I wanted to install the version 1.4.2.2. Zenphoto. error message comes-
"Zenphoto needs to run setup but the setup scripts are not present. Please reinstall the setup scripts." I saw that in the ZIP folder, I unpacked, no folder named "zp-data" is in- so maybe this is missing?
Hm- any suggestions?

IF the setup scripts are missing you did not correctly upload the files. The zp-data folder is created by the setup scripts. If you are upgrading from a not ancient version you already have such a folder.

ok. worked it out now-
I was trying to disable "magic quotes_gpc" through changing the .htaccess file- but is did not work- where can I find the php.ini file to change it- or how exactly do I need to change the .htaccess file (I placed the line suggested "php_value magic_quotes_gpc off" at the bottom. maybe wrong?

Aks your host.