Apache Friends Support Forum

Hi all,
I'm trying to do something without knowing how to do it and its killing me. My problem is regarding the Apache and MySql server always say busy. My system is Vista Business Edition, SP1. I followed everything and no matter what I still get the busy message for both Apache & MySQL. I can't acess my local host or PHP address I read to type up in the address bar. During installation I deactivated the UAC for vista. I read skype might be the issue so I checked off the port 80 & 443 it uses but nothing. I spent hours trying to figure this out and I just can't do it. Should I try and learn Apache, MySQL, and PHP all individually to get a better understanding of all of this.

Thanks for the help,
Mary

MaryFlower wrote:I followed everything and no matter what I still get the busy message for both Apache & MySQL.

What exactly did you follow and what version of XAMPP are you using?

MaryFlower wrote:Should I try and learn Apache, MySQL, and PHP all individually to get a better understanding of all of this

IMHO it would be best trying to understand how XAMPP works as the alternative you mentioned is even harder and is why XAMPP was developed in the first place.

When you installed XAMPP you obviously elected to start the Apache and MySQL components as a service.

You need to be logged into Vista as an Administrator or a Super Administrator to be able to do most things in XAMPP.

Let me know back exactly what you have tried to do to fix your issues then I may be able to suggest an alternative fix for you.

Sharley,

These are the steps I followed and actions I performed. I don't know what else to do.

1) I downloaded XAMPP 1.7.1 for Windows Vista.
2) I followed Method A: Installation with the Installer.
3) Logged in under Super Admin, UAC is disabled, installed in the c:\docs\xampp directory because of permission issues. I did not install Apache and MySQL services because I read you don't need to have this service running all the time. Rebooted.
4) I open up my browser and type in http://localhost/ and get the following message.
-IE 7 Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage
-Firefox Connection Interrupted, The network link was interrupted while negotiating a connection. Please try again.
5) This is the message I get from the XAMPP control panel once I click on start Apache & MySql button with the Svc box checked off. Busy..., Apache service started, Busy...MySql service started. Message without the Svc box checked off. Busy... Apache started [port 80], Busy... MySql started [port 3306].

I'm trying really hard to make sense of this because I'm not not a pro or even close to it. Any information you can provide would be very grateful.

Thank you,
Mary

Hello Mary,
Can you access the XAMPP Welcome page using http://127.0.0.1 in your browsers?

Sharley,

I reinstalled the whole setup and it finally worked using the http://127.0.0.1 I really appreciate your help in this. I do have one more request though. I would like to be more efficient about everything that has to do with XAMPP and its components. Do you recommend any books, tutorials or anything that can lead me to more hands on practice.

Thank you,
Marry

MaryFlower wrote:I reinstalled the whole setup and it finally worked using the http://127.0.0.1

...but you still can't access using http://localhost ?

Here is the fix for the localhost issue if you still can't access it:
Open Notepad by right clicking and selecting to run as an administrator.

Now open C:\Windows\system32\drivers\etc\Hosts file.

Make sure that the first available line is:
127.0.0.1 localhost

Then look for this line:
::1 localhost
(This line is the IPv6 localhost which is not recognised by Apache in XAMPP).

Comment it out so it looks like this:
# ::1 localhost

Save the file and close Notepad then try and access http://localhost again.


The best source for XAMPP info is here on the Forums using the advanced search facility.
Also the XAMPP for Windows home page and the XAMPP for Windows FAQ.
Google is also your best friend.

XAMPP is made up of various components and the web sites of these components are the best source of related information.


Mary, please let me know if the Hosts file fix helped.
Thanks.

Sharley,

You are totally right. I was not able to connect to the http://localhost until I followed your instructions which I must say were SUPER clear.

Now, I'm able to connect to both the http://localhost AND http://127.0.0.1

How did you know and what does the notepad file have to do with all of this?

MaryFlower wrote:How did you know and what does the notepad file have to do with all of this?

If you can access with the local loop back address of 127.0.0.1 but not with the localhost IPv4 equivalent address then it had to be the IPv6 address that was at issue in the Windows Hosts file.

Using Notepad in the manner I suggested has been found to eliminate the problem some had of not been able to save the system Hosts file after editing in Vista.

Mary, I am pleased that we were able to help and that XAMPP is now up and running.