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 get PostregSQL to work. I just installed the latest version (8.4) on a Dell Inspiron 5150 running Windows XP Service Pack 3. 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 accepting TCP/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: Connect failed".

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 suggestions you could provide.

Thanks,

Tim

Tim Clark
Department of Zoology
University of Hawaii