More info
Haven't attempted the suggested migration suggested by Jason--I will wait for the answers to my reply questions so I don't mess anything up.
I do have a little more info on what is happening with the menu writer extension as I have it installed now. I am able to get this
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Dreamweaver
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The database connection(s) required for this content preset do not exist in this site. Please create the following connections to use this preset:
Connection: localhost
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Table: productcategories
Columns: CategoryName, CategoryID
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but I can at least close the pop up and continue working. If I click "edit Menu" I get the same message but can't get out without going to task manager and ending the DW program.
I wish I had this working...it sounds like it could help a lot.