Let's just say you have already loaded xampp and attempted to run Apache and start coding, and you notice that it only runs for 2 seconds or so, then you might want to check the following:
1) disable your firewall and try again. some firewalls block apache from running or you can also name apache (xampp) as one of your exceptions.
2) alternatively, if your skype is running, you will not be able to run apache at all. apparently, they run on the same port (port 80) and only 1 can run at a time, so exit skype (no need to uninstall) then try running again.
I hope that helps.
