variables not passing thru form

Hi, I'm trying to do a simple form and just pass a few variables thru a form to the next page. Its a simple concept however it just doesn't want to work. I've tried using the post and get method.. neither work. I've also taken code directly from some tutorials and even that doesn't work. Is there something that i did to the php modules that dont allow passing of variables? for example even this wont work: html page: <html> <head><title>Title of the page</title> </head> <body> <a href="welcome.php?name=Davinder">Pass me</a> </body> </head> and then php page: <html> <head><title>Title of the page</title> </head> <body> <?php echo "The value passed thru is "; printf($name); ?> </body> </head> This was taken pretty much right from a tutorial. Doesn't work?! I've had them pass before in a previous version of an install.. i have since wiped the drive and reinstalled everything. Please help. Davinder