New Installation 5.5.6 .msi will not start (3 replies)

I am setting up a new MySQL installation on my local computer> I also set up PHP & Apache but they started OK. I've tried everything with the MySQL 5.5 Server setup. I have several books, I've tried website advise, I deleted the program 5 times and set it up gain using the installer. I've cleaned up my registry. I get all of way through the set up Instance wizard and get to the last screen. I use all of the default choices and the "Start Program" fails. The error message is always the same - mysql.exe application error, "The instruction at "0x0061c168 referenced memory at "0x00000000". The memory could not be "read". Click on OK to terminate the program. Click on CANCEL to debug the program. -

When I click on CANCEL nothing happens except the screen clears itself back to the desktop.

I will really appreciate any help with this problem.

I am an astronomy researcher who has always worked in the Windows environment. I now have to do some collaboration using MySQL/PHP/Apache. I am however setting up (or trying to) the Windows versions of these programs on my computer to learn how to use them before I try the UNIX.

Thanks,

Jerry - Seattle