importing data base error and general question about zen

[muah]

Hello. I'm finally getting around to upgrading from 1.57c to 1.58a and created test site and importing current data base into a test database, have done this before through the years without issue but this year an issue. Says SQL error "#1050 - Table 'address_book' already exists"
Lots of problems this time around, not the usual clear sailing. the PHP was upped on the site by the hosting company and had to move it back down for zc install to recreate the 1.57c test site so that i can upgrade to a test version...but have to move it back up for processing, then move it back down to use the zc_install. I think all these issues is that the hosting company is regulating everything to go to php 8 but the cart is not working optimally on 8 but 7.4.

Also, can someone better explain to me, or send me a link on how zen cart works.. as a company. I mean, are there volunteers? How do these people get paid, etc. Who are these people updating code on here, running tests, answering questions? Volunteers or paid? is it just goodwill?Been using this for years and years...figure i might as well ask.

Thanks