Problem:
I am unable to start the localhost server (wamp / xampp).
When I type http://localhost or http://127.0.0.1 in Firefox, I get the following error message:-
Unable to connect
Firefox can’t establish a connection to the server at localhost.
When I type http://localhost or http://127.0.0.1 in Google Chrome, I get the following error message:-
This webpage is not available
The webpage at http://localhost/phpmyadmin/ might be temporarily down or it may have moved permanently to a new web address.
Cause:
The main cause for this problem is Skype. If you are logged in to Skype then you will have this problem because Skype uses port 80 as alternatives for incoming connections.
Solution:
– Open Skype
– Go to Tools -> Options -> Advanced -> Connection
– Uncheck ‘Use port 80 and 443 as alternatives for incoming connections‘
– Sign out, close and restart Skype
Problem solved. Now the wamp or xampp server can be started and you can open and browse through localhost.
Hope this helps. Thanks.