Why does XAMPP for Windows 1.7.7 not install Apache on Windows XP

apache-http-serverxampp

I've been installing XAMPP for windows (xp and windows7) for years, which is always a simple install and Apache/PHP works fine.

However, now with the 1.7.7 version, I get the same problem on two Windows XP machines, here is what I downloaded:
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When I install, the only thing I changed from the default choices was I checked that Apache should run as a service:

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In the browser, localhost fails to connect:

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When I check the control, panel, it says it has started but also has a worker thread issue:

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and I don't see it anywhere in my services:

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I've tried the beta control panel but it tells me this:

9:38:51 PM  [apache]    There may be an error, return code: 14001 - This application has failed to start because the application configuration is incorrect. Reinstalling the application may fix this problem.
9:38:51 PM  [apache]    Service was NOT (un)installed!
9:38:51 PM  [apache]    One possible reason for failure: On windows security box you !!!MUST UNCHECK!!! that "Protect my computer and data from unauthorized program activity" checkbox!!!

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How can I get Apache running with XAMPP for Windows 1.7.7 on Windows XP?

Best Answer

Download and install Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable Package (x86) and restart XAMPP.

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