Installing XAMPP after Joomla! 2.5 problem - Joomla! Forum - community, help and support

hi!
i new @ , have problems getting things work after following joomla! website instructions exact can. started installing joomla! 2.5 first via microsoft webmatrix. after installed xampp 1.7.3 instructed , followed installation instructions. got far usind xampp controll panel apache box ticked isnt on "running" sql is. says "started" , admin box not activated. when trying browes: http://localhost/ - says bad request ( because joomla site allready created has number after - should type in?).

i want things right way - can uninstall , redo it? please advice me how procced...

thanks!

skalman