Starting and Testing Apache and MySQL

Apache runs PHP pages and MySQL stores application data. Both services must be running while you develop or demonstrate a database-backed project.
Start the services
Open XAMPP Control Panel.
Select Start beside Apache.
Select Start beside MySQL.
Wait until both rows are highlighted and show running process identifiers and ports.
Do not select Svc or install Windows services unless your teacher or IT team asks you to.
Test Apache and MySQL
Open 
http://localhost/. A XAMPP dashboard confirms Apache is responding.
Then open 
http://localhost/phpmyadmin/. If phpMyAdmin appears, Apache is serving the interface and MySQL is available.
Local does not mean public. A localhost page normally runs only on your computer. Continue to use fictional project data.
Understand the status
Status
Meaning
Action
Green/running
Service started
Continue working
Starts then stops
A port or file may be unavailable
Read and record the log
Red error text
XAMPP reports a specific problem
Keep the message for troubleshooting
Browser cannot connect
Service or address may be wrong
Recheck both
Apache commonly uses ports 80 and 443; MySQL commonly uses 3306. Ask before changing ports or stopping unfamiliar Windows services. Never disable security software to solve a conflict.
Stop services cleanly
Close database pages, select Stop beside MySQL, then stop Apache and close the Control Panel.
Verification checklist
 Apache and MySQL show as running.
 Both localhost addresses open.
 You can stop both services cleanly.
 Any error is recorded exactly before troubleshooting.