Problems with installing Apache

[mke48]

I recently tried to install Apache HTTP Server 2.0.64, Win32 Binary without crypto (no mod_ssl) (MSI Installer): httpd-2.0.64-win32-x86-no_ssl.msi

However, when I try to start the program I get the error "the system cannot find the file specified. No installed service named "apache2".

In the 'error' folder, I do not see an error log, but I do see some .var files. They are:
HTTP_BAD_GATEWAY.html.var
HTTP_BAD_REQUEST.html.var
HTTP_FORBIDDEN.html.var
HTTP_GONE.html.var
HTTP_INTERNAL_SERVER_ERROR.html.var
HTTP_LENGTH_REQUIRED.html.var
HTTP_METHOD_NOT_ALLOWED.html.var
HTTP_NOT_FOUND.html.var
HTTP_NOT_IMPLEMENTED.html.var
HTTP_PRECONDITION_FAILED.html.var
HTTP_REQUEST_ENTITY_TOO_LARGE.html.var
HTTP_REQUEST_TIME_OUT.html.var
HTTP_REQUEST_URI_TOO_LARGE.html.var
HTTP_SERVICE_UNAVAILABLE.html.var
HTTP_UNAUTHORIZED.html.var
HTTP_UNSUPPORTED_MEDIA_TYPE.html.var
HTTP_VARIANT_ALSO_VARIES.html.var

I also checked the 'services' folder, but could not find Apache there. Anyone know what I can do about this?

[phranque]

you must add the directory containing the apache modules to your PATH variable.
you can search your disk drive for the module name if you don't know which directory it's in.

[mke48]

I tried to open it from the start menu->apache http server 2.0->control apache server-> start.
I get an error message saying "the system cannot find the file specified. No installed service named "apache2".

I also see the Apache icon on my system tray with a 'stop' icon. When I go to the Apache service monitor and click 'services', I don't see apache anywhere

I think I already disabled IIS and skype from using port 80 because I don't see address 0.0.0.0:80 as being used by anything

[mke48]

I know the directory to the apache modules. But what is the path variable?

[phranque]

i missed welcoming you to WebmasterWorld, mke48!

i also think i misread that error message originally so i'm not sure it's a path problem.
you didn't mention what version of windows but for example, Microsoft Windows XP - Path:
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/path.mspx?mfr=true [microsoft.com]


if your apache service monitor doesn't show the apache service then you might have an apache config problem.
have you checked your server error log file?

you might have something else using port 80 for that IP or hostname.
either IIS or some other http service may still be running.
it's also possible you'll need a reboot between shutdown of one service and startup of another.

[mke48]

I am using Vista. I don't know where to find the server error log file. In the 'error' folder of apache2, I only see the .var files I mentioned in my OP along with the folder 'include'

[lucy24]

I suppose it's too much to hope that there's a directory called /logs/ ? (I'm not just babbling. That's where MAMP keeps them. Where non-errors are logged is a bit of a mystery, though.)