i gave that a shot, but there is no ability to create any sub folders, upload files, install modules, install skins, etc..

Hi ech01, I'm having the same problems to you but have got past where you are stuck. When you're on the page that says:

Could not find a part of the path "D:\Websites\intranetTest\Config\Backup_2006871449\web_.config".
<snip>
If using Windows 2003 - IIS6
- the NT AUTHORITY\NETWORK SERVICE User Account must have Read, Write, and Change Control of the virtual root of your website

Just refresh. DNN is looking for the backup of the install you've just killed by deleting the DB. A refresh kicks it into thinking it has to reinstall not restore from a backup.

Hope you get past this as you will probably be where I am now. Still can't create the portal/0 folder or copy DesktopModules from admin to root even though my shared hosting admins say the file permissions are set correctly which I understand is:
"NETWORK SERVICE" account needs "Modify" permission in your Portal install folder. You need to grant the permission to domain root path "wwwroot" folder if you use Helm control panel."

Paul