title: How to activate the mysql database in xampp on windows platform?
body: <p>I've installed XAMPP on my Windows XP.  I started the XAMPP control panel and it shows apache and mysql are running.</p>
  
  <p>When I check the status by going to <code>localhost/xampp</code> it shows:</p>
  
  <pre><code>mysql : deactivated
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>When I run php files that access the mysql database, it shows the following errors:</p>
  
  <pre><code>Warning: mysql_connect() [function.mysql-connect]: [2002] No connection could 
  be made because the target machine actively refused it. (trying to connect 
  via tcp://localhost:3306) in C:\xampp\htdocs\Elo_algorithm.php on 
  line 18
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>I've been through the XAMPP troubleshooting page and FAQ but I don't understand what to do.  The XAMPP control panel shows mysql is running, but xampp status shows: <code>deactivated</code>.</p>
  
  <p>What is going on here?</p>