ok, I got apache in fine, php plugged in and working smoothly, and mysql up and running. Took me a few hours, and some serious diggin but I got everything runnin. Can't seem to access the MT datadump though... I did however get a copy of Invisionboard running, so will be playing with a copy of vB soon. My guess is that I imported the database wrong or got a permision goofed somewhere.
But..I'm making progress...so far, no cities have been vaporized either.
Thank you for all the help n patience.