apache won't start on win7 enterprise 64bit

[Onoref]

I guess you guys must be getting tired of this type of topic by now.

Here's what's going wrong:
-I start the control panel. Hit the start button next to Apache, I get the message: Busy ... Apache starting. Running goes green, 1 second later it goes away again.
-MySQL and all the other things work perfectly.
-This is 1 computer in a set of HP Compaq systems in a class room, all installed using the same WSUS image.

Things I tried:
-Install xampp using the .exe
-Install xampp using the .zip (so just extract)
-Checked the path, it's c:\xampp
-Checked the error log in c:\xampp\apache\logs\error.log ... it's empty
-check ports, everything is free
-turn off Symantec Endpoint Protection
-try running as a service
-check for apache services
-run as administrator
-in the setup turn off SSI, turn off HTTPS, only use IPv4

I'm running into a brick wall here ... Ooh all mighty guru's ... please help me!

[Altrea]

-run as administrator

The option in the rightclick context-menu on xampp control panel link?
Have you tried to run the install exe as administrator too?

-Checked the error log in c:\xampp\apache\logs\error.log ... it's empty

Seems like Apache can't change/write to the logfiles.
Are you sure you run the control panel as Administrator (rightclick context menu)?

[Onoref]

The option in the rightclick context-menu on xampp control panel link?
Have you tried to run the install exe as administrator too?

Just did that, same result

Seems like Apache can't change/write to the logfiles.
Are you sure you run the control panel as Administrator (rightclick context menu)?

-go to c:\xampp\
-right click xampp-control.exe and chose Run as Administrator

Yes tried, same result

[Onoref]

Just got the answer handed to me.

-Run xampp-control.exe as administrator
-right click on \xampp\apache\bin\httpd.exe and select properties.
-go to the compatibility tab and select: "Run this program in compatibility mode: winxp sp3"
-apply / ok, close the window.
-hit the Start button in the control panel

... it works