Things every New Zenner needs to know

hello to all....This is my very first reply, due to I can't find out how to post a question. I am very new to ZenCart and totally confused. We have a website that we had to change the host for due to the shopping cart. So we ended up with ZenCart and this has caused me more stress and headaches that I care to mention. This is not user friendly at all for new people.
There are freak times that I am able to view what my store looks like but the next time I try to work on it, I can't find or remember where to go for that. I did manage to get rid of some of the sideboxes the last time I worked on this, but like I said, I can't find where to view my store at now.
I also want to get rid of the welcome message, but where is the incudes/languages/english/indes.php file that they tell you to open????

totally lost and confused in Albany Oregon.........Donna

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Originally Posted by djhall

I also want to get rid of the welcome message, but where is the incudes/languages/english/index.php file that they tell you to open????

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I'd start here, and if you're still confused, try here.

Remember, the ultimate goal of Zen is that any business owner can drive it. However, right now, it's strictly for the techie types! If you don't know what php is, you're probably off to a losing start.

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Originally Posted by kelvyn

However, right now, it's strictly for the techie types! If you don't know what php is, you're probably off to a losing start.

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What a load of crap! The truth is that as long as you understand the basics of uploading and downloading files from the 'net, either via FTP or your host's control panel, and can read and follow instructions, anyone can set up and make minor changes to a Zen cart store.

However, should you want to make a completely unique template and massive customisations, then yes, you need more knowledge, but even then, you don't need to be a fully qualified programmer. As long as you have a decent understanding of css you can make a considerable difference to the appearance, and obviously, the more changes/additions you wish to make, the greater the level of skill needed in the various aspects... html, css, php and javascript. But I believe I've built some pdg stores with ZenCart without being a programmer!

Not only that, I have quite a few clients who could just about send an email when we started and who now have complete control of their sites with minimal assistance from me.

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Originally Posted by Ryk

What a load of crap! The truth is that as long as you understand the basics of uploading and downloading files from the 'net, either via FTP or your host's control panel, and can read and follow instructions, anyone can set up and make minor changes to a Zen cart store.

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And there's the problem - "read and follow instructions". How long to learn php, and about not putting spaces after a closing tag, and about matching quotes and about uploading in binary (even though it says ascii for text files) and about permissions??!

To even change the default text on the front page requires at least all of the above.

Anyone who has any business of any success isn't going to have time for that.

Now, take something like Wordpress or Gallery or Joomla etc etc etc etc, and to install it requires a blank db, a upload and running a web-based installer.

I cannot think of a single other "end user" project which REQUIRES, as a matter of course, the user to know about editing PHP code before he even makes the first move.

Do you realise, I've spent almost all of this morning (7 hours so far) JUST updating FIVE plugins? There are THREE different copies of one particular plugin available, all having the same file version info, but all differing fundamentally, and all needing different changes to core code.

Do you know how long it took to check for updates for the 32 Wordpress plugins I have and update the 4 that needed it over the weekend? 25 minutes.

And as for Gallery plugins (48), it took less than 2 minutes to check and update.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not criticizing Zen for what it is, but (and the admin team have said this many times) it's based on extremely poor Osc code. The idea of the fork was to work away from that towards something user-friendly. And it IS getting there, but is is NOWHERE NEAR a product that I'd recommend to anyone that didn't know what a php.ini was or what chmod meant.

When all of the language files are in the DB, it'll be 90% there.
When the over-ride system is complete, it'll be 95%.
And when the checkout stage is re-written, it'll be pretty much perfect. But right now, unless you install a complicated script like COWA, more customers abandon carts in frustration at the longwinded procedure than complete checkout! And what coding newbie is going to know where to even start with a mod like that??

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Originally Posted by kelvyn

it's based on extremely poor Osc code

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I think it's not that bad, it's just *very very* old. And has never been updated (except from some bug and security fixes).

It was written when (PHP) templating systems where not very common. When CSS was great, but only in theory.... When layout tables where the only way to go (or at leats far better than using frames for layout, which are even still used today, even by some big companies...).

It sounds to me like using stoneage tools, and then blame those who invented it at the stoneage ;-)

Could someone tell me how to change the background images on the EZ Pages? I want a different on on each of the pages I have created (like my old XHTML website) but I cannot figure out how to do that. The test cart is here: http://www.possets.com/zen-cart/

The original website is here: http://www.posets.com

I know now how to change the background images on the "main" part of my Zen Cart website (make up a CSS for each page I want to change like when a page ends in Path=2, I make up a CSS with only the thing I want to change and save it as c_2.css in the proper place and it automatically effects the proper page. Is there some way to accomplish this with the EZ Pages?

Thanks for any help on this.

http://www.zen-cart.com/index.php?ma...roducts_id=393

I tried to make a new background image on the EZ Pages but I failed and hope you can shed a bit of light on my error.

I downloaded the module you mentioned. I read it carefully and figured that I should upload the html_header.php file to my Zen-cart on the internet, in case I did not have the proper html_header in there. I do not have a folder includes\templates\MYTEMPLATE\common but I uploaded html_header.php into templates\templates_default\common (which was the only place close I could find a folder called "common"). I also uploaded html_header.php into a new folder I made under includes\templates\YOURTEMPLATE\ and called that "common" and uploaded html_header.php there figuring that that could not do any harm and if it was looking for a call out there, it would find it.

I made up my EZ Page background in css and uploaded it to my css file. I had checked the page number of the ezpage and I named the file ezpage_5.css which is the right name for it. I loaded that up. I loaded up the image I wanted to put on the page background and send it to includes\templates\YOURTEMPLATE\images. All I put on the css page was what I wanted to change.

I loaded it all to the proper (I hope) place but the background has not changed. I am using Zen Cart 1.3.7. My cart is here. The background image should be the three graces, but it is still Venus Reclining. Can you help me get the hang of this.

Sorry if I gave you too much or not enough information. Please let me know if you need anything else. The ezpage_5.css is loaded correctly and so is the image 3graces.jpg. The image is not appearing as it should, that's all. :dontgetit

I had a small problem. I had an X in the Header Main Bar. I went into index.php in the main and top portion of my Zen Cart and made this:

<!--bof-branding display-->
<div id="logoWrapper">
<div id="logo"></div>
</div>
<br class="clearBoth" />
<!--eof-branding display-->

Into a comment so it would not show. I then loaded index.php up to my website and now all of my code is gone! It reverted to the original and stock Zen Cart welcome page. I don't get it.

I realized that the stylesheet which was called out was the classic one, so I changed it to magic. I got the right background but now I have a bunch of sideboxes littering the left hand side and all of the formatting is gone from the center box.

Can't you directly effect the coding in the index.php page? You can't get at it with the Define Pages Editor or the CSS. What happened? How can I get back all of the coding I did? How can I edit the info on my lead page without wiping out all of the coding I have done?

This is the second time it has happened to me and I really don't want to go for a 3rd. Should we never ever go in and code a page directly? :frusty:

I got the page back and will tell you how it was done later. Maybe there is someone else out there who had a similar problem and I would like to put the fix in here so it could be found by others.

You can likely make edits to the index.php if you get it from the
server. From the browser it's written in a bunch of html - that's
what the php does, it generates it. But if you put the html in the
index.php file it confuses the heck out of it.

That was what the problem was. I had not gotten it from the server but I did get it from the browser. That is why the php was getting all bungled up. Hope that helps someone else. It was a hard lesson for me to learn.

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:no:Originally Posted by Ryk http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/images...s/viewpost.gif What a load of crap! The truth is that as long as you understand the basics of uploading and downloading files from the 'net, either via FTP or your host's control panel, and can read and follow instructions, anyone can set up and make minor changes to a Zen cart store.:no:

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Originally Posted by kelvyn

:clap:And there's the problem - "read and follow instructions". How long to learn php, and about not putting spaces after a closing tag, and about matching quotes and about uploading in binary (even though it says ascii for text files) and about permissions??!

To even change the default text on the front page requires at least all of the above. :clap:

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Thank You kelvyn. :smile:

I had given up on trying to set-up Zen Cart after four months of trying to get answers, following the, normally outdated - written for older versions, cryptic instructions and trying to read through the thousands of responses which matched every word used in a search term. And, after getting derogatory responses such as Ryk gives. The last straw was when I kept getting told to buy the book for my answers because it contained all of the FAQ's and answers I would need. Not true.

I have been working with websites for about 12 years now, yes that was before CSS and PHP, and continue to be amazed at how blind and egotistical some of the open source programmers and people with an understanding of how a software package works are. They continue to assume that everyone knows what they are thinking and should, therefore, know how to use their software and add-ons/plug-ins.

They feel as if they shouldn't have to write instructions or explain anything to anyone because "they" know "everyone" will know what they know and meant. I give Ryk's words back to Ryk; "What a load of crap!" The instructions, if they wrote any, for version 1 are still good for version 99. That is just not true. The programmers seem to think it doesn't matter if they changed filenames or coding, because "everyone" should know how to use and apply it anyway. An example of that are the instructions for installing the 2 Checkout.Com plug-in. The plug-in was updated, but the instructions still talk about the original filenames and directories, which no longer exist. :frusty:

I added a new category, Collections (they are collections of different scents about one theme). The Collections page is Path=14 but each of the collections has a different prod_id number. Each separate collection is a product. Can I change the backgrounds of each of the product pages? I was thinking I could do the same thing as I did with the EZ Pages background changes, and I know there is a chapter feature (i.e. name the stylesheet for product_id=55 something like chapter_55) but I don't know exactly what to use for a stylesheet name, is this a feature I can use? Thanks.

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Originally Posted by fabienne

I added a new category, Collections (they are collections of different scents about one theme). The Collections page is Path=14 but each of the collections has a different prod_id number. Each separate collection is a product. Can I change the backgrounds of each of the product pages? I was thinking I could do the same thing as I did with the EZ Pages background changes, and I know there is a chapter feature (i.e. name the stylesheet for product_id=55 something like chapter_55) but I don't know exactly what to use for a stylesheet name, is this a feature I can use? Thanks.

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You can create stylesheets called p_??.css where ?? is the id number of the product.

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Originally Posted by fabienne

I added a new category, Collections (they are collections of different scents about one theme). The Collections page is Path=14 but each of the collections has a different prod_id number. Each separate collection is a product. Can I change the backgrounds of each of the product pages? I was thinking I could do the same thing as I did with the EZ Pages background changes, and I know there is a chapter feature (i.e. name the stylesheet for product_id=55 something like chapter_55) but I don't know exactly what to use for a stylesheet name, is this a feature I can use? Thanks.

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Originally Posted by kuroi

You can create stylesheets called p_??.css where ?? is the id number of the product.

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Here are some additional examples

(category) c_??.css ??=category id
(product) p_??.css ??=product id
(manufacturer) m_??.css ??=manafacturer id
(chapter) chapter_??.css ??=chapter id
(expage) ezpage_??.css ??=ezpage id
(individual pages) ??.css ??=page name (i.e. contact_us.css)

I want to change my e-mail welcome. I have to do that in an override. Fine. But the e-mail welcome file is in an area where there are no files named either "classic" or "template_default". It is here: zen-cart/admin/includes/languages/english/email_welcome.php

[FONT=Arial]No where along the way do I see any folders or files called "classic" or "template_default". Where should I put my override email_welcome.php? I don't think I should put it in the same place I overrode all the other things, should I? zen-cart/includes/templates/magic/..

Great confusion. Thanks for any help.
[/FONT]

There is presently no override system for admin, so you would need to replace the core file with your own - but when doing that, always rename the original first and leave it on the server rather than just overwriting it.

Also, the email welcome content can be found in includes/languages/english/create_account.php which can be overridden

The one you are looking at in admin is the preview

Thanks, now I see that it is possible because there is a "classic" folder in the English level. Many thanks.

Hello all :smile:

As a 'new Zenner' I considered it appropriate to reply to your current discussion. I am not a coder.

In recent weeks I attended a web page design course with a local college here in England, which gave me a good introduction to HTML and working with Dreamweaver. Since then I have been playing around with designing my own website (s) as a type of further education / hobby.

Then came my experimentation with OS Commerce, which I spent around 45 hours trying to understand and install correctly. That experiment ended yesterday morning :frusty: By the afternoon I had accessed this forum and set up Zen Cart on my server. I also added the UK contribution and later experimented with templates (both of which I could not do with OSC) :clap: I have yet to customise the software to what I require.

I am at a very early stage in my Zen career and have only touched upon CSS in Dreamweaver. So I would urge all of those Zenners out there who are involved in development of Zencart tutorials to keep it simple :lamo:

Thanx for listening (reading) :smile:

How do i remove the the message "This is the main define statement for the page for english when no template defined file exists. It is located in: /includes/languages/english/index.php" from my main page. I have located how to remove sales message goes here and you have successfully intsalled zen cart. My shop's url is http://www.onlineduka.com/shop

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Originally Posted by mdoja

How do i remove the the message "This is the main define statement for the page for english when no template defined file exists.

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You would create the template-defined file without that text.

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Originally Posted by mdoja

How do i remove the the message "This is the main define statement for the page for english when no template defined file exists. It is located in: /includes/languages/english/index.php" from my main page. I have located how to remove sales message goes here and you have successfully intsalled zen cart. My shop's url is http://www.onlineduka.com/shop

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open /includes/languages/english/index.php

and delete the following as indicated by the highlighted portion:

define('TEXT_MAIN','This is the main define statement for the page for english when no template defined file exists. It is located in: <strong>/includes/languages/english/index.php</strong>');

be sure NOT to delete the single quote marks.
save the file and upload to your server

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Originally Posted by Sermonzone

PRE-EMPTIVE EDIT:

A lot of documentation has been added to the Knowledgebase:
https://www.zen-cart.com/tutorials/i...hp?category=16

Further, you will find great value in the eStart Your Web Store with Zen Cart users manual, which walks you through setting up your Zen Cart site from start to finish, along with many day-to-day tasks.
You can get your copy of the book here: http://www.lulu.com/content/466605


----------------------------------------------
Original discussion:
New Zen Cart users get easily frustrated. They often do not know how to find answers to their questions and if they stumble onto the right answer they don't realize it's the right answer. The recent 'reboot' for the forum so closely on the heels of the upgrade to 1.3 seems to have made things worse.

I am considering writing a "Getting Started" style document that focuses on templates, overrides, colors, text, images and the like. Perhaps a reasonable title will be "Top 10 Questions asked by New Zenners" or "10 things every New Zenner should know but doesn't know where to find."

I would like to hear from New Zenners about this project. What did you have the most trouble with? What documents did you feel were lacking? What were the top problems and questions you had? -- Things like that.

Part of the rationale for this project is that as users can perform more tasks without having to post a thread like "I am such a newb and have no idea what I am doing" it will free the Devs for more time in core upgrades. Hopefully, users that are more successful at the beginning will press on and have a viable online business and donate back to Zen Cart.

I will be away from the forum for a few days (niece's wedding) this weekend. Further, I don't plan to reply to every post. This is a place to collect feedback from new users.

If more experienced users post, perhaps you could list the mistakes you most often see.

The final location for the project is uncertain. In many ways, it will be a duplicate of material in the FAQ and Wiki. However, much of that material needs to be updated and New Zenners seem to not read it or not understand it. I will continue to try to coordinate this with the Devs so that it benefits the most in the community.

Please presume a successful install of ZenCart 1.3+. I would like to focus on customizations issues that every new users is likely to experience.

Feel free to PM with info you would rather not be in the forum.

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Hi Bruce,

I think you should divide that "Getting Start" Book in two separate one:
1) Technical: Where you explain to code writers how to do changes on the following:

a) New release update or install: Explain in detail what every one of the options on the installation/upgrates screens are all about. When doing upgrade how it should be run (one level at a time or all levels at once, etc).
b) Main page customizations: (Logo, page 2.....page 4, Information box, banner boxes, category and products boxes.... boxexs colors, background colors, images.... etc.). show up the path to get to every program needing change (At least the most common ones)

c) Others pages to customize: Detail about the pages and how to locate them in the host.


2) Functional: seetting up configuration data, testing the shopping cart with using all active paymenet modules, offer a deeper explanation of the meaning for avery database file and their fields (data elements).

This two guides in conjunction will be very helpful for every one (technical or non-technical) implementing Zen-Cart.

If I get more information that I consider should be included I'll be back to you.

Regards,

AngelT::clap:

Post #1

I enter this forum knowing full well that I will eventually learn how to use Zencart. I infer from the opening sticky that each of you have a sincere desire to help new users. It is evident from the info displayed on the forum that people here are very knowledgeable, and yet you sense that new Zenners are having difficulties getting started.

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I would like to hear from New Zenners about this project. What did you have the most trouble with? What documents did you feel were lacking? What were the top problems and questions you had? -- Things like that.

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Background: I have been on the web since '88. I have written HTML for many years. I feel quite comfortable with WS FTP and HTML build 292. I do not use css style sheets but I did read about them before deciding not to use them.

Zen Progress I downloaded Zencart. I noticed it promised to be easy to install. That proved to be over-stated, imo. It was easy to download, easy to FTP, but the page did not work so I eventually gave up and had my server install it for me. There was a CAP used in one of my added folders. The change to a case-sensitive reality is new to me. I will adapt.

I configured the files through CHMOD as directed, but my files do not read 777, or 644, or any of the other designation I see offered in explanations. Instead, mine simply say read, write, execute for "owner, group and other". It seems to be an oversight that the 777 designation is mentioned but the other system is not.

After configuring admin in php I attempted to load my zen page. There was another server error that needed to be corrected. That took a day. Currently I can view the page.

The next step is to try to change something. Intuitively I opened HTML editor and tried to find an HTML doc to alter. I am of course looking for an index.html page. It didn't take long to realize that it doesn't work that way. It is not yet apparent exactly how "it" works. There are many components to learn about. I think I understand that Php is a specialized HTML, that style sheets contain global controls, and somehow, all of the files work together to produce the front page. I do not understand how the page is made from a skin? Is that right? How does this happen? I do not know. Where is the tutorial? I cannot find it.

It strikes me as unusual to be offered a program for free and then be charged $44.95 for the manual. From my pov, I am not in a position to spend another $45 for a book that promises to be no less ambiguous than the FAQs page. (Consider that I just paid for more room on my server, purchased an SSL, negotiated for credit card use, etc.)

Alternatively, Zensai's might consider writing a tutorial that helps new Zenners learn how markup, save, and FTP one page. All of the basic mechanics could be included in this basic tutorial. All you want to do with this is show the new user how to change a document and post it to the web. Within this tutorial you could explain how the files interact and how each depends on the other to create the final product. (Zensai is a play on the word sensai, which is Japanese for 'teacher'). :smile:

If you can do that effectively for a new user, the demonstration of your ability to help eliminate confusion will strengthen your argument to buy the manual. At the very least, publish the first chapter so users can see if it is well-written.

So that is where I am now. I would like to learn how to markup one page and post it to my site. If I can do it once, I can do it over and over again. What I read in the forum and the FAQs are specific answers to challenges that are encountered once the user gets up and running. What I do not see is Step #1 on how to get started. I have no idea which of these varied documents to change, how to change them, how to get my own photos into the document, etc.

My product supplier has given me an excel data sheet which contains fields of info, including links to thumbs and photos. He assured me that this data can be uploaded into my commerce cart. I am miles away from attempting to do that. I have not seen anything in print which helps me understand how to input that data, in excel form or even manually (which I sorely hope I will not have to do.)

Yes, I did read a few FAQs which teach how to change the 'Welcome' prompt, but before you send me a similar link, consider that some people (me) need to see and understand the whole map before working with specific tasks. Let's start with a glossary of terms which explains the function of each of the folders in the programs and how they work with other program functions. Perhaps a schematic which shows how each part of the program accesses the functions of others in order to create a final page. I need to be able to "see" how this puzzle fits together. Later I can learn to add a tweak here and see the result there. (Ex. Changing css and see change on all pages.)

Step #1 has to help me gain confidence in my ability to amend and run this program. I have had it for about a week and haven't a clue as to what to do. Now, I admit, I am not a programmer but Zen Mgt made the claim that this is an easy program to use. Well, if it is that easy, where is the primer tutorial that will help me create one page?

As a new user, I am also directed to make all kinds of changes in the program to avoid security risks. (I have read that advisory). Let me share with you that there isn't a chance in the world that I would be able to do the things listed on that advisory. It is too confusing. It isn't specific enough. But it does create a feeling of concern for me because I am not certain I will be able to manage this program if I have to be constantly tweaking it to fend off intruders.

Next, why aren't there photos available of the free templates? Certainly you do not mean to suggest that I should download each free template before I can review its appearance.

After the fact, I see that I must pay someone to create a unique template for my use. Ga-ching! That takes a little more money out of my pocket for this "free" software program which I cannot yet use. Eventually I will probably buy a great template -- but for now, a free basic (editable) one will do.

I downloaded a free template from another site. The directions to install the template stand as an example of the ambiguity I have found in most of what I have read so far. The directions read:

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The best and easiest way to install templates is to use your ftp client, and drag/transfer the complete contents of the includes folder to your ZenCart install. As all of the files are structured like ZenCart and are contained in their own folders, you can determine where they belong and add them to the correct areas. If you want to rename the directory, you go right ahead. But be sure to adjust the template_info.php file accordingly.

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Questions

1. What is a "ZenCart install"? Isn't that the 'install' folder I deleted after I installed the program? Of does that phrase reference to the whole program, and if so, where in the program do I transfer the contents of the includes?

2. You can determine where they belong and add them to the correct areas. Obviously not. I am not able to determine where the files belong. Why woudl the author think I would be able to do this? he had the chance to explain how and elected not to do so. Therein is the problem -- the author is not communicating effectively with his audience.

3. template_info.php file And where is this file located, and if I do not rename the directory do I still adjust the file?

My point here is to illustrate that the FAQs and other answers leave too much information out of the answer provided.

This usually occurs when highly intelligent people try to teach novices. This function is best assigned to teachers who know how to deliver educational material in an effective manner. (Tech writers?)

I really need this Zencart to work. I am not frustrated at all at this point, but I can only invest so much time and effort in getting it to work. The forum contains a lot of advanced information which I am certain to use in the future, but unless I get a grip on how to get started with this program, there isn't going to be a future for Zencart and me. Of course, if I thought that was a certain outcome I would not have written this letter.

I sense there are helpful and caring people on this forum who really want to help. Okay, I really want to learn. Let's do it...

Tks,
Jake

Jake,
You have delivered a blistering commentary - but rest assured this is not meant to be a flaming kind of reply note - I am appalled at the rhetoric you have bestowed up this forum. Obviously you spent a lot of time to tell us all how bad a job we've done... but, never once (at least in my opinion) did you ever look inward... and realize that .PHP is a dynamic language, and .HTML is not. Today, the web is dynamic - whether it be .php., .asp, or .cfm, etc. it is a database driven world comprised of servers that manage dynamics.

You 'intuiveness' regarding index.html is part of the growth experience you must endure... home pages in dynamic worlds consist of index.php, index.asp, index.cfm and the like.

Obviously you are intelligent - otherwise you would not put your heart on your sleeve - so to say - as you did... but, to blast away at something you have not adequately researched is unfair to the ZEN-CART team. Please be compassionate as you have asked this community to be... reconsider what you have written from the viewpoint of current technology - and try to understand what has happened to the web since 1988. Go to the bookstore, the library, the web, and take a real hard and detailed look at what has happened to the world of open source - especially in regard to PHP.

Not to tout myself, but to share credentials - I started in this 'web' business in 1970 (have been in the communications industry since 1956) - I worked for a major computer company in the US and was a technology trainer (1970), specifically teaching the beginnings of the internet, "Teleprocessing Fundamentals." It has been a struggle for me to continue to grow in this "web stuff" but grow I must. You too must grow - it is painful - but fun. Resumes are not important to me anymore, but the SUCCESS of folks like you is paramount.

It is my passionate and sincere belief the ZEN-CART team has YOUR SUCCESS as the first item on their agenda. However, no one can guarantee YOUR success... all the ZEN-CART team can do is continue to support you - provided you are willing to support yourself.

Literally ten's of thousands before you have tread where you are headed... and they want to be successful just like you... however, they do not bite the hand that feeds them...

Respectfully,
jund

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Originally Posted by Jake

Post #1

I enter this forum knowing full well that I will eventually learn how to use Zencart. I infer from the opening sticky that each of you have a sincere desire to help new users. It is evident from the info displayed on the forum that people here are very knowledgeable, and yet you sense that new Zenners are having difficulties getting started.



Background: I have been on the web since '88. I have written HTML for many years. I feel quite comfortable with WS FTP and HTML build 292. I do not use css style sheets but I did read about them before deciding not to use them.

Much has happened in the way of the web since '88, considering it is less than 20 years ago... especially regarding HTML.

Zen Progress I downloaded Zencart. I noticed it promised to be easy to install. That proved to be over-stated, imo. It was easy to download, easy to FTP, but the page did not work so I eventually gave up and had my server install it for me. There was a CAP used in one of my added folders. The change to a case-sensitive reality is new to me. I will adapt.



I configured the files through CHMOD as directed, but my files do not read 777, or 644, or any of the other designation I see offered in explanations. Instead, mine simply say read, write, execute for "owner, group and other". It seems to be an oversight that the 777 designation is mentioned but the other system is not.

After configuring admin in php I attempted to load my zen page. There was another server error that needed to be corrected. That took a day. Currently I can view the page.

The next step is to try to change something. Intuitively I opened HTML editor and tried to find an HTML doc to alter. I am of course looking for an index.html page. It didn't take long to realize that it doesn't work that way. It is not yet apparent exactly how "it" works. There are many components to learn about. I think I understand that Php is a specialized HTML, that style sheets contain global controls, and somehow, all of the files work together to produce the front page. I do not understand how the page is made from a skin? Is that right? How does this happen? I do not know. Where is the tutorial? I cannot find it.

It strikes me as unusual to be offered a program for free and then be charged $44.95 for the manual. From my pov, I am not in a position to spend another $45 for a book that promises to be no less ambiguous than the FAQs page. (Consider that I just paid for more room on my server, purchased an SSL, negotiated for credit card use, etc.)

Alternatively, Zensai's might consider writing a tutorial that helps new Zenners learn how markup, save, and FTP one page. All of the basic mechanics could be included in this basic tutorial. All you want to do with this is show the new user how to change a document and post it to the web. Within this tutorial you could explain how the files interact and how each depends on the other to create the final product. (Zensai is a play on the word sensai, which is Japanese for 'teacher'). :smile:

If you can do that effectively for a new user, the demonstration of your ability to help eliminate confusion will strengthen your argument to buy the manual. At the very least, publish the first chapter so users can see if it is well-written.

So that is where I am now. I would like to learn how to markup one page and post it to my site. If I can do it once, I can do it over and over again. What I read in the forum and the FAQs are specific answers to challenges that are encountered once the user gets up and running. What I do not see is Step #1 on how to get started. I have no idea which of these varied documents to change, how to change them, how to get my own photos into the document, etc.

My product supplier has given me an excel data sheet which contains fields of info, including links to thumbs and photos. He assured me that this data can be uploaded into my commerce cart. I am miles away from attempting to do that. I have not seen anything in print which helps me understand how to input that data, in excel form or even manually (which I sorely hope I will not have to do.)

Yes, I did read a few FAQs which teach how to change the 'Welcome' prompt, but before you send me a similar link, consider that some people (me) need to see and understand the whole map before working with specific tasks. Let's start with a glossary of terms which explains the function of each of the folders in the programs and how they work with other program functions. Perhaps a schematic which shows how each part of the program accesses the functions of others in order to create a final page. I need to be able to "see" how this puzzle fits together. Later I can learn to add a tweak here and see the result there. (Ex. Changing css and see change on all pages.)

Step #1 has to help me gain confidence in my ability to amend and run this program. I have had it for about a week and haven't a clue as to what to do. Now, I admit, I am not a programmer but Zen Mgt made the claim that this is an easy program to use. Well, if it is that easy, where is the primer tutorial that will help me create one page?

As a new user, I am also directed to make all kinds of changes in the program to avoid security risks. (I have read that advisory). Let me share with you that there isn't a chance in the world that I would be able to do the things listed on that advisory. It is too confusing. It isn't specific enough. But it does create a feeling of concern for me because I am not certain I will be able to manage this program if I have to be constantly tweaking it to fend off intruders.

Next, why aren't there photos available of the free templates? Certainly you do not mean to suggest that I should download each free template before I can review its appearance.

After the fact, I see that I must pay someone to create a unique template for my use. Ga-ching! That takes a little more money out of my pocket for this "free" software program which I cannot yet use. Eventually I will probably buy a great template -- but for now, a free basic (editable) one will do.

I downloaded a free template from another site. The directions to install the template stand as an example of the ambiguity I have found in most of what I have read so far. The directions read:



Questions

1. What is a "ZenCart install"? Isn't that the 'install' folder I deleted after I installed the program? Of does that phrase reference to the whole program, and if so, where in the program do I transfer the contents of the includes?

2. You can determine where they belong and add them to the correct areas. Obviously not. I am not able to determine where the files belong. Why woudl the author think I would be able to do this? he had the chance to explain how and elected not to do so. Therein is the problem -- the author is not communicating effectively with his audience.

3. template_info.php file And where is this file located, and if I do not rename the directory do I still adjust the file?

My point here is to illustrate that the FAQs and other answers leave too much information out of the answer provided.

This usually occurs when highly intelligent people try to teach novices. This function is best assigned to teachers who know how to deliver educational material in an effective manner. (Tech writers?)

I really need this Zencart to work. I am not frustrated at all at this point, but I can only invest so much time and effort in getting it to work. The forum contains a lot of advanced information which I am certain to use in the future, but unless I get a grip on how to get started with this program, there isn't going to be a future for Zencart and me. Of course, if I thought that was a certain outcome I would not have written this letter.

I sense there are helpful and caring people on this forum who really want to help. Okay, I really want to learn. Let's do it...

Tks,
Jake

---

Jake,

You can get the program flow chart from the downloads section here:

http://www.zen-cart.com/index.php?ma...roducts_id=378

This thread was started to get all the common newbie first questions in one place in
the FAQs/Tutorials here:

https://www.zen-cart.com/tutorials/i...hp?category=16

If you can't get the e-start book right now, then some reading in the FAQs/Tuts section, the wiki, and the forum will get you the answers. They are there.

The greatest majority of us have been where you are, and Oh! If we could only
just snap our fingers and it would magically happen. :laugh:
The learning curve you'll go thru will be well worth it!

And, Oh Yeah! You can see the majority of the contributed templates in action
here ( Thanks to kuroi ):

http://(sorry, site offline)/

Thank you for the responses. TShooters I will look at the links and read the material. Thank you in advance. I am certain the info will move me forward.

Now to Zund:

Currently:

My 16 yr. old daughter has informed me that she will help me learn the program. ("It's just like Xanga Dad! Don't worry...after a while it will be easy.") Good grief!

I was able to apply the security changes. As it turned out, it wasn't as difficult as I represented. :blush: I started at one of the FAQS and just followed the directions without knowing what I was doing. I setup a folder on my computer to save files extracted from my FTP. Then I would open them in my HTML editor, alter them, then reload them, then save them to a backup folder. After I did this to three pages, I discovered I could edit the pages in my admin program online. WOW. Very cool. (I am still backing up changed pages as directed.) I was able to write the privacy policy, conditions and terms, and a few other pages.

So, I think the admin function is a portal to all the files. I do not have to export them to HTML editor then reload them through FTP. Ok, I get it. So many files -- I wonder what they all do?

I tried to paste some text into the admin HTML editor and found that Firefox has a security limitation. I tried (unsuccessfuly) to fix that by creating a java script as directed by Mozilla. After a couple of attempts I sent a tech req. to my server for help. I moved onto something else.

I still can't figure out where the front page is so I can edit it. I will find it eventually.

Bottom line: I am having fun and making progress.

Old business:

Zund, I submitted my first post because the opening thread topic asked for feedback from new users. I was candid. I knew that I would one day look at "Post #1" and chuckle at how little I knew -- but my intention was to give you a passionate viewpoint of how I felt as a new user. Granted, there is learning curve and my viewpoint will change as I learn. Please consider that one day, after I am up and running, I will be able to relate to new users, and even reference that letter as a testament of my own initial frustrations.

Look, I am just asking for a link to an overview for new users. Something like "Welcome, read this first." In that doc someone could give a basic outline of what the learning curve is. It would have been nice to know that you can edit the pages from the admin page, for instance. That may seem like a simple thing that I should have already known, but in truth, I believe some new users do not know things like that.

Quote:

---

Obviously you spent a lot of time to tell us all how bad a job we've done... but, never once (at least in my opinion) did you ever look inward... and realize that .PHP is a dynamic language, and .HTML is not. Today, the web is dynamic - whether it be .php., .asp, or .cfm, etc. it is a database driven world comprised of servers that manage dynamics.

---

I certainly do not want anyone to ever be appalled at what I write. Let me be quick to apologize for the impression my writing made with you. It was only my intent to be open and forthright about my thinking as a new user (which I understood to be the topic of this thread).

Let me clarify -- it was not my intent to give you a bad report. The program is marvelous. It is simply overwhelming. I could just as easily have written a letter which delivered mountains of praise for the accomplishments of the Zen team. That report however is not germane to my needs, nor to the thread.

And I did look inward -- I made a comment that I realized HTML was not the driving force. I am glad to hear about .asp and .cfm (I have no idea what they are, but I will learn...) -- but I can assure you that as a businessman, I am unschooled about the database driven world.

Zund, believe me when I say that I in awe about what is going on here. TShooters is on the mark when he says:

Quote:

---

The greatest majority of us have been where you are, and Oh! If we could only
just snap our fingers and it would magically happen.
The learning curve you'll go thru will be well worth it!

---

Believe me, I look forward to learning. But how many of you could write an passionate letter about what your first impressions were like? Ah! We lose that perspective as we gain knowledge don't we? I was willing to let it all hang out, knowing that I would have to do some immediate back tracking, for the good of the cause. That was post #1. I am on #2 now -- look out world! Here I come!

Quote:

---

but, to blast away at something you have not adequately researched is unfair to the ZEN-CART team.

---

I was giving you fair and honest feedback based on my present understanding of the program. New users do not conduct thorough research. New users get frustrated. Confusion leads to frustration, which leads to anger, which leads to lost customers. (The Zen team said the program was easy. They did not say it was it was easy if you do thorough research, learn .cfm, .asp. .php and gain an understanding of the insights of the dynamic world of databases. I'm not winning friends and influencing people with that statement, but I feel a need to defend the ignorance of new users against your perspective on this one point.)

I agree with you though, the eCommerce offering of the internet is going to explode in the near future. People from every walk of life are going to want to have an eCommerce solution. Programming is a science, but making that program user friendly is an artform. Consumers take the path of least resistance. I want to diffuse any alarm you may have over my comments and instead, prompt you to consider my suggestions -- although, I will quickly admit I currently lack the skill base to make practical suggestions -- but on the other hand, the thrust of my message stated that I would benefit from a primer introduction to the world of Zen. That suggestion stands. Please do not infer from my proposal that I am not in awe of the program or what it is apparently capable of doing.

Quote:

---

the SUCCESS of folks like you is paramount.

---

I understand and appreciate your commitment. I am a tough customer but I am also a loyal ally. I'm not here to give anyone a hard time. I have 400 products that you will want to buy -- that is where my focus is -- helping others enjoy the benefits I provide through my business. We understand each other on this point. We are of the same temperament. You were wounded by my comments, and that detracts from focusing on my suggestions. That is my fault. I apologize.

Quote:

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they do not bite the hand that feeds them...

---

People who work hard often feel unappreciated -- and for good reason. Demands are high, the pace is quick, and the time for thanks seems to be the first item cut from a busy agenda.

I thank you and the team for the opportunity to further my business interests. I remain hopeful that my aforementioned suggestions and perceptions might be considered in future educational projects if they are deemed to be beneficial to a significant number of new users.

Respectfully submitted,
Jake

I'm pretty amazed that you guys have been working on the web since '88 and even earlier. You could have saved Tim Berners-Lee a lot of time when he invented it in the early '90s.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BigFanny

I'm pretty amazed that you guys have been working on the web since '88 and even earlier. You could have saved Tim Berners-Lee a lot of time when he invented it in the early '90s.

---

Great comment - please first read the quote below,

"A graduate of Oxford University, England, Tim Berners-Lee holds the 3Com Founders chair and is a Senior Research Scientist at the Laboratory for Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence (CSAIL) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He is co-Director of the new Web Science Research Initiative (WSRI) and is a Chair in the Computer Science Department at the University of Southampton, UK. He directs the World Wide Web Consortium, founded in 1994
In 1989 he invented the World Wide Web, an internet-based hypermedia initiative for global information sharing while at CERN, the European Particle Physics Laboratory. He wrote the first web client and server in 1990. His specifications of URIs, HTTP and HTML were refined as Web technology spread."

Of course Tim Berners-Lee invented the interent... no question. But, what many do not know is the original communication struggles that occurred (in an already mismanaged communications infrastructure) and it had to be flattened so that Tim could go forward with his concept. Tim's undaunted leadership is THE reason that YOU and I are able to succeed and grow.

My sincere thanks for pointing that out.

The other thing Tim has done - which is a mjor lesson to us all, is that he kept learning and growing - not for himself, but for the betterment of this unwieldly ship of fools - the Internet - he put it all together in a great consortium - the W3C... and believe me, there are many great ANSWERS there to our questions.

Again, BigFanny - thank you.
jund

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BigFanny

I'm pretty amazed that you guys have been working on the web since '88 and even earlier. You could have saved Tim Berners-Lee a lot of time when he invented it in the early '90s.

---

Quote:

---

The Internet, then known as ARPANET, was brought online in 1969 under a contract let by the renamed Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) which initially connected four major computers at universities in the southwestern US (UCLA, Stanford Research Institute, UCSB, and the University of Utah).

---

More at link...

License is always appreciated...

Apart from BBs, which I rarely frequented, my chore in '88 was to lug a speedy Mac 512e from town to town demonstrating its utility with my products. After one particular demo, held in a commercial booth at a State Fair, where a small crowd had gathered to gawk at the mysterious box, one lone woman remained as the crowd moved on.

She asked, "What does the TV do?"

In '88 it might be said that the ship of fools had not yet departed -- but the passengers were curious to come on board.


J

:clap: Good to hear that you have hung with it and are making progress,
Jake. Your daughter is right. One day (in the very near future) the lightbulb
will go off, and you'll say to self "Wow! I get it!"

Do read up on how the template overrides system works. A little learning here will
save many headaches when it's time to upgrade.

Overrides Tutorials

Overrides Really Simplified There's also a printable chart in the Downloads/Other Modules.

Get the Firefox Web Developer add-on. It's really handy-dandy.

You can cut and paste in Firefox, not with Control+C/Control+V, but with your mouse.

And do get the e-start book as soon as you can. It'll save you lots of time!

Lookin' forward to seeing your store in the showcase soon! :thumbsup:

TShooter -

Tks. Saw the tutorial on CUSTOM folder and shied away from it (too difficult). However, the "really simplified" sheet is just what I was hoping for. I can see the whole process now. It is difficult at first to get a "feel" for where all the folders/files are. It will be helpful to ahve a visual map in front of me as I go searching for files.

I've got an idea to demonstrate what I am looking for in the way of a "map" of the program. It will take an hour or two to create. Stay with me.

I downloaded Firebug and it is just about the coolest thing I have ever seen. Will dwnld dev. tools next. I guess you already have the CoolIRIS plugin.

I read another page (after reading all the tutorials you referenced). I just made a short list of terms I was not familiar with.

Sidebox header
Category
Sub-category
Selectors
Template *Sidebox T., * Sidebox modules T.
Defines

I'm not asking you to spend time telling me what those are. I am sure there is another thread that is more appropriate for a question like that. Instead, from the perspective of a new user, I understand that the words above ref. complex ideas: each word embodies a greater base of knowledge. It is the Zen language -- and as such, it would be beneficial to be able to view a glossary of terms whenever one of these terms is introduced.

J

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jake

it would be beneficial to be able to view a glossary of terms whenever one of these terms is introduced.

---

The Glossary link is in the blue bar that appears above each FAQ entry. You'll find most of the terms to which you referred in there.

Sidebox header
This is the text and/or image that appears at the top of any one of the several sideboxes in your Zen Cart store

i.e. INFORMATION, MORE INFORMATION, MANUFACTURERS

Category
Created in your admin -> catalog -> Categories / Products
desiginates a category for your products
i.e. Paint

Sub-category
same as above except you drill down one level
i.e. Paint/Latex

Selectors
Used in the stylesheet.css to designate how various sections of a page will appear when rendered by the browser. there are two types of selectors (class and id)

This is an id selector
#topWrapper {
margin: 0;
padding: 0;
text-align: left;
width: 100%;
vertical-align: top;
}
This is a class selector
.navNextPrevList {
display: inline;
white-space: nowrap;
margin: 5px 0 50px 0;
padding: 5px 0 5px 0;
list-style-type: none;
}

Template *Sidebox T., * Sidebox modules T.

The sidebox templates are template files used specifically for the formating of the sideboxes in your zen cart store

Defines
These are found in the various language files and define an element that will be called in one of the template files. Using define statements avoids having to hard code information in the template files.

i.e. define('MY_ACCOUNT_TITLE', 'My Account'); The uppercase portion is the constant that will appear in the template file. the other portion is the text that appears when the page is rendered by the browser.

TShooter:

Ok, here it is. Two graphics which give visual interpretation of what Zen is.

Zen.Tutorial.Graphic.jpg shows a layout of the front page. There are links here and there which point to each component of the page. Underneath the "What's This?" prompt is the php name of the file which effects that component. Click "What's This" and a window pops up to explain the name of the component (i.e., header, side bar, etc.), one or more links to tutorials about that component, the location of the relevant file. A better design would forego the "What's This?" prompt and instead provide mouseover ballons with links to popups, or some other method of targeting selections.

Zen.Tutorial.Graphic2.jpg shows how I am currently trying to view how everything fits together. Is it layered? I'm not sure, but my suggestion is to explore the creation of a visual representation of the frontpage. break it apart visually. I am less impressed with this idea, but maybe it will prompt a better idea from someone else.

I'm sure someone could do this in a pub with a good pen and a bevnap. "Draw it out for me." Maybe this is not the preferred method by programmers, but I can attest that every salesperson can draw a conceptual explanation of every product on earth on a bevnap. (Complex ideas require more ale, but it can be done -- at least to the satisfaction of everyone who has drank as much ale.)

:smile:

Jake

(Downloaded Firefox Dev Tools. Perfect! Tks.)

Graphical representation is always a good idea, especially with something as visual as a Zen Cart.

Your first diagram is familiar (and I don't just mean because I recognise the specific site from which you took your screen print :D). I think that this has been done before, with answers, but without the fancy popups and links to specific area of the FAQ. But I don't recall seeing it recently. Maybe somebody else knows where it is.

The second though I think is a blind alley. I don't really recognize that as Zen Cart and suspect that it could inhibit rather than aid your understanding. It's set me thinking though, and if that thinking leads to inspiration, I'll be back to share.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by clydejones

Sidebox header
This is the text and/or image that appears at the top of any one of the several sideboxes in your Zen Cart store

---

Thank you ClydeJones. Saw your test site too. Lots of hours in that page! Very nice.

Kuroi -- Thank you for the link to the glossary. It is bookmarked. Special thanks for your work on the free templates section. Very helpful.

Jake

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jake

TShooter:

Ok, here it is. Two graphics which give visual interpretation of what Zen is.

---

Try here in the WIKI for a visual overview of Zen Cart

Very simple and clicking on any of the links take you to a breakdown of that particular section.

The Wiki article is now bookmarked too. Great stuff.

Now everyone, I am going to have to go to the woodshed on this stuff. I'm going to leave this thread now. I am ready to move onto other topics. Tks for your help, links and ideas.

Jake has left the building.

Jake

Where is this text located?

Quote:

---

Congratulations! You have successfully installed your Zen Cart™ E-Commerce Solution.

---

I am trying to edit(delete) all the text and images in the middle section.

I do not understand the logic behind where this text is located. Someone explain this to me please.

Where does the text reside (actually typed in as a designated addition)? What document?

What document calls it into the front page in that particular position?

Where is that particular page located?

How do I edit that text?

I can't figure out how to locate items without reading each particular FAQ for a task.

tks,
Jake

ok, that's enough for one day...

Got a lot done.

Found the doc for the page above.

Jake

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jake

My product supplier has given me an excel data sheet which contains fields of info, including links to thumbs and photos. He assured me this data can be uploaded into my commerce cart. <...> I have not seen anything in print which helps me understand how to input that data, in excel form or even manually (which I sorely hope I will not have to do.)

---

I have now uploaded images and am ready to start building pages. I have all the product names, descriptions, weights, prices, SKUs, of 400 products on an excel spreadsheet. I need to know how to transfer this data so it corresponds with the images I have uploaded.

I read on WIKI that a data manager is in development.

Re: Categories

I created a product category after reading the FAQ. I see I can add products to that category. I am not clear on how the sub-category comes into play in the architecture of the program.

J

As a new user, I am just providing you a look at what I have sent my server who recommended you. I have not yet received a response from them. Here is the letter.

Quote:

---

Since upgrading (my account), I have downloaded the ZENCART program, worked with you to get that installed, and have been trying to learn the ZENCART program.

I am extremely satisfied with the help I have received from you.

I am extremely dissatisfied with ZENCART. The program is awesome but the support is absolutely terrible. It is a free program without an ounce of sensible documentation. Volumes of help information are available on the FAQ page, forum and WIKI, but the organization of that info is so convoluted, contrived, and ambiguous that I spend (literally) hours and hours trying to hunt for specific answers. The help forum is non-responsive. I can certainly appreciate the work of the four developers, but they lack the administrative infra-structure to field the high volume of questions they receive. This shortcoming only underscores the inadequacy of the design of the program.

I need to re-evaluate my choice of eCommerce providers now before I spend months trying to get ZENCART working. I am going to miss the whole selling season if I cannot get up and running soon. And that is going to effect my continuance with (Server name) as an (upgraded) customer -- because if I cannot get my eCommerce site up by December, then I cannot justify the added expense of having an upgraded site. (I need to get my site up well before December!)

I am hopeful you have some suggestions on other eCommerce solutions I might try.

Truly, ZENCART is a wonderful product but it has miserable support and poorly organized documentation. And they have the audacity to advertise it as "easy". It is a program for programmers -- not businessmen.

Tks,
J

---

Clearly you're frustrated.
You're also somewhat impatient, as I commented in another post you "gave up on".
You've had a rather insistent and edgy tone since you first joined us all of 4 days ago
My immediate gut reaction to most of your posts is ... "I think I'll move on to another topic -- this guy's too wound up and if I say something wrong he'll chop my head off".
Your approach isn't making any friends for you.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jake

The help forum is non-responsive.
...
Truly, ZENCART is a wonderful product but it has miserable support

---

Geez ... Such a nice slap in the face to the folks who have been so kind as to give you some assistance in the preceding posts.
ie: jund, TShooters, kuroi, ClydeJones

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jake

I am extremely dissatisfied with ZENCART. The program is awesome but the support is absolutely terrible. It is a free program

---

yes, it's a free program.
I'm sure you could get highly-detailed specific coaching for your unique business requirements if you were to engage someone and pay for their time. If you've already offered to do that, I must have missed it in your posts. Don't ask me - I'm not interested. I'm busy running a store. There's a Commercial Help Wanted area where you can post a note and folks who do that sort of thing will respond with quotes and proposals.

Or try to find another ecommerce system that has anywhere close to the features and diversity of Zen Cart ... and purchase the program and a support contract. I couldn't find one.

I hope you'll not get frustrated and give up, Jake. As I said before, it's not
going to happen magically with the snap of a finger. Most of the volunteers
who try to help out on the forum might not look in this thread for a call for
help, as it was originally a thread to gather info. The forum has lots of
sections for problems with different aspects of the cart, ie: Setting Up Categories and Products

There is a contributed add-on called Easy Populate that might help you
get all your products uploaded in a tab delimited file, #11 on the right in Recently Added Files, latest version. http://www.modhole.com/modhole/index..._Document_id=2

Have never used it, but the support thread is here if you have questions:

http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34970

Hope this helps!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TShooters

I hope you'll not get frustrated and give up, Jake.

---

Me, I'm in the "rather hope he does give up" camp.

One of the strengths of Zen Cart is the vibrancy of this support forum. I've dealt with many professional and paid-for support services that don't come close to this forum populated by unpaid volunteers.

However to be effective the forum relies on an ethos of mutual support. A member who accepts lots of help only to describe that help to a third party as "miserable" and "absolutely terrible" really doesn't get this. Their presence certainly doesn't benefit the community, and risks undermining it.

I'm guessing that Chuck and I won't be the only people who can think of better ways of spending our free time than by responding to any future posts from Jake.

Another newbie question here...How can I remove the zen cart logo completely?

Start with the tutorials/FAQs link at the top of the page - customizing the look of your Zen Cart.

Thanks for your response KIM....but I have been there and can't find the process to delete the logo....only found where you could change the logo out.Pardon my newness

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dragoncelt

Thanks for your response KIM....but I have been there and can't find the process to delete the logo....only found where you could change the logo out.Pardon my newness

---

Did you see this?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dragoncelt

Thanks for your response KIM....but I have been there and can't find the process to delete the logo....only found where you could change the logo out.Pardon my newness

---

https://www.zen-cart.com/tutorials/i...hp?article=126

EDIT: um, ya, what Clyde said :)

I would like to preface my contribution to this thread with the following:

• I am a multiply certified web server admin and developer.
• I am interested in contributing to projects such as Zen Cart. I am especially interested in documentation projects.
• I am blunt and do not mince words. It tends to lead to misunderstanding.
• I am all about Open Source and supporting the projects and community.

Things Every New Zenner Needs to Know (could this be a wiki unto itself?)

1. How to install and secure Zen Cart

2. What add ons are available, how to install them, and what they do. Include pros and cons and some reviews/ratings?

3. The template system/How to make the store look like I want it to. (This could be a sub-wiki unto itself). I would highly recommend a thorough dissection of a template directory, file structure, files, etc. with a couple levels of drill down depending on how deep the user might want to go. More information is better than less.

4. Recommended Periodic Maintenance. Every three-thousand hits, change the oil...

5. A pretty thorough documentation on the admin section.

6. A crash course on the admin section.

7. A how to get up and running fast when you don't care what the site looks like, you just want to, got to, have to have a site -NOW-! Tutorial.

I really do recommend the inclusion of the image/graphics information suggested early in this thread. That has to be one of the most inclusive, least insulting, comprehensive, and not overly technical explanations I have read, ever. Kudos Ryk! :clap: Some tutorials on how to do this in Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, etc. could be really cool addition to this.

The most common question I see in the forums regarding site customization goes something like this:

How do I get Object_A to change/go away/move/act differently?

If there is a definitive reference, we might not have to answer these same questions over and over and over again as most new users seem to not be willing to search through tens of thousands of threads to find their answer. The documentation is actually pretty sparse and there seems to be a little of the figure out the CSS file yourself attitude here and there.

Now, all that being said, I really am interested in contributing to this project. I might even be able to host a wiki or similar to this end at least through development if not full time.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by pheniks

I would like to preface my contribution to this thread with the following:

• I am a multiply certified web server admin and developer.
• I am interested in contributing to projects such as Zen Cart. I am especially interested in documentation projects.
• I am blunt and do not mince words. It tends to lead to misunderstanding.
• I am all about Open Source and supporting the projects and community.

Things Every New Zenner Needs to Know (could this be a wiki unto itself?)

1. How to install and secure Zen Cart

2. What add ons are available, how to install them, and what they do. Include pros and cons and some reviews/ratings?

3. The template system/How to make the store look like I want it to. (This could be a sub-wiki unto itself). I would highly recommend a thorough dissection of a template directory, file structure, files, etc. with a couple levels of drill down depending on how deep the user might want to go. More information is better than less.

4. Recommended Periodic Maintenance. Every three-thousand hits, change the oil...

5. A pretty thorough documentation on the admin section.

6. A crash course on the admin section.

7. A how to get up and running fast when you don't care what the site looks like, you just want to, got to, have to have a site -NOW-! Tutorial.

I really do recommend the inclusion of the image/graphics information suggested early in this thread. That has to be one of the most inclusive, least insulting, comprehensive, and not overly technical explanations I have read, ever. Kudos Ryk! :clap: Some tutorials on how to do this in Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, etc. could be really cool addition to this.

The most common question I see in the forums regarding site customization goes something like this:

How do I get Object_A to change/go away/move/act differently?

If there is a definitive reference, we might not have to answer these same questions over and over and over again as most new users seem to not be willing to search through tens of thousands of threads to find their answer. The documentation is actually pretty sparse and there seems to be a little of the figure out the CSS file yourself attitude here and there.

Now, all that being said, I really am interested in contributing to this project. I might even be able to host a wiki or similar to this end at least through development if not full time.

---

Most, if not all of these topics can be found in the wiki and/or Tutorials/FAQ sections.

5 and 6 can be found in the "eStart your web store with Zen Cart" book check the link at the top right of the page.

Quote:

---

How do I get Object_A to change/go away/move/act differently?

If there is a definitive reference, we might not have to answer these same questions over and over and over again as most new users seem to not be willing to search through tens of thousands of threads to find their answer. The documentation is actually pretty sparse and there seems to be a little of the figure out the CSS file yourself attitude here and there.

---

Answers to a lot of the most common questions can be found here: www.zen-cart.com/tutorials/index.php?category=16
or here: www.zen-cart.com/wiki/index.php/Top_10_questions

Well, I may stand corrected.

I will investigate further.

I will also point out that the only way that I have found the WIKI is by a search on Google or by the previous post.

Here I go a digging...

Thank you, clydejones.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by pheniks

I will also point out that the only way that I have found the WIKI is by a search on Google or by the previous post.

---

There is a link to the wiki in the menu bar on the forum and again just above the Installing Zen Cart section and at the bottom of each page on the main Zen Cart site.

Regards,
Christian.

I will now continue my digging and stand back a bit amazed at my week long attack of cranial rectinitus...

Thank you all...

Thank you all again for your patience, grace, and attentiveness.

I really realized how much of a week I have been having when I realized that today is Friday... not Wednesday.

I am still interested in donating time and skill to Zen Cart.

Ummm...just curious, pheniks...

How did you get to the forum without going thru the FAQs/Tuts?

Search Engine...

There really are not words for the week I have had... Not polite ones anyway.

The company I work for is in the middle of several projects (rework of website being one) right now as well as spooling up for our biggest renaissance festival of the year.

Ok, jeeze..... where to begin?

This is the question. Is there no conceptual, introductory explanation of ZenCart? I've been looking and can't find anything. Sure there's a horde of information bits... but has anyone attempted to cover the basic conceptual introduction in a manner that limns out the terrain?

I see in the Faq Section the entry "What Every New Zen Cart User Needs to Know". And yet underneath this is the bewildering cavaeat "Please read 'Template Customization/Building Overrides' before starting this section". The comical nature of this ... well, it should be addressed.

One wants to know some basic facts, presented in a reasonable pedagogical format. I dunno... clearly, unless I'm missing something, nobody understands what I'm talking about here. If I figure this thing out, perhaps I can contribute.

As I spent a week going nuts trying to find what you are looking for, I would look to the replies to me.

The really good stuff is in the wiki. Which incedentally is linked to in the forum header.

And when it is said to only put files in your template that you are overriding. They really mean it. It really does work.

Cheers Spannungsbogen!

Rethink everything, get Zenned.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by clydejones

Bruce,

To get you started, here are two of of the most common questions I've seen.

How do I change the "sales message goes here" text.

How do I change/turn off "Welcome Guest" message.

I also see lots of questions on modifing the tpl_product_info_display.php

Let me know if you would like some help with the project.

---

As a very new Zen Cart user and going through these forums, I seem to get the impression that the only way to modify anything in the cart is by doing so in the raw code. That is fine, Dreamweaver will help with that.
What I haven't been able to find yet is an easy way to start adding items to the cart and to get an idea what it's going to take to add 3000+ items and what it will look like.
Can anyone help me with this?

Thanks
Robert

Robert:

What you are looking for is a Add-On called Easy Populate. It uses a tab delimited file you can create with your favorite spreadsheet.

http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34970 <-- it is referenced here

Additionally, to run it, you will need to turn the php option "register_globals=ON" for it to work. I would not recommend leaving it on after the upload. You only need it for Easy Populate.

Aaron

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rob905

As a very new Zen Cart user and going through these forums, I seem to get the impression that the only way to modify anything in the cart is by doing so in the raw code. That is fine, Dreamweaver will help with that.
What I haven't been able to find yet is an easy way to start adding items to the cart and to get an idea what it's going to take to add 3000+ items and what it will look like.
Can anyone help me with this?

Thanks
Robert

---

Robert,

Be patient with yourself... The "book" to use is 'e-Start Your Web Store with ZEN CART - Buy it - use it and use the forums... Remember please this is open source and it takes much work on your part to make things happen... but always remember, most of the folks here on the forum are gracious, compassionate, and willing to help... I have been working and playing in here for only a year, but I found that most successes occur with your own sweat and the sweat of others...

We all have opinions based upon our success here - and most opinions are based on some very diligent volunteers...

jund

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jund

Robert,

Be patient with yourself... The "book" to use is 'e-Start Your Web Store with ZEN CART - Buy it - use it and use the forums... Remember please this is open source and it takes much work on your part to make things happen... but always remember, most of the folks here on the forum are gracious, compassionate, and willing to help... I have been working and playing in here for only a year, but I found that most successes occur with your own sweat and the sweat of others...

We all have opinions based upon our success here - and most opinions are based on some very diligent volunteers...

jund

---

I don't doubt that this is a great cart. But having used a commercial cart for about 3 years now, which has a CP to maintain the cart and messing arround with osC a few times, also a CP interface, It is going to be hard to find time to work on a project such as this, with the number of items I have to put in the cart. I was just thinking it's time for a fresh look for my store and this one seems to fit the bill. I was looking to make the switch as quickly as possible. It was never my intent to slam or offend anyone or this project, I'm impressed with the look of the cart from what I've seen.

I appreciate the help.

Thanks
Robert

Quote:

---

I seem to get the impression that the only way to modify anything in the cart is by doing so in the raw code.

---

Exactly what gives you this impression? Practically everything has some sort of Admin control.

ZC does provide good admin control, but there are things that needed improvements: for example: site's meta tag and keywords should be editable on admin panel. Good thing is ZC developers are very active (unlike osc), so we will get there some time in the future.

Robert,
Thank you for having the courage to get right back into the thick of it (smile). You do NOT have to apologize to anyone... you did not slam anyone. This does have a CP... it is called Admin. Mentioned by another ZENNER was one of the contributions. There are many contributions... and when you start putting the really great ones into service, they make the process a lot smoother.
jund

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kim

Exactly what gives you this impression? Practically everything has some sort of Admin control.

---

I got that impression because every help that I clicked on for changing things that I wanted to change seemed to refer to a certain file and then to look for a certain part of the code that needed changing.
How do I log into the control panel for Zen?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jund

Robert,
Thank you for having the courage to get right back into the thick of it (smile). You do NOT have to apologize to anyone... you did not slam anyone. This does have a CP... it is called Admin. Mentioned by another ZENNER was one of the contributions. There are many contributions... and when you start putting the really great ones into service, they make the process a lot smoother.
jund

---

Cool, thanks.
I'm looking forward to spending more time on getting this cart up and running.

Robert

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rob905

How do I log into the control panel for Zen?

---

What is the URL (address) of you site?
Your admin will be the URL/admin
e.g., http://yoursiteurl/admin - unless you renamed your admin - which is a good idea...
jund

#1 - Best Suggestion - For New Users -

ALWAYS install the program WITH the demo products and then play with the program for a while BEFORE beginning to customize it in any way.

There are a ton of examples in the Demo products along with some tips and tricks of how to set things up properly.

Also - get the book and read the FAQs.

I would suggest that this point be more strongly emphasized and explained in the install process.

As is, there is pretty much just an option to install demo products or not. If I had known how useful they were, I would have installed them the first time I set up a development install. (Our first - live - install was done by our host before I knew anything about carts.)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jund

What is the URL (address) of you site?
Your admin will be the URL/admin
e.g., http://yoursiteurl/admin - unless you renamed your admin - which is a good idea...
jund

---

I get an SQL error. :(

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rob905

I get an SQL error. :(

---

Please provide site URL.
jund

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jund

Please provide site URL.
jund

---

I think that part of my issue is the way the cart is installed by my ISP
I just have to select the cart I want to add using the Easy Install Apps on my ISP CP and it installs it but doesn't ask any questions.

So what I'm in the process of doing now is disable the Easy Apps on my server and upload the ZC using Dreamweaver. This way I can run the zen_install and get a better idea of what program is about and hopefully not have to ask so many questions and be able to properly define the main variables that are required to run the cart.

Thanks so far to everyone that has responded so far.:smartalec:

Robert E

Can anyone give me a step by step guild to installing the admin profile. I've fallowed the installation instructions and have started over 20 times. HELP!

:huh:
Dave

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by daver1510

Can anyone give me a step by step guild to installing the admin profile. I've fallowed the installation instructions and have started over 20 times. HELP!

:huh:
Dave

---

It would be nice to have but I think the only thing that's available is the manual for $44+
I've just spent another 2 hours getting the install to run and just keep getting the screen showing me all the errors.
I don't have enough fingernails left to continue this project so I'm giving up.
It shouldn't be that hard to install a cart, my current cart was running withing the hour so I guess I'll have to stick with that one. :-(

Thanks again folks.
Robert E

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rob905

I get an SQL error.

---

Um ... *what* error ? Details might point out what exactly is wrong.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jund

Please provide site URL.

---

It's very hard to give you specific help when you don't answer the questions asked so that there's something to go on.

It sounds like your host's easy-install isn't doing you any favors -- esp if it's leaving you with SQL errors after installation.
There's no point throwing in the towel and saying the thing doesn't work when you haven't figured out what's wrong. If everyone who ever used the software had the very same problem, then throwing hands up would make logical sense. But, asking how to get into the admin, being given an answer, and then saying it brings up an error but not sharing the error message ... is ... well ... futile.

If you've already given up, then I wish you the best of success in whatever other route you take. Just remember to try to help the folks trying to help you as you go along.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DrByte

Um ... *what* error ? Details might point out what exactly is wrong.



It's very hard to give you specific help when you don't answer the questions asked so that there's something to go on.

It sounds like your host's easy-install isn't doing you any favors -- esp if it's leaving you with SQL errors after installation.
There's no point throwing in the towel and saying the thing doesn't work when you haven't figured out what's wrong. If everyone who ever used the software had the very same problem, then throwing hands up would make logical sense. But, asking how to get into the admin, being given an answer, and then saying it brings up an error but not sharing the error message ... is ... well ... futile.

If you've already given up, then I wish you the best of success in whatever other route you take. Just remember to try to help the folks trying to help you as you go along.

---

I have even tried to install the program from file I downloaded after removing the "Easy Install" verson from the server. I tried to follow the instructions that came with the program and found that files that should be renamed apparently had already been done. I looked at the screen that is made by the install program for quite a while last nite trying to figure out what I needed to do before I could finally click on that install button, but I just could not get rid of that big stop sign at the top that indicated there was a file missing although it was definattley there.
Since I don't have enough PHP programming knowledge I rely on the instructions that come with the program and the installer that is provided. In this particular case I'm just getting lost in all the places to go get the info I need and I don't have that kind of patience. Sorry.

I am still struggling with the banners on the site.

It does not seem very obvious to me how to turn these off and on, or how to swap out the demo banners for ones I might like.

2neat

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 2neat

I am still struggling with the banners on the site.

It does not seem very obvious to me how to turn these off and on, or how to swap out the demo banners for ones I might like.

2neat

---

Banners are controlled in the admin: Admin->Tools->Banner Manager
You can alter settings, add/remove banners, select images, etc.

If you're having specific problems beyond "where do I do this", I would suggest posting a new discussion on it over in the Banners area: http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=30

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DrByte

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rob905

I get an SQL error.

---

Um ... *what* error ? Details might point out what exactly is wrong.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jund

Please provide site URL.

---

It's very hard to give you specific help when you don't answer the questions asked so that there's something to go on.

It sounds like your host's easy-install isn't doing you any favors -- esp if it's leaving you with SQL errors after installation.
There's no point throwing in the towel and saying the thing doesn't work when you haven't figured out what's wrong. If everyone who ever used the software had the very same problem, then throwing hands up would make logical sense. But, asking how to get into the admin, being given an answer, and then saying it brings up an error but not sharing the error message ... is ... well ... futile.

If you've already given up, then I wish you the best of success in whatever other route you take. Just remember to try to help the folks trying to help you as you go along.

---

Well I'm back.
After a frusterating day at work listing to people complain about the price drop of the iPhone I decided to take frusteration out on this project. :-)
Low and behold I now have a working cart, was able to get into the admin and no more SQL errors.

My next question is now, how do I stop the cart from showing OUT OF STOCK all the time. I don't carry many products in stock due to the size of the catalog so I just want people to be able to see the product, description and price and decide if they want to order it or not. I tried to turn of the option to show the quantity box but then got an error that I had done when I saved the item.

Thanks for the encouragement.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rob905

My next question is now, how do I stop the cart from showing OUT OF STOCK all the time. I don't carry many products in stock due to the size of the catalog so I just want people to be able to see the product, description and price and decide if they want to order it or not. I tried to turn of the option to show the quantity box but then got an error that I had done when I saved the item.

Thanks for the encouragement.

---

There are settings to control out-of-stock behaviour in Admin->Configuration->Stock. You can choose to show an out-of-stock image instead of add-to-cart. You can choose to allow checkout even when out of stock. You can have products disabled automatically if they go out of stock. And so on.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DrByte

There are settings to control out-of-stock behaviour in Admin->Configuration->Stock. You can choose to show an out-of-stock image instead of add-to-cart. You can choose to allow checkout even when out of stock. You can have products disabled automatically if they go out of stock. And so on.

---

I thought I had them all set correctly yet when I look at the items I've added, it still has the words "out of stock" under each small image.
Can you possibly look at www.robertensing.com/zencart and look at the "New Products".

Thanks

I didn't view all the 39 pages so I hope it is still ok to add my post as the OP invited us to do?

I see a lot of people answer questions with "you can find the file you need to edit in the developers toolkit in your admin"
What I don't understand about this answer is if you don't know what file you are looking for in the first place how can you search for it?

So it would be nice if there was an alphabetical list of all the files needed for editing and where they are located.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by peggy

I didn't view all the 39 pages so I hope it is still ok to add my post as the OP invited us to do?

I see a lot of people answer questions with "you can find the file you need to edit in the developers toolkit in your admin"
What I don't understand about this answer is if you don't know what file you are looking for in the first place how can you search for it?

So it would be nice if there was an alphabetical list of all the files needed for editing and where they are located.

---

This might get you started

Note: *.php means any of the files in the listed directory

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rob905

I thought I had them all set correctly yet when I look at the items I've added, it still has the words "out of stock" under each small image.
Can you possibly look at www.robertensing.com/zencart and look at the "New Products".

Thanks

---

To manage the display of items on the New Products listing, go to Admin->Configuration->New Listing.
If you change Display Product Quantity to 0, then the quantity-indicator will no longer show.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by clydejones

This might get you started

Note: *.php means any of the files in the listed directory

---

Thanks for that but I have played with all those files already.
I am talking about any other file and every other file that is not in that list.

How can you search for a file in the developers toolkit when you don't know what the name of that file is in the first place?

Maybe I am not explaining myself very well:(

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DrByte

To manage the display of items on the New Products listing, go to Admin->Configuration->New Listing.
If you change Display Product Quantity to 0, then the quantity-indicator will no longer show.

---

Perfect, that's exactly what the doctor ordered. :-)

Thanks. I'm glad I decided to give it another go.

Robert E

I'm now well on my way I think and would like to know two immediate things:

1. Since my cart is not part of the site root, how can I pass this to a visitor so they end up in the correct directory and can see the cart?

2. With over 3000 items that WILL be in the cart, is there a way that I can have the cart display let's say items for less than $19.95 based on the items that are already in the cart? (Without manually adding such items to a group) IOW, can I define a group called "Items for less that $19.95 and then have that group pull those items from the cart so that each time when I add an item with a price of $19.95 or less it will automatically show in that group? I looked through the sample data that I installed and could not find such an example.

Thanks folks.

Robert E

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rob905

I'm now well on my way I think and would like to know two immediate things:

1. Since my cart is not part of the site root, how can I pass this to a visitor so they end up in the correct directory and can see the
cart?

---

I'm not sure I understand you fully. Why not just give them the URL or a clickable link to the URL where your site is located?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rob905

2. With over 3000 items that WILL be in the cart, is there a way that I can have the cart display let's say items for less than $19.95 based on the items that are already in the cart? (Without manually adding such items to a group) IOW, can I define a group called "Items for less that $19.95 and then have that group pull those items from the cart so that each time when I add an item with a price of $19.95 or less it will automatically show in that group? I looked through the sample data that I installed and could not find such an example.

---

that's not a built-in feature.
I haven't seen anyone ask about it on quite awhile, but I recall there being something about shop-by-price available as a contribution in the downloads area some time ago.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DrByte

I'm not sure I understand you fully. Why not just give them the URL or a clickable link to the URL where your site is located?

---

I would like customers to be able to go to www.robertensing.com and have them get to my cart automatically. Looks cleaner and I don't have to update the lettering on my truck :smile:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DrByte

that's not a built-in feature.
I haven't seen anyone ask about it on quite awhile, but I recall there being something about shop-by-price available as a contribution in the downloads area some time ago.

---

No problem, thought it would have been nice to have.

Have a great day.
Robert E

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by peggy

Thanks for that but I have played with all those files already.
I am talking about any other file and every other file that is not in that list.

How can you search for a file in the developers toolkit when you don't know what the name of that file is in the first place?

Maybe I am not explaining myself very well:(

---

If all you have is a phrase such as "congratulations" or Sales Message" that you wish to edit, but don't know which file it is in, you enter that phrase in the developers tool kit and it will find all the files where that phrase appears. Generally, it is only in one file.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by clydejones

If all you have is a phrase such as "congratulations" or Sales Message" that you wish to edit, but don't know which file it is in, you enter that phrase in the developers tool kit and it will find all the files where that phrase appears. Generally, it is only in one file.

---

Thanks again for your response. I tried what you suggested but I am having no luck.
I managed to change a banner to an image of my choice but the sidebox I used has the word "sponsor" in the banner box header. I wanted to locate the file so I could delete that word.
I searched for "sponsors" in the developers toolkit and got "0" results.
I have the web developers addon in firefox but all that showns me are classes and id's but not which file I need to find to edit?

I am trying really hard to find the answer to this so i can figure out how to do stuff without asking too many questions but I find that locating the appropriate files is BY FAR the most frustrating aspect of zencart.
Don't get me wrong, I love it's potential and I am very grateful a cart like this exists but when you are doing your level best to work things out and you keep go round and round in circles, it's soul destroying and very time consuming.
I don't want anyone to do it for me, i want to learn how to do it myself I just find that there is something fundamental missing. Unless I am just totally out of control and just missing the obvious...Which is a distinct possibility!!

Here is the 'altered' URL to my site to see what I am referring to if you are able to offer me anymore suggestions.

h ttp://storerevolution.com/cart

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by peggy

Thanks again for your response. I tried what you suggested but I am having no luck.
I managed to change a banner to an image of my choice but the sidebox I used has the word "sponsor" in the banner box header. I wanted to locate the file so I could delete that word.
I searched for "sponsors" in the developers toolkit and got "0" results.

---

When I search for "sponsor", I see the following results:

Code:

---

/home/myname/includes/languages/english.php

Line #411 : define('BOX_HEADING_BANNER_BOX','Sponsors');

Line #412 : define('TEXT_BANNER_BOX','Please Visit Our Sponsors ...');

Line #419 : define('BOX_HEADING_BANNER_BOX_ALL','Sponsors');

Line #420 : define('TEXT_BANNER_BOX_ALL','Please Visit Our Sponsors ...');

---

If you're searching for specific words, I usually find it best to use the "bottom" or "last" search box on the dev toolkit page, named "Look up in all files", and then choose "All files - Catalog" from the pulldown beside it.

[QUOTE=DrByte;429921]I'm not sure I understand you fully. Why not just give them the URL or a clickable link to the URL where your site is located?[QUOTE]

Is there no other way to direct people to my site using www.robertensing.com?
Do I need to move the cart to the root folder maybe?
If I end up doing that, do I have to go through the setup again?

Thanks
Robert

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DrByte

When I search for "sponsor", I see the following results:

Code:

---

/home/myname/includes/languages/english.php

Line #411 : define('BOX_HEADING_BANNER_BOX','Sponsors');

Line #412 : define('TEXT_BANNER_BOX','Please Visit Our Sponsors ...');

Line #419 : define('BOX_HEADING_BANNER_BOX_ALL','Sponsors');

Line #420 : define('TEXT_BANNER_BOX_ALL','Please Visit Our Sponsors ...');

---

If you're searching for specific words, I usually find it best to use the "bottom" or "last" search box on the dev toolkit page, named "Look up in all files", and then choose "All files - Catalog" from the pulldown beside it.

---

Ok well I did find it after you suggested searching the bottom box.
I have no idea why it didn't work for me the first time but thank you for helping me.

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Originally Posted by Rob905

1. Since my cart is not part of the site root, how can I pass this to a visitor so they end up in the correct directory and can see the cart?

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Originally Posted by DrByte

I'm not sure I understand you fully. Why not just give them the URL or a clickable link to the URL where your site is located?

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Originally Posted by Rob905

I would like customers to be able to go to www.robertensing.com and have them get to my cart automatically. Looks cleaner and I don't have to update the lettering on my truck :smile:

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Looks like you've already got a redirect happening.

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Originally Posted by Rob905

Is there no other way to direct people to my site using www.robertensing.com?
Do I need to move the cart to the root folder maybe?

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You can do that if you like.

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Originally Posted by Rob905

If I end up doing that, do I have to go through the setup again?

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No, just move the files, and edit a couple settings. The process is outlined in this FAQ:
https://www.zen-cart.com/tutorials/i...hp?article=122