Apache downloaded, but I'm stuck

I am really confused

[badgermansix]

WinXP HE.
I am an utter novice at this.
I have downloaded the Apache server suite.
I installed it (I think)
it is on my "D" drive - as in d:\www folder.
When I went on line and typed in the address provided, I got the message that Apache had been installed correctly onto my machine.
I want to use it as a test server, as I understand that, I can test my website without going on line.
No other PC is involved.

Why am I confused? because I cannot see anyway into the Apache programme i.e. the command prompt, or anything else to get the programme running?.

can anyone advise please?

[mm1220]

There are a few packages that you can find on the web which will automatically install and configure an apache, mysql and php environment for you on a windows computer.

They are probably counter productive if you want to learn how to install and configure webservers but if you just want to develop some websites locally they're fine.

I've used xampp in the past and it worked a treat.

[windwood]

you will find a directory named as "bin" in the "d:\www" (or it's subdirectory) where contain the main execute file.

Apache has register as a service to auto start when the system boot, you can find it in the services manager.

[badgermansix]

mm1220, I will bear this in mind but as I have already installed it (I think), I will persevere with this at the moment.
windwood, thanks for your suggestion also,

<you will find a directory named as "bin" in the "d:\www" (or it's subdirectory)>

When I clicked on the bin file, a Red Icon, I saw a flash of the Command box (Black window) and it was gone.
This also happened when I clicked on the red icon with a clock(?) in it.
The bin folders that I opened contain just text files,

When I looked in the Services, Apache2 was running as was MySQL.

Where is the command promp box I ask myself?

[BillyS]

>>Where is the command promp box I ask myself?

Not sure I understand your question... You can start apache two ways (at least) in Windows. The first is by clicking on the bin (binary) file - something like apache.exe - either through a shortcut icon or by navigating to the file in explorer.

Apache can also be configured to start as a service (control panel, administrative tools, services). If it's installed as a service, you can drill down into the service's properties to figure out if it starts manually or automatically. To start a service manually, you can navigate to this location and click on the > icon.

When I'm playing around with Apache I look at two files - the error log and the httpd.conf file which is used to configure apache. Hope that helps.

[badgermansix]

Hello BillyS,
Thanks for your imput, which I thought was the answer.

I went to "Search" - Apache.exe. this gave me the Path -D:\www¦Apache2\Bin\Apache.exe which I followed.
When I clicked on the Apache.exe, I briefley saw a black window open and close.

I looked at the httpd.conf file which opened in
Notepad, and do not know what to do about that.

In "Services" Apache2 is running and is started automatically!

What have I done wrong please?
TIA