Multisite reinstall error- can't find server

I had a fresh install on our primary domain at hostgator. In a subdirectory, I installed another instance and activated multisite. I love it but think installing it in a subdirectory may cause issues down the road. Thinking this I attempted to install in another domain. It wasn’t our primary domain so I had errors with getting it to work. So, I moved everything I had into a folder and created it as an addon. So now, I’ve got the primary domain to install a fresh wordpress, and activate multisite> wrong. I’ve installed it 10 times and tried everything I can think. Most of the time, it tells me there is already an instance installed, which isn’t a problem, since it’s just wanting to use subdomains (and so do I). I deleted the entire table that was created and every file under public (and some not public) prior to attempting another install.

My primary site always works flawlessly, but subsites end up being lost. I’m at a loss and not too savvy with tables. Actually, I’m being generous describing it that way. Why can’t I get a clean install and a good functioning wordpress multisite? What should I do?