ok so, problem solved
. operator error is to blame for this one, well that and not having a proper understanding of what the software was looking for...
i had bought the 7737 expansion with the integra and never plugged it in because i hadn't bought the license for closed loop yet... however, it was enabled inside of the VSI device manager. once i found that setting i left it enabled, plugged in the 7737, and still nothing... imported a fresh copy of the Integra mach 4 profile and BAM!!!! off and running! the funny thing is the motors are still wired into the integra, the 7737 is just dangling by the ribbon cable with 24+ and the e-stop jumped out.
but who cares!!!! she runs!!!
now i just need to find that spool of ethernet wire and try running through the 7737, but i have a feeling it'll work just fine.
ok so, Vital Systems, thank you for your wonderful product, your assistance in this matter, and my apologies for the stupid on my part!