OK, first of all, many thanks for taking the trouble to reply to this elementary query.
Your suggestion has of course solved the problem.
I agree fully - always RTFM before posting.
The following are my excuses(lame).
The manual above is 'under construction' so I ignored it - bad decision.
I did search many times on the error message and was directed finally to the sticky - things to do after installation. This looked like the answer - but wasn't.
Finally I had a strong memory of using Wampserver briefly in past years and found it to work out of the box.
I assumed that 'put online' meant just that.
Apologies for wasting your time
Fainleog
P.S. if you are ever in Dublin, PM me and I will treat you to a pint of Guinness