The last suggestion worked.
Download Full install file for version 3.1
Opened FTP, copied wp-config file from version 3.0.1 to overwrite wp-config in version 3.1
Deleted ALL folders and files EXCEPT the wp-content folder as instructed on the old version 3.0.1
Then copied all folders and file from the new version 3.1 (except the wp-content folder), by FTP to host.
Signed into wordpress, and as instructed, clicked upgrade button, and wordpress works great to this point.
Thankyou esmi for the great advice and instructions.
