jv8080

This looks like there are CSS files missing or maybe even not syncing with your database. The directory may not be defined correctly. The question marks usually happens when there is a moved directory or there might be broken URL placements.

Did you run into any problems during install?

The best thing would be make sure that the right script is running for the XAMPP install. Also, is XAMPP 1.8.1 a beta program? Did you have any success using XAMPP 1.7.1 to install WP 3.4.2? Those would be the different things that I would try.

Since you are on windows, there is an alternative that you can use to XAMPP which is WAMP. I am not sure if it works on a USB drive but it is another server you can use for local development.

Hi Paulaneely,

You may have a custom menu. The other thing may be that your redirect did not change the menu. Let me know if this helps at all.

jv8080

Have you tried to use the localhost IP address? Should be (127.0.0.1).

Glad that worked.

David–Your best bet is to transfer the files at the wp-content folder to the new install and that should include all of your installed themes and plugins. For the content, you would have to use a database transfer program.

Hi paulaneeley,

You forgot to include your reply email address on the jobs.wordpress.net forum.