appserv (apache/MySQL/php) & cre loaded (osCommerse)

I have Windows XP home
installed appserv

try http://localhost
received: The page cannot be displayed

checked apache - it did not start automatically - WinMySqladmin Ver. 1.4 did start (with green light)

tried to start apache manually from shortcut in start menu - command prompt opened but received error: the system cannot find the file specified. : no installed service named "apache2"

made sure httpd.conf file listed correct path to apache folder:
ServerRoot "C:/AppServ/Apache2"

checked the shortcut for starting apache - it had this as the target:
C:\AppServ\apache2\bin\Apache.exe -w -n "Apache2" -k start

Does anybody know what the extra switches at the end are for (-w -n etc...)

Went directly into the folders
C:\AppServ\apache2\bin and just dbl clicked Apache.exe and started it from there - apache seems to be running fine without the switches - hope this does not cause it to blow up!

Went to http://localhost and it is working fine (I think...)
"The AppServ Open Project - 2.5.3 for Windows" comes up

I am able to get into the "phpMyAdmin Database Manager Version 2.6.1-rc2" and the "PHP Information Version 5.0.3" just fine

Tried to install "Cre Loaded" but install hangs on database import (Computer doesn't hang - just install does)

Tried a few more times to install - same thing happens each time - tried downloading new copy from a different site -
same thing

WinMySQLadmin 1.4 is giving me a green light
Maybe this is to blame - on the !Environment tab - under MyODBC - it says "Not Found - Driver 3.51 Not Found"
How do I remedy this?

Does anybody see anything I am missing or need any additional information to help troubleshoot?