php, apachi, not running

[spire8118]

hello. I no this is a rite noob question so dont take the pee please.
I have downloaded php installer pack from the php website.
It downloads ok, and installs correctly, but it doesnt run.
When I download the download icon looks like that image you get on a file that doesnt start, when you double click it you get the message that file wont open and you need to download something to read it. The thumbnail image looks like a piece of paper, with a program screen with 6 different color smaller images within it. Windows say to run this programe it needs to find the thing that created it.
Hopefully you know what im going on about. The thing is I have other programes that work perfectly with these no-load problem images.
When I run apache it half works. I go to my browser and type in localhost and that 117.00.01 number that should bring you to the apache start page. It connects, but doesnt bring up the page and constantly is stuck on loading page.
My php scripts also look like that image I described earlier and wont run.
If someone could point me in the right direction I would be gratefull and should be able to find a solution, thanks.

[hanglide]

Try searching for WAMP

It will install a a working apache/Php/Mysql configuration on your PC.

Once you get that running you might want to consider doing some research on a manual install of apache/Php.

BTW A typical install of Apache will use 127.0.0.1 for localhost.

[spire8118]

Ok have done all that. i got to a site that goes through everything, but in the command prompt I cant even do the first bit because it doesnt work. I am following instructions word for word but it just dont work. even when I install the self installing programmes they dont work. any suggestions?

[gergoe]

If you have properly installed Apache, it will start listening for incoming connections on port 80, which might be already occupied by some other programs, or there's a nasty firewall blocking the http port.

I suggest you to disable any firewall software, and if it still does not start, run the

netstat -a -b

from the command line to see which process is listening on port 80. You'll see a long list as a result of that command, look for your_machine_name:80 or your_machine_name:http, and if you found that, examine the name of process (displayed just below that line).