Cannot start apache or mysql - what to do next?

[theteacher]

Hi there

I'm trying to set up Zencart locally as per the Book. I'm on page 35. I've downloaded and installed XAMPP and am looking at the XAMPP Control Panel.

I can start and stop Filezilla and Mercury, but not Apache and mysql. They both come back with Busy.

1) I've turned off the Windows firewall (isn't this very dodgy?).
2) I've run 'Port checking' and all the ports lists have a status 'free'.

Can someone help me, please? What can I try next?

[theteacher]

Okay, don't ask me why, but in the apache folder in xampp, there's a file called apache_installservice. Monkeys and typewriters style, I double clicked this and everything sprang into action!

On to page 36 ....

[theteacher]

Woo hoo!!

It's taken all day, but I now have a local shop for local people and an actual online shop !

The Book works!

On to page 55 ....