VMWare Server will not run.

So basically I installed VMWare Serrver because it was the only free virtulizer that will allow me to run my XP partition from within my 7 partition.
however, after reboot I tried to launch the GUI by clicking on the browser shortcut, but Chrome and IE8 cannot connect and so they timed out (as if I misspelled a website address but did not fall to a cybersquatter).

So I tried installing the Console standalone app which runs, but it cannot connect to the server.

there are no vmware applications in the Notification area, And task manager shows no processes either.

windows 7 professional (I have to update my hardware info)

If it's any help it's a i7

Go to Services (Control Panel --> Administrative Tools --> Services) and then check to ensure the services shown in the screenshot are started. If not, you will need to start them then try connecting again. If you still are unable to connect, let us know what URL it is specifically trying to access and what error you are receiving.