The first time I did the install, it went straight to the admin area.
On a later time, it did say something about the database which scared me as it said it would more or less format it if I remember right.
I was pretty much committed so I followed the 2 or 3 steps and it
I got shipping and Paypal express working too.
I really don't like the responsive template when used on a small screen. It does not have a menu button at that point and is easy to become trapped and not move around the site.
Anyway, the problem was definitely needing to upgrade PHP for sure. I really appreciate the help and advice. I will try another install with another install and a pre-populated database and keep notes. I will wait for my old site to be fixed correctly by my regular maintence lady as I can not seem to add background image and color change for background! I added the code everywhere i could so no telling what is wrong now.

#logoWrapper {>>
width:760px;>>
height:110px;>>
background-image:url(../images/header_bg.jpg.???);>>
background-repeat:no-repeat;>>

If I can duplicate the next install I will post results and better document the install...............
In the meanwhile I thank yall for the comments and sharing of knowledge so very much. I would have liked to try the few page change suggestion but got scared with the live store and didnt have another 1.5.4 store set up.