Lyle, I actually love you, in that everybody is united kind of way. I’m up and offline. Thanks so much for the step by step. I’m actually using WAMP as I prefer it to XAMPP but I figured out how to transfer your great instructions – basically instead of the C:\xampp\htdocs its the C:\wamp\www folder and simply start all services in the Wampserver control panel if anyone is interested.
Such a silly thing was halting the install. When setting up the wp-config file the other guide for a WAMP setup said:
“Enter the database name you entered in Step (“wp2”) and Database user (“root”). Leave everything else as is and click “Submit”.
But in the password box, wordpress puts “password” which is obviously not empty and doesn’t work nor does it tell you why.
This was the clinching detail that made the world that little bit better:
– Password: EMPTY!!! make SURE there is NOTHING in this field, not even a space!
I commend you greatly and I am sending you happy thoughts right now and for the rest of the day ??
