mySQL and Apache Installation

MySQL:I am running windows 2000. I recently installed Service pack 4.
I installed mySQL as per specification in "PHP and mySQL, Web Development".
I did not save in the default folder, instead I opted to browse to a different location.
I installed mySQL (mysqld-nt --install) .
However, NET START mysql, was UNsuccesful initially, later it work, but then when I tried to stop it (NET STOP mysql) the message claimed it was had not been started, then it would not start again.
"mysqlshow" beckons an error ,message which states "Can't connect to 'MySQL' server on 'localhost' (10061)".

Apache:
URL and URL yields a blank page on the internet browser.
The error log states: "Apache server shutdown initiated..."

Help!!!!!!!!!!

Should I have kept my Service Pack 3?

have you configured apache at all?

try starting it manually (or via the start menu)... does it display an error?
Its my assumption that something isn't allowing Apache to run...
perhaps a port conflict? [do you have iis or something else running?]

I have it running now. My PHP scripts are executing. However when I am still having problems with the mySQL.
In Control Panel, Administra....,Services ... clicking on mySQL here shows that it has stopped, when I try to start it, an error message states that it "...terminated unexpectedly"

Oh, you had mentioned that localhost returns a blank page... I figured we'd tackle that problem first...

For MySQL, have you tried simply running mysqld-nt.exe (in mysql's bin folder)
Usually displays brings a traffic-light in your taskbar...

Otherwise, which version of MySQL are you running?

I had an unexplainable problem back in September where I couldn't run MySQL 4, but ran MySQL 3 without hassel... later (around December) I tried installing MySQL 4 again and it worked... certainly this of no use for you as I still have no idea what caused the problem... just felt like throwing it in =)