Setup does not connect to database

I have searched the forum and have found several posts about not connecting to database, but no real solutions.  There was a reference to a post about a solution, but I could not find that post.

I am trying to install open cart for the first time.

I get through step 1.

In step 2 when you enter your database info I get either:

"Error: Could not connect to the database please make sure the database server, username and password is correct!"

OR

"You have an error in your SQL syntax. Check the manual that corresponds to your MySQL server version for the right syntax to use near 'collate utf8_unicode_ci default NULL, `firstname` varchar(32)"

PhP version 5.2.2
MySQL version 4.1.22
Shared hosting with vortechhosting, hSphere control panel

domain:  novelclocks.com
database name:  tcs01_ocart
User:  tcs01_ocadmin
temporary password: abc123
MySql Host:  mysql2.ezisweb.com (216.157.145.42) 

go to novelclocks.com and the installation wizard will start.  I have entered about every combination I can think of and nothing.

Vortech tech support has been unable to help.  Any ideas here?  I like the cart, I like the rave reviews, but this just stinks that I cannot get past the second step.

The config.php and admin config.php are empty files at this point.  Are they suppose to be empty prior to installation?

Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

Jerlo

re upload all your files..  i think you have some that went up as binary and asci..  or reverse..

if you can -- upload the zip file and extract it on your server via your control panel

let us know

That was a great idea.

But it still did not work.   Still the same error regardless of the combination I used.

Any other ideas?

Thank you.

Jerlo

Can you connect to the database with phpmyadmin or equivalent, using the same login details that you provided during setup?

If so, have you already created the database that you are trying to use with OpenCart?

If so, can you run the sql in the setup script on that database?

Yes

Yes

I do not know how??

Thanks.

Jerlo

If you pm me with details to access your control panel, I will have a look around for you.