I have replaced that file and that overcomes the original error. Strange that I didn't pick up that fix though when I downloaded and installed what I thought was the latest version directly from the link on the web site?
After reading a few more posts on a similar vane to mine I have just tried commenting out the Rewritebase line in the htaccess file and it now appears to be working - not sure why though as that seems wrong?
Maybe it is something to do with the XAMP…