problem FIXED with old XAMPP 1.7.1 from 2009.
don’t know why though… it also runs PHP 5.2.9 same as old WAMPServer that did NOT work!
found out HostGator is running 5.2.17 maybe PHP version isn’t the issue??
oh well… I’m happy, and thank you all (especially Antnee) again for pointing me in the right direction!