thank you for replying back. After looking at the info you have requested, I was able to resolve the problem on my own. I host with 1and1 where I use a .htaccess file to make my site support PHP5 . When I uploaded the files, I mistakenly replaced my htaccess file with the one provided with the cart - not knowing that I would be removing the line that makes my site support PHP5 . Once I realized this, I put back the line and was able to complete the installation. Thanks for taking the time to look at the problem.