I don't know which Windows version you are on, but here is my suggestion:

Disable or uninstall IIS.

Install Apache 2.2.21 for Windows (http://httpd.apache.org/download.cgi#apache22... )

Install and configure PHP (http://se.php.net/manual/en/install.windows.php... and http://windows.php.net/download/... )

Install MySQL with Workbench for easy db administration (http://www.mysql.com/downloads/mysql/... )

Follow all steps in this guide: http://www.concrete5.org/documentation/installation/hosts/windows_s...

Use Wamp, its very good you can download it here:

http://www.wampserver.com

Orhttp://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp-windows.html...

Both for programs are for windows..

its very easy to install:-)

OBS. if u want to build up the hole site (with text and pictures)you need insert this in your My.ini file

Go to line:
# The MySQL server
[mysqld]

Add this:
lower_case_table_names = 0

Why im doing this i becoz when u export the database from your localhost, the letters will changes to BIG letters instad of small letters,then Concrete cant read it.

hope that will help

/Mike

I am new to C5 myself and just the other day went through the process you are now.

I'm on Windows XP:

installed xampp (the package, rather than installing Apache, PHP, MySQL separately - see below for my notes on installing of xampp**)

downloaded C5 and moved the installation into xampp/htdocs

then used the following to help me through the rest of the process:

http://www.concrete5theme.com/how-to-install-concrete5-cms-locally/...

http://www.concrete5.org/index.php?cID=6552...


** INSTALLING XAMPP

slideshow for step by step installation:http://help.joomla.org/ghop/feb2008/task167/xampp.html...

and more info:
http://docs.joomla.org/Use_Joomla!_1.6_on_your_own_computer...

NOTES FROM MY OWN XAMPP INSTALLATION EXPERIENCE:

on installing XAMPP I did not check the boxes for:

SERVICE SECTION
* Install Apache as service
* Install MySQL as service
* Install FileZilla as service

Info on XAMPP security etchttp://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp-windows.html#522...

You should set up a password for root user.

With help fromhttp://forum.joomla.org/viewtopic.php?f=615&t=635868... I edited file: C:/Xampp/php/php.ini as follows:

1. locate
error_reporting =
And change the value to
error_reporting = E_ALL & ~E_NOTICE & ~E_DEPRECATED
2. locate
display_errors = On
And change the value to
display_errors = Off
3. output_buffering = 4096 changed to output_buffering = Off