Windows XP SP3 breaks Apache

September 19, 2008

I've just installed Windows Service Pack 3 for XP (pro) and now Apache (as part of XAMPP) will not start. I have found this video on YouTube with a solution but it didn't work for me, nor does disabling the Windows firewall. Anyway if you haven't installed SP3 yet and have Apache then I suggest you don't until a fix is found!

It's going to be a long day. If only Macs were cheaper...

Update: I've now got it back working by uninstalling MSN Explorer, Windows Messenger & Outlook Express (which I had previous unistalled but SP3 adds them again). A reboot later and everything is fine.

4 comments

  1. What do MSN Explorer, Windows Messenger & Outlook Express do that causes Apache to fail?

    Comment by Rey Bango – September 19, 2008
  2. Hi Rey, to be honest I think absolutely nothing! I think it was just a combination of things and a reboot (as with most things windows) that fixed it.

    Comment by John Whish – September 19, 2008
  3. I got the SP3 update and Apache still works. I'm running version 2.2.

    Comment by Will Wilson – October 07, 2008
  4. Hi Will, I guess there must be something on my system that conflicts. I know that others have had an issue, but it's good to know that it doesn't affect everyone :)

    Comment by John Whish – October 07, 2008

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