Launching Apache without the cmd window

[theillustratedlife]

Hi guys. I'm trying to make an [xampp] gadget for Windows Sidebar. I have the launch functionality working, except that it starts a new window for apache.exe. If I kill the window, it kills apache.

How does xampp launch the console version of apache without creating a console window?

Thanks!

[Izzy]

Open a command console in xampp\apache\bin

At the prompt type:
apache -h
Gives available Apache command options.

apache -k install
Installs Apache as a service but does not start it.

apache -k start
Starts apache when it's installed as a service and you can close the console window.

You can experiment with the available commands to get what you want to do.

[theillustratedlife]

Thanks Izzy. I was aware that I cna install it as a service, but I'd rather not if I can help it. Vista takes up enough RAM without my help installing more services.

The xampp panel lets you quietly start Apache without installing it as a service. Does anyone know how?