How can server settings in PHP/Apache2 affect the functionality of the "required" attribute in input fields, particularly in different versions of Internet Explorer?

The issue with the "required" attribute in input fields not working properly in different versions of Internet Explorer can be caused by server settings in PHP/Apache2. To solve this issue, you can add the "novalidate" attribute to the form element to disable browser validation and handle the validation using JavaScript instead.

<form action="submit.php" method="post" novalidate>
  <input type="text" name="username" required>
  <input type="submit" value="Submit">
</form>