Yes, it is a zip file downloaded from zencart.com
as to setup of the config files, I used the same parameters as used in my 1.3x version, with exception of the database. No error messages, so I think I'm ok on config files.

define('ENABLE_SSL_ADMIN', 'true');
define('ENABLE_SSL_CATALOG', 'true')
[changed from 'false']

Once set, zen cart went through the setup process, then advised to rename the admin directory, which I did.

Yes, a new database. What happened was my host upgraded PHP to a higher version [never gave advance notice, they just did it] than what would support 1.3.8 With all the add-ons in 1.3.8 database, my guess is it won't work in a 'clean' version.

I needed a kick in the ######## to upgrade anyway. Google needs an upgrade, and the website needs to be mobile friendly, and the site really needs a face lift. The worst part is this had to happen during tax time. I'm in the middle of inventory and data gathering, and with the site down-no sales. Double worse, I have 2 zen websites.

Once I get it going, I hope to get my 'localmachine' running on the old version so that I can copy/paste product into 1.5.4, or at best, remove the add-ons so that I can use the old DB in 1.5.4 ..... one step at a time as they say.

Keith