As you have just installed Xampp with PHP & MySql, you may need to re-import the database from the starter kit into your mySql - either through mySql Administrator as per section 3 of the tutorial (03 Schema tour.swf), or directly through phpMyAdmin which should be accessible via the xampp icon in the notification area of your task bar. (You can also reach phpMyAdmin directly in your browser address bar at phpMyAdmin )