Magento Database Error

[SOXUSHGM]

Hello friends, I'm new to XAMPP and web development in general. I'm trying to install Magento using XAMPP. I've come across an issue even though I've followed this exact example
http://opensourcecmsinfo.com/how-to-install-magento-1-7-0-2-step-by-step-with-screenshots/

When I come to the configuration page I keep on getting a database error even though my database name matches the one that i've created in phpMyAdmin
Yes I have imported sample data from magento's website http://www.magentocommerce.com/download

please help me. I've read a week's worth of forums and discussions about what the issue may be and so far they've all come to a dead end.