How do I get WP 3.7.1 Multisite to run on my desktop?

Anybody have any advice on how to get WP multisite to run on a desktop/laptop Localhost under MS Vista? So far I have tried 3 different methods into a root directory from scratch using the Bitnami installers with sub-directoy installs, and failed in all three:
1. Using Wampstack 5.4.21 installer: installs ok into the root of a separate disc partion, but infinite loop on login with “ERROR: Cookies are blocked or not supported by your browser”. Clearing all cookies/caches makes no difference. Editing the login.php file as suggested below cleared the error message but not the redirect loop(http://wordpress.org/support/topic/cookie-error-when-logging-in?replies=117).
2. Using Xampp and standard Bitnami WP 3.7 installer into clean root directory creates site ok. Manually adding Multisite options following standard codex process creates sites, but can’t access the sub-site admins. Sub-site pages visble but not formatted. None of the forum suggestions for editing the htaccess, wp-config, or Apache httpd files clears the problem.
3. Downloaded and installed Bitnami WordPress 3.7.1 multisite windows installer. Installed successfully into main root directory (C:), but same login cookie error as above!

I am on the point of giving up on this, since I can’t see any other way forward. Does anyone have any advice??