Ghostcore

Honestly I don't see the learning ability of using a shotgun approach. However an update I have Mysql and Mysqli extensions loading and showing under phpinfo(); problem is I had to completely uninstall and start from scratch Also i used Mysql 5.1 rather then the 5.5 which is NOT what im trying to get done. The question now changes direction a bit and becomes: How would I go about upgrading the MySQL to 5.5.10 from a currently working 5.1 version?

So I have ready countless how too's I have tried Different versions I have uninstalled and reinstalled sooo many times All Im trying to do is setup an apache web server for internal use with php and mysql capabilities. I can get apache to play nice with php but no matter what I do or try I just cant get phpinfo(); to display mysql modules information nor can I get phpmyadmin to connect. again Im using all updated stable binary's IS there a good verified walk trough for winxp/7? Please help.