First, let me say I appreciate all the help but I am getting frustrated in that it seems the question I need help with is not being answered.
So, let me start from scratch:
1. I downloaded XAMPP and installed it.
2. I FTP'ed all my files from my host to a folder in htdocs.
3. I exported the database from my host and created a new database with xampp. Imported the sql file. I checked and the tables match.
4. I changed configuration files with the correct data.
5. Goto 127.0.0.1/newfolder and the site comes up -- without menu at the top. The warnings I listed below still come up.
So, it is NOT that I did something wrong. The site comes up, so obviously it is configured correctly. I installed xampp, have deleted it and reinstalled it twice. I checked, and rechecked the database and files. I deleted everything and redid the FTP of the whole folder AND deleted the database and re-exported and re-imported. And I tried using Akeeba instead of FTP, and the same exact scenerio results. What I need is help as to what the warnings mean and perhaps it will help me to pinpoint the problem.
Again, I really do appreciate the help, but what I need is a solution.
Thanks,
Doc