PHP on 64-bit Windows - which one to take if the software runs on 5.3.9?

Question

PHP

There is software (MantisBT 1.2.17 with fixes) installed on the 2003 server, PHP 5.3.9, MySQL. It was necessary to update the OS to 2012R2 (also due to broken SMBv1). Is it worth it to take PHP binaries of a version greater than 5.3.x, or to score and take 5.3? There is no one to update the software itself, by and large. IIS8.5 web server (or whatever in 2012R2). MySQL doesn't seem to matter which version to install, but it's better if it is 64-bit - but this is not such a critical issue.

Answer 1

If the software starts at least at 5.6, then install it newer.
If it doesn't start, put the old one back in.
However, updating Windows because of a security hole and not updating php is some kind of double standard.
For there are no fewer holes to close. And then 5.6 is no longer on support, but only in very critical situations.

Answer 2

Follow the proven rule: if it works, don't touch it. Especially if there is no one to fix it.