help with install - getting a 404 not found

I'm getting a 404 not found. Trying to locate /catalog/includes/dist-configure.php but it doesn't seem to be in my loaded files. I'm a programmer just a shop owner so I need help that takes me step by step through the process.

'Catalog' is just a way of saying 'the directory where your store is located'. You want includes/dist-configure.php.

The version I loaded was an older version. Loaded up new release and am still getting a 404. I used my store name instead of catalog.

I guess I'm not sure what you're asking. Are you looking for the dist-configure.php file using FTP ?

You don't really need to edit that file anyway. Start your installation by pointing the browser to the root (top) directory of your store.