by Ken Task.
Congrats on resovling!
Now I don't mean to burst bubble, but ... it worked because files were missing now weren't missing ... but ... everything in Moodle now contains version checks. So when you upgrade from 2.7.x to a 2.9.x (required to march the moodle - can't do hyperjumps) the upgrade might catch what you've done and complain about version numbers don't match what's in DB.
Might be a good idea at this point to clone what you have to another instance ... on another server ... get it running, then 'practice' upgrading - just the first 'hop' in the 'march' ... 2.7.x to 2.9.highest.
'SoS', Ken