Help With XAMPP?

So I decided to start learning PHP, so I downloaded XAMPP. The tutorials I'm watching tell me to start Apache and MySQL. However, when I try to launch Apache, it either:
1. Says port 80 is being used by System (I've port-forwarded correctly) or
2. Completely crashes.

I've tried launching it as an administrator, and that fixes the crashing, but I still can't launch Apache. Help?

Run a VM with CentOS. It's much better than running Apache in Windows.

i havent had any problems with xampp :s
i didnt need to port forward either
what programs are you running?

Whenever I test PHP, I use my XAMPP server on my Mac, but I don't see why you have to port forward. I just connect using localhost, and then when wanting to release any code, I host it on 000webhost or Lieudusty's server :P/>

I think the port 80 being used by the system problem may occur because some ISPs don't allow you to host on the default port (well, at least Lieudusty's doesn't, so he's using 8080). You can change the default XAMPP port number by editing the httpd.conf (under xamppfiles/etc/httpd.conf, or something like that), and search for "Listen 80". Around line 40, there should be the line Listen 80. Change the 80 to a different port number (like 8080), and then restart the Apache server. Try connecting by using [External IP address]:[new port number]. (Tutorial)

EDIT: Probably should add that I've never experienced any troubles with XAMPP either. Just the freaking PHPMyAdmin is so out of date…

PixelToast, on 01 March 2013 - 04:42 AM said:

i havent had any problems with xampp :s
i didnt need to port forward either
what programs are you running?

Yeah same, didn't need to do anything.

All I did was:

1. Install
2. Put my php files in xampp/htdocs
3. open location in browser ( localhost/index.php - maybe try http://localhost/index.php )

The index.php should be there from installation for testing if the installation of xampp was successful or not.

Alternatively if you REALLY need to test these php files asap, maybe use a free webhost, such as 000webhost. It takes quite sometime to upload the file etc, not like a long time but longer than using xampp.

you dont need to specify /index.php it will automatically do that >_>

PixelToast, on 01 March 2013 - 05:34 AM said:

you dont need to specify /index.php it will automatically do that >_>

Lol well sorry! First time i've actually tested that page!

If port 80 is already being used, then something else listens on that port, may be skype (in skype go to Tools->Options; on the left side open "Advanced". Choose Connection and uncheck the first checkbox at "Use port 80 and 443 […]". restart skype after that i think) Or may be PMB.exe (look for i tin task manager)

@ISP Blocking: i doubt your PC cares what your ISP blocks, just means it won't be reachable?