New server alias problem with install

I am moving a site to a new server. I'm also upgrading from (free) 3.2 to free 5x.

a) I assume I install into the new server
b) Backup the database & restore it to the new server

Here's where the problem really kicks in. When I went to install, right when I put in the path info as an alias, it keeps

other than that, when i get to the part where it asks where the mt-static file is, i get an error.

here is the path:

http://184.154.142.202/~mydomain/mt-static

it says my path is incorrect with this error:

Error: 'http://184.154.142.202/~mydomain/mt-static' could not be found. Please move your static files to the directory first or correct the setting if it is incorrect.

i also tried mt-static by itself

for the static file path i use this:

/home/mydomain/public_html/mt-static/

if i put the path in the address bar of a browser window i get

mt-static - OK

so what's up? i spoke to the server company & they say everything is fine on their end & that I should talk to movable type.

help!!

Peter

mt-static - OK