Hi Joel,
1) I was confuzeled (ie wrong). There is a directory in Moodle that is called pear and evidently will handle any code that requires it. My mistake. I was thinking of curl, where on some localhost complete install packages you have to change the php.ini file admin/environment/php extension/curl and remove the ";",
2) No that should work fine. I always strongly recommend installing a localhost for anyone who is tinkering. Your FTP program can pull folders and files from there. I create a certificate on my locallost, then copy the required folders. I do not use Windows 7 (yet) but that should not be an issue. A file is a file.
People like Raymond are a BIG help. My my English uncle used to say "I am a simple man with my rubber boots on so I can muck about." We all bring difference experiences to the Moodle community. Remember that others maybe in your shoes and these posts may help them, and we will never know
Chris