Common Errors When Using XAMPP on Windows

Written by: Stephen | 28 November 2025 | Hits: 477
3 min read
Common Errors When Using XAMPP on Windows

Setting up a local server with XAMPP is convenient, but many developers eventually face recurring issues during installation, configuration, or project execution. Understanding these problems and their solutions makes development smoother and avoids wasted hours.

This guide explores the most common XAMPP errors on Windows, why they happen, and clear steps to fix them effectively.

1. Apache Port Conflict (Port 80 / 443 Already in Use)

This is the most frequent issue. Apache often fails to start because another application is using port 80 or 443. Typically, Skype, IIS, VMware, or Windows services occupy these ports.

How to Fix

  • Open Task Manager → switch to Services.
  • Locate World Wide Web Publishing Service (W3SVC) and stop/disable it.
  • In XAMPP Control Panel, open Config → Service and Port Settings.
  • Change Apache ports to something like 8080 and 444.

After saving, restart Apache and try accessing your site via localhost:8080.

2. MySQL Not Starting or Unexpected Shutdown

Sometimes MySQL starts for a second then turns red and shuts down. This usually points to corrupted databases, port conflicts, or improper shutdown in previous sessions.

Fix Suggestions

  • Stop XAMPP completely and run as Administrator.
  • Check if port 3306 is used by another MySQL service.
  • Rename the folder xammp/mysql/data to data_old.
  • Copy contents from xammp/mysql/backup into xammp/mysql/data.

Restart MySQL. If the service starts successfully, recover projects by moving specific database folders from data_old back into the new data directory.

3. “Access Forbidden” on Localhost

If your browser displays a 403 Forbidden error, it's usually caused by incorrect directory permissions or security rules in the httpd.conf file.

How to Fix

  • Open 
    C:\xampp\apache\conf\httpd.conf
    .
  • Find the Directory block <Directory "C:/xampp/htdocs">.
  • Replace Require local with Require all granted if you want external access.

Save and restart Apache for changes to apply.

4. phpMyAdmin Login Errors

Users often encounter login failures or incorrect password prompts when trying to access phpMyAdmin. By default, MySQL uses no password for root, which may cause confusion.

Solution

  • Access phpMyAdmin/config.inc.php.
  • Set: $cfg['Servers'][1]['auth_type'] = 'config';
  • Then assign a password using the MySQL console if required.

5. “Connection Refused” or “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET”

This often occurs due to firewall blocking Apache or MySQL processes.

Fix Checklist

  • Allow XAMPP.exe through Windows Firewall.
  • Whitelist Apache (httpd.exe) and MySQL (mysqld.exe).
  • Disable antivirus if it blocks local ports.

6. Slow Loading or Timeout

Slow responses indicate heavy extensions, low system memory, or PHP misconfiguration.

Optimizations

  • Disable unused PHP modules from php.ini.
  • Increase values like max_execution_time, memory_limit, upload_max_filesize.
  • Close background applications to free system resources.

7. Project Not Showing After Copying Files

Copying a project directly into htdocs doesn’t guarantee it works immediately. Missing database imports or path differences often break the project.

Checklist

  • Import database via phpMyAdmin manually.
  • Update configuration files such as wp-config.php or configuration.php.
  • Ensure rewrite modules are enabled for CMS frameworks.

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In summary, most XAMPP errors on Windows come from port conflicts, permissions, corrupted MySQL data, or misconfiguration. Understanding these patterns makes local web development more stable and less frustrating.