First some required information:
XAMPP Version 1.8.0
XAMPP Control Panel Version 3
Windows 7 Home Edition (32)
Steps I took leading to my present state:
I installed XAMPP
Was able to view http:/localhost no problem
Went to http://localhost/security and created .htaccess password, and updated my mySQL root user password
Stopped Apache service
Configured XAMPP so that I could create subdomains following these instructions: http://www.codingcereal.com/2011/05/setting-up-multiple-subdomains-in-your-localhost-using-xampp/
Re-Started Apache service
Was able to view my new subdomain just fine: http:/newsubdomain.localhost.com
Stopped Apache service
Edited my php.ini file to activate curl
Re-Started Apache service
At this point is where the fun begins.. Apache will either start, then stop on it's own or it simply will not start. Of course because of this, I am not longer able to view my localhost or any of my new subdomains.
I am stumped.. Hope the kind folks here can help..