So if you run the XAMPP\apache\makecert.bat file and run through the normal rubbish to create the certificates, you can go to the folder C:\XAMPP\apache\conf\ssl.crt double-click it and install the certificate. This sorts the https redirect. You can access localhost/websitename as normal with out having https throw up all over you!!

Now if I could just figure out how to use the virtual hosting properly with this. I created a virtual host and used port 443, as I assume you have to do this. I did try port 80 as well on the off chance! No go!

I have even added to the hosts file as I'm pretty sure the hosts file takes priority over the external request. Correct me if I am wrong.

Are you using the HTTPS-only feature? You can adjust that on the Options/Preferences page:

You can check that here:

• Windows: "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Options
• Mac: "3-bar" menu button (or Firefox menu) > Preferences
• Linux: "3-bar" menu button (or Edit menu) > Preferences
• Any system: type or paste about:preferences into the address bar and press Enter/Return to load it

In the search box at the top of the page, type https and Firefox should filter the page, bringing the HTTPS-Only Mode section into view.

Otherwise, perhaps you are using a top level domain subject to HSTS (mandatory HTTPS)?

Hi jscher2000,

Thanks for replying. I checked that, and it was disabled. I eventually got it working using the hosts file and the httpd-vhosts.conf file. I also created a certificate with Xampp's makecert.bat file and imported it. After wiping the browsers cache and history, and restarting Apache, all worked very well. I also only need the one certificate to use for all local domains, as the virtual host blocks can all point to the same .crt file.

I know this is bad for live sites as a different name will appear as the trusted source for the additional sites, but for local testing purposes, this was perfectly fine for me.

Wordpress sites are a different matter. These are a nightmare at the best of times!