Server not listening

I am new to postgresql and am having problems connecting to the server. I am wanting to run PostGIS but can't seem to
getPostregSQL to work. I just installed the latest version (8.4) on a Dell Inspiron 5150 running Windows XP Service
Pack3.  I am following the tutorial at:
 

http://www.bostongis.com/PrinterFriendly.aspx?content_name=postgis_tut01
"Getting Started With PostGIS: An almost Idiot's Guide"

I started pgAdmin III and double clicked on the server "PostgreSQL 8.4(localhost:5432).  I gave my password and got the
message:

Server doesn't listen
The server doesn't accept connections: the connection library reports 
could not connect to server: Connection refused (0x0000274D/10061) Is the server running on host "127.0.0.1" and
acceptingTCP/IP connections on port 5432? 
 

I have read a couple other threads about this problem and I think I have narrowed down my problem to the port 5432
connection. I turned off Windows firewall, and typed "ping 127.0.0.1" at the command prompt.  The ping worked.  I then
tried"telnet 127.0.0.1 5432" at the command prompt and received "could not open connection to the host, on port 5432:
Connectfailed".
 

My postresql.conf file has listen address set to "*" and port set to 5432.

I am a biologist, not a computer expert, and have no idea how to get port 5432 to work.  I would appreciate any help or
suggestionsyou could provide. 
 

Thanks,

Tim




Tim Clark
Department of Zoology 
University of Hawaii