I am a beginner and dont know what a discombobulation is but here is what i think I know:- On windows there is a command window that opens when you launch blender which stays open while you are working. It usually starts with a message saying "using Python..." and if there is some error it will say so there. Blender also uses an internal Python regardless of which version you have installed so as long as you dont try to make a call to a script that needs an external Python you will be fine. If you have a special script to run you need to install it in Blender; if it is not working with 2.4 after you installed it then look at the command window for an error message. Maybe the script needs updating for Blender 2.4.