "Class 'COM' not found in c:/www/comConnector.php" shell_exec("whoami"); //returns "NT authority/system" 

My system setup

• Win7 pro
• Apache Server Version: Apache / 2.2.23 (Win32)
• Php

  PHP 5.3.16 (cli) (built: Aug 15, 2012 20:06:57)
  Copyright (c) 1997-2012 PHP Group
  Zend Engine v2.3.0, Copyright (c) 1998-2012 Zend Technologies

Answer 1

Add COM support in php.ini:

  [COM_DOT_NET] extension=php_com_dotnet.dll 

Answer 2

Since you are using PHP 5.3.16, make sure you point to the global namespace:

 $myapp = new \COM("word.application"); 

Even if your PHP file may be in the global namespace, but this is good practice.