Apache Friends Support Forum

I am a total novice. I've installed everything but have no idea how to get MySQL working. Very very basic step by step instructions would be greatly appreciated

How did you start Apache?

I started it via the apache start icon like it says in the instructions.

Sorry, which "apache start icon"? You mean "apache_start.bat"? There must be a "mysql_start.bat" also.

try start->programs->apachefriends->xampp-control-panel
over there you can start apache/mysql/fileZilla/mercury

I have reinstalled everything and I now have the control panel. Once I have started apache and MySQL what do I do to actually start making tables?

got to phpmyadmin
http://localhost/phpmyadmin