Trying to do server using apache

[unwashed potato!]

ok im watching this video tutorial on learning beginner php skills, am am stuggling to do the first step.

firstly im supposed to download some server thing from apache.org, called "apache_1.3.34-win32-x86-no_src"

once downloaded i installed it, argeeing with everything etc, calling the servername and network domain 'localhost' and entered my hotmail address, running as a service for all users. i installed the complete package if that helps. then when the woman type in http://localhost they get a screen saying install successful etc, but when i do it in IE it used to come up with some microsoft webpage, saying that it doesnt have a default webpage, but as i watched on i changed a few settings and now all i get is cannot find server. In firefox however it used to ask for a username and password, which i made one up, but then it would just go to another page saying something like 'I0E error'???

Now im lost as i have no clue on what i should do to change the server thing to get what she got. As far as i can remeber i changed the apache.httpd file in some areas, which were the document root, from some apache address, to c:/webroot, and the same for directory. Since then i have tried to restart the server in services, but i cannot, and i get this messege: ' The apache service on local computer started and then stopped. some serives stop automatically if the have no work to do, for example, performance logs and alerts service'.

I really havent a clue on what i should do now. She moves a index.html file in to the webroot folder, whici h tried but again same thing.

anyone know? sorry if this sounds so muddled up, i really am very confused atm

forgot to say that this is a home computer and that i am on a server already if that makes a differnce

 

[unwashed potato!]

Apologies if I'm being patronising, but I'll go for the basic stuff. Firstly, you've installed Apache but have you actually started the Apache web server? To turn it on, go to Start -> All Programs -> Apache HTTP Server [version number] -> Control Apache Server -> Start. It's possible they overlooked this in the walkthrough? If it's already on, try restarting it to see if that makes a difference.

I assume you've tried accessing http://127.0.0.1 too? That is, in essence, localhost. Have you tried it in a number of browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera etc.)?

That's about all I can think of for now. Good luck

i tried to turn it on by using the method you suggested but i dont seem to have the control apache server. all i got is configure apache server which jst leads to the httpd file, 2 websites, neither of them what i want. I have however tried to turn it on via this method: control panel, administrative tools, services, and then turning it on from there. however the messege staed in my first post is what i get by doing this. it used to be on and i could restart it and got that messge, but now it is off and i get that messege.

also yes i have tried 127.0.0.1 as like you said is it localhost.

any other ideas from people. should i uninstall it if possible and start from begining?

(EDIT)

Ok i couldnt wait any longer so i uninstalled it and installed it again. ill update if any further problemos