Are you trying to have a test site and a regular site at the same time (that’s what it sounds like). If so, you can just install WP on another folder – for example /test/ or /labs/. From there you can import/export your info. Personally, this is what I do as to NOT screw up my main database if I install a plugin that will break the site or that I am testing whatever it is I’m testing and if it breaks, the main site still keeps going.
Hope this helps.
