Okay,

Since I couldn't figure out what broke in the first place-these are the steps I took in fixing it. Pretty painless.

1) In host's CPanel, did db backup. Make your config files writeable again.
2) Uploaded zc_install folder from desktop to host (Always keep a pristine copy of original upload files on hand! Has saved my ######## on numerous occasions)
3) typed in www.mywebsite.com/store/zc_install to start installer again (of course, use your webstite's name and location of your store)
4) do a complete install that will OVERRIDE the database; not to worry, you just did a backup, right?
5) All is loved & light afterwards, and all data and customizations are in tact.
6) Remember to delete your installer folder on host, and return your config files to 644 (un-writeable).

Whew~