I was in the same boat and getting nowhere until I got the following advice from Perl Monk 'Tye':

"Although the version of Perl source code from ActiveState is the most popular, I prefer IndigoPerl because it has a more basic install process, a less restrictive license, a nice GUI module installer, and includes Apache web server."

- tye (but my friends call me "Tye")

I definitely recommend Indigo Perl -- it's fast, easy, and nothing new to learn for Windows users. After installing, follow the instructions for 'Using the Apache Webserver'. You can be up and running in 15 minutes. (You don't need to do the registry edits other methods require.)