how to add an additional sidebox in v1.x.x

**kuroi** · 13 Jul 2006, 11:51 AM

Originally Posted by jfuller

How do I create an additional categories sidebox. I don't know if I am to follow the instructions provided here about additional sideboxes. Thanks!

I'm curious. What would you put in an additional categories box? Wouldn't it just repeat what was already in your categories box?

**bettysue** · 19 Jul 2006, 12:44 AM

Ajeh -

Is the sidebox technique you posted a generic method regardless of Zencart versions? i.e. can be used on 1.27d and 1.3.0.2?

Also since the reply to the use for additional categories question was affirmative, I assume this box can be used for anything and not just banners?

Thanks Much,

b

**Ajeh** · 19 Jul 2006, 04:34 AM

I showed how to clone a banner box ...

But the concept is the same ...

Each sidebox needs the 2 files ...

You need to customize what's inside ...

**DesignbyDemeter** · 31 Jul 2006, 01:29 AM

Hate to be dense, but in light of the information provided, I used the blank sidebox mod. It shows up in the admin, and I followed the directions exactly (at least 3 times) and get the following errors, when I turn on the box:

Warning: main(includes/templates/Series_12_Paper/sideboxes/tpl_zazachat_sidebox.php): failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /home/handmad/public_html/includes/modules/sideboxes/Series_12_Paper/zaza_sidebox.php on line 31

Warning: main(includes/templates/Series_12_Paper/sideboxes/tpl_zazachat_sidebox.php): failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /home/handmad/public_html/includes/modules/sideboxes/Series_12_Paper/zaza_sidebox.php on line 31

Warning: main(includes/templates/Series_12_Paper/sideboxes/tpl_zazachat_sidebox.php): failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /home/handmad/public_html/includes/modules/sideboxes/Series_12_Paper/zaza_sidebox.php on line 31

Fatal error: main(): Failed opening required 'includes/templates/Series_12_Paper/sideboxes/tpl_zazachat_sidebox.php' (include_path='.:/usr/lib/php:/usr/local/lib/php') in /home/handmad/public_html/includes/modules/sideboxes/Series_12_Paper/zaza_sidebox.php on line 31

Just in case - I putcopies of the files in the main dirs.

What am I not seeing?
Thanks
Laura

**kuroi** · 31 Jul 2006, 07:37 AM

I'm puzzled as the blank sidebox mod installs files called blank_sidebox.php in modules and and tpl_blank_sidebox.php in template_default/sideboxes, not the files or locations to which your warnings/errors refer. So either it is not the source of your problem, or you have made some significant changes to it.

BTW I don't recommend this mod. It appears to simply create a layout table (bad practise) in a the left or right column without any of the normal Zen Cart sidebox heading hooks used for styling. If you wanted an image with link (such as for zaza chat graphic), I'd personally do this as an always on banner sizebox banner without the need for an external mod.

Anyway, if you prefer the route you've already started, then I'd suggest that your problem is probably linked to the different naming conventions between zaza_sidebox and tpl_zazachat_sidebox.

**DesignbyDemeter** · 31 Jul 2006, 03:06 PM

Originally Posted by kuroi

BTW I don't recommend this mod. It appears to simply create a layout table (bad practise) in a the left or right column without any of the normal Zen Cart sidebox heading hooks used for styling. If you wanted an image with link (such as for zaza chat graphic), I'd personally do this as an always on banner sizebox banner without the need for an external mod..

Okay Kuroi, I rolled back all the changes and am starting fresh your way. So - I can use an existing banner sidebox (once I figure out the names of the files) andjust pop my zazachat code & image in there?

Many Thanx,
Laura

**prellis** · 23 Aug 2006, 06:59 AM

I've been using this GREAT tutorial to add sideboxes to 1.2.7 ( i added a bunch)... Now that I'm in the process of upgrading, will this work with 1.3.2

Extra Sideboxes:
Designed for: Zen Cart v1.2 Release
Create by: Jason LeBaron <jason@Networkdad.com>

**DrByte** · 23 Aug 2006, 07:47 AM

If you use the new version for 1.3, from the downloads section, then ... yes.

**kuroi** · 23 Aug 2006, 09:00 AM

I assume that Dr Byte is referring to the blank sidebox mod which he tidied up earlier this month. My earlier recommendation not to use this is now out-of-date and reversed as the new version conforms to v1.3 sidebox structure (I still don't like the table it inserts as an example, but it's a user choice whether to retain this example or replace it with something better

)

**prellis** · 3 Sep 2006, 02:26 AM

I added sidebox with the Blank Sidebox mod... However, I added text links the first few are okay but the last two doubled up on the last line--how do I seperate them...

I added links as such:
(file: inlcudes/templates/template_default/sideboxes/tpl_extra_box.php )


<a href="http://versamaeluxe.com/index.phpmain_page=page&id=7&chapter=0">Designer Spotlight</a>
<a href="http://versamaeluxe.com/index.phpmain_page=page&id=10&chapter=0">Designer Programs</a>
<a href="http://versamaeluxe.com/index.phpmain_page=page&id=8&chapter=0">Press</a>
<a href="http://versameluxe.com/index.phpmain_page=page&id=9&chapter=0">Media Kit</a>


Is this correct or should I be adding links in a different manner?