Installing wordpress on a live site

[Tim.S]

Greetings:

I have a shared unix hosting plan with Network Solutions. Under this plan I've set up multiple folders for multiple distinct domains.

For example, a folder for xyz.com, abc.com, dossydoe.com. (These are made up domains just for examples)

Now, I need to revamp xyz.com domain. (xyz.com is an up and running website) It was originally created with Expression Web.

I've begun the process of creating the new site (Using the minimum theme) on abc.com. Abc.com was a unused domain and I was eager to get the process under way. For abc.com I created a splash (blank landing page).

So far I've modified the theme and settings to a point at which I desire to:

1. Bring over what I've completed so far over to the xyz.com domain
2. Maintain the current xyz.com website as is while I continue creating and fine tuning the new site for xyz.com using wordpress.

For item 1, I'm guessing that I'll need to make a complete backup of what I've accomplished so far on the abc.com domain. (Note, I've backup other WP sites.)

For item 2, (This is where is I am stuck) I'm not 100% sure the best approach. One would be to use the Network Solutions wordpress install tool. If I did this, wordpress would be installed in its own sub-directory within the xyz.com folder. Then I could bring over what I've completed so far.

What I am not sure of is how to configure the domain (for lack of a better label) so that the current site is still functioning and I'm able to continue the development of the wordpress version.

For solutions to this, I've:

Tested the following on the abc.com site after creating an index.html file in that sites folder.

*I've looked at the maintenance mode plugin, but dont think its application in this case.
*I've examined the htaccess file, made a backup of it and then did some test edits. Even after my edits I end back at the wordpress home page for the site.
*I searched around for documentation on achieving my goal and found some references to editing the htaccess file, changing the settings under general and then Wordpress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL), looked at the http://codex.wordpress.org/Giving_Wo..._Own_Directory
*I've searched the forum, but didnt find a thread specifically addressing what I am trying to achieve

Thanks

Tim