Moe,
So as others viewing this thread don't get confused, the docs say to rename the dist-configure.php TO configure.php.
It does not tell you to rename the configure.php file. Thus my question.

The "system error" you are finding with Firebug is simply a call in the css to tell the system what color to use if it has to show you an error.

Have you renamed the zc_install directory? That may be why you don't get anything but a blank page.

Have you tried continuing with the setup that happens when you type in yoursite.com/shop? If this is a fresh install, I'd try that first.