Anything I missed out?
Yes - Its not such a complete mystery
Did you change the URL in WordPress > Dashboard > Settings > General?
WordPress (like most scripts) has to generate the URL for every action it takes from its own configuration.
You will need to switch back and make the change, then try it. If you DID change the WordPress URL's see the next line and its link:
There's a real possibility it won't work at all - read the last post in this Wordpress topic:
http://wordpress.org/support/topic/running-on-port-8080Now that you know the 'reason' - realize that this is a WordPress issue not a XAMPP one. If my recommendation does not work, you should inquire on a WordPress forum.
Oh yeah, Gooogle is your best friend.
Good Luck