WAMPserver Error: Could Not Execute Menu Item

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While working on my development site the other day, I needed to temporarily disable the alias_module of Apache. When it came time to re-enable it again, I ran into this error:

Could not execute menu item (internal error) [Exception] Could not perform service action: The service has not been started

Typically when I adjust a module in Apache or extension in PHP, the service automatically restarts. It didn’t in this case, so I figured stopping the Apache service, enabling the module, and restarting Apache would do the trick, but no luck.

I went to Google seeking help for this problem returning results of others having the same difficulty, although the cause wasn’t always the same. All the support threads I read (about 10) – including a few on the WAMPserver support forum – suggested completely removing the program (the whole C:\WAMP folder), restarting the computer, and trying again with a fresh installation.

I knew there had to be a better way, preferably one where I didn’t have to backup and restore my web documents and databases. It turns out I was correct, and it’s a quick fix too.

  1. At this point, the Apache service is already off. Go into the Apache > Service window and select Remove Service.
  2. Open up the Apache > Apache modules window and enable the desired module without resistance. In my case, it was alias_module
  3. Go back into the Apache > Service window and select Install Service.
  4. A window will pop-up to check the availability of port 80. Unless you’ve fiddled with ports, the message should say port 80 is available and the installation will proceed. Press Enter to continue.
  5. Within the Quick Admin menu of WAMPserver, select Restart All Services and both PHP and Apache should start-up without problem.

Posted in: Web Development

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is the site owner of Computer Tech Tips and is passionate about computer technology, particularly Windows-based software, malware removal, and web development. He enjoys helping people troubleshoot computer problems and providing technical support to family, friends, and people around the net. Xps wrote 78 article(s) for Computer Tech Tips.

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Comments (11)

  1. Chris says:
    at

    You save me ! (y)
    Thank you

  2. bala says:
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    thanks for ur tips it’s working perfectly

  3. HELP PLEASE says:
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    im Go back into the Apache > can’t install the apache service, please stop this aplication…

  4. XPS says:
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    First thing you have to do is stop the Apache service. Left-click the WAMPserver icon and click “Stop All Services,” and wait a moment for the WAMP icon to change to red. Then follow my tutorial from step 1 and hopefully it will work fine.

  5. Wagter says:
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    Thanks a lot for this. WAMP has given me its fair share of trouble in the pass. Maybe some of you guys can find this article helpful as well. http://www.peppermintdesign.co.za/2011/11/wamp-error-could-not-execute-menu-item-internal-error/

  6. mubarak says:
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    Hi, When i restart the application after installing service. The same error appear here.
    please help me to find out that what i do to do its right way.

    Thanks
    Mubarak

  7. XPS says:
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    1.) Stop WAMPserver’s Apache and MySQL services.
    2.) Remove the Apache service.
    3.) Install the specific Apache module you’re trying to install.
    4.) Reinstall the Apache service and verify port 80 is available for use.
    5.) Restart both the Apache and MySQL services.

    Are you sure you followed each step? Perhaps the link Wagter posted may be helpful. Although my solution worked for me, it seems some other people require different ones based on their computer’s settings.

  8. mubarak says:
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    hi XPS,

    when i used your fist step after stop all services in wamp. The Same error pop-up will come to me.. I don’t know i have to upload my site today. but i totally struck.

    Please help to recover my issue.

    Any help will be greatly appreciated.
    ————————-
    Hi Xps,
    I cannot remove the Apache service after stop all services in wamp. When i click the Apache remove service the Same error pop-up come here..

    please help me, I’m in critical situation.

    Thanks
    Mubarak

  9. Sinajudheen P says:
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    Dear XPS,

    Thank you so much. Very useful information.

    Reg.
    Sinajudheen P
    Chennai

  10. XPS says:
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    Thanks Sinajudheen. I’m glad you found it helpful.

  11. KDemarest says:
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    Thank you for this info. I got the source of my problem: Skype was running on port 80 and blocked the Apache service. After stopping Skype I went from step 1 and everything went ok 🙂

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