PHP/MySQL not playing nicely. Server drops connection. . .

Hi All, I recently installed PHP, APACHE, MYSQL per the method at the following site: http://switch.richard5.net/isp-in-a-box-v2/installing-mysql-on-mac-os-x/ . . .I then attempted to connect to a database (but without executing any commands on it), and I keep receiving the following error: Safari can’t open the page “http://localhost/~michwill/folder/validate_event.php” because the server unexpectedly dropped the connection, which sometimes occurs when the server is busy. You might be able to open the page later. I'm really not sure what the problem is or what to do about it. Can anyone help? I've ensured that all passwords and ports are correct. I've also tried using MAMP, but it keeps telling me that I can't access the database with the "connect" commands I'm using (although I've adjusted them. Anyway, any help would be much appreciated. Regards, Michael