Apache Won't Start (Windows XP SP2) - XAMPP 1.7.7 (SOLVED)

[Sharley]

You may need to reboot and then delete the xampp folder.

You should also be logged in to XP as an administrator if you are not already.

I also may now know what the issue is especially if you tried installing and uninstall XAMPP a few times.

[ScottyBoy]

Noooooo!! I did a complete reinstall following your instructions, and Apache still does not start.

Panel Text

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8:30:59 PM  [main]    Initializing main
8:30:59 PM  [main]    Windows version: 5.1 (build 2600) - Service Pack 2
8:30:59 PM  [main]    Xampp version: 1.7.7
8:30:59 PM  [main]    Control center version: 3.0.2 [ Compiled: Jul 21th 2011 - build #1 ]
8:30:59 PM  [main]    Running as admin - good!
8:30:59 PM  [main]    Working with basedir: "c:\xampp\"
8:31:00 PM  [main]    Initializing moduls
8:31:00 PM  [main]    Starting check-timer
8:31:04 PM  [apache]    Starting apache app...
8:31:09 PM  [mysql]    Starting mysql app...
8:31:10 PM  [mysql]    Status change detected: running


Apache still does not have an error log. :/

[Sharley]

Go to the xampp folder and double click on the apache_start.bat file and let me know what the returned message is.

You can use the Edit facility by clicking the little icon in the top left of the console window to mark the copy and the back to the forum reply and paste the result.

We are not done yet.

[ScottyBoy]

It just flashes a black window really fast and closes.

[Sharley]

In CP3 click on the xampp-shell button and type apache_start.bat then return, what does it say?

[ScottyBoy]

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# apache_start.bat
Diese Eingabeforderung nicht waehrend des Runnin
Bitte erst bei einem gewollten Shutdown schliess
Please close this command only for Shutdown
Apache 2 is starting ...
The system cannot execute the specified program.


[Sharley]

Scotty,
At the same shell command prompt type sc delete apache2.2 then return, what does it say?
If it tells you 'nothing to do' or similar wording then no need to paste here.

This will remove any old sticking Apache services in the registry if there are any.

The message returned by the bat file seems to suggest a system issue that we may be able to locate.

So, try this:
Click Start>Administrator Tools>Event Viewer>Application and look for Apache entries, usually with a red icon, then double click on the item and it will open a windows with all the details of the issue.

Paste back the message if you find one - you can highlight the text and type by holding down Ctrl and hitting C which will copy it then paste it in a reply box here.

Is your XP SP2 updated automatically and have you all the latest patches etc.?

Your issue may be related to the VC9 runtime files missing from your PC that is preventing Apache (compiled using VC9 TS ) from starting but the above Application error message may throw some light on that.

If they are missing and to save you some time, if I am not here, then the latest runtime files that you need can be downloaded and installed from here:
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/de ... px?id=5582

After installing the run time files reboot and then open the CP3 and try again to Start Apache - fingers crossed. .


Scotty, I hope you enjoyed our step by step troubleshoot journey as it may have given you some useful tips along the way, that is, if it really was the run time file issue in the end.

Best wishes and the very best of luck.

[ScottyBoy]

Yeeha!!! It works! Thank you so much, Sharley, you saved my life! After I installed that thing you linked me, Apache started right up. I'm a happy camper.

[Sharley]

Great news Scotty - beam me up.

Thanks for the feed back.

Best wishes.


For others reading this topic, the developer, after some discussion on the runtime file issue, may include the runtime dll in the next release with possibly a system check to see if the dll is required or not .

Until then the above solution post should be considered if your symptoms are the same after installing 1.7.7 for example Apache won't start after installing but everything else seems to be working just fine.