SitemapXML v.2

For anybody else thinking of using this add-on, I can confirm that it works perfectly, and the installation is much the same as for any other add-on that has an admin component and simpler than some.

It's sad to see the developer, who has donated this really useful add-on for free, and written documentation in a language very different to his own, being unfairly criticised because a small number of users (out of 40k+ downloads) have problems installing it.

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Originally Posted by kuroi

For anybody else thinking of using this add-on, I can confirm that it works perfectly, and the installation is much the same as for any other add-on that has an admin component and simpler than some.

It's sad to see the developer, who has donated this really useful add-on for free, and written documentation in a language very different to his own, being unfairly criticised because a small number of users (out of 40k+ downloads) have problems installing it.

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Not having installed an add-on that has an Admin component and being a total newbie / dummie when it comes to working with code and php etc (I only learned how to spell HTML a week ago - next step is to find out the meaning:smile:) I find that the install instructions are lacking by comparison to some other instructions I have seen and used for some other add-ons.

The criticism was not duly unfair given that his response to my very detailed and honest query was a quote from a previous post that was either cynical or a statement of frustration but in either case it was unwarranted. Given the many hours of dedication Andrew must have committed to developing this module which obviously is very useful and very much required I would have thought that helping us "dummies" who do not have the same level of understanding of how these things work would be a critical aspect of the successful use of the add-on which I presume was the goal in the first place.

I learned many years ago that when my kids asked me a question about how something works it was because they did not know and wanted to know, not just to annoy me - I also learned that unhelpful retorts only harmed my relationship with them.

If anyone should be chastised (if indeed at all) it should be Andrew for implying in a not so customer service friendly manner that for those less educated in the workings of computer programming who are not sure how to get his module to work should pay him to get the advice. And ... there was no assertion that the module doesn't work well, I'm sure it does - maybe one day I will experience that for myself :smile:

Having had some very good help from some very understanding people in this forum I am certain that someone will give me a helping hand.

cheers,
Mike - unemployed 58 year old dummie new to this stuff trying to set up a shop in an effort to earn a few dollars - grateful to many for their help in here, disappointed with some :(
I am one of the "small number of users (out of 40k+ downloads) have problems installing it".

ppps - love your pearl of wisdom -
(Questions answered in the forum only - so that any forum member can benefit - not by personal message) guess I will have to wait to "benefit"

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shags38

NewsFlash - your program has an inherent BUG that needs fixing - it is found in the ReadMe.txt file - NYET, wait .... IT IS THE WHOLE FILE.

If you fixed the instructions you wouldn't be getting these requests Einstein.

cheers,
Mike

or should I use your salutation ........ Good Luck ........ appropriate as one needs "Luck" to get your program to work :no:

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by shags38

Not having installed an add-on that has an Admin component and being a total newbie / dummie when it comes to working with code and php etc (I only learned how to spell HTML a week ago - next step is to find out the meaning:smile:) I find that the install instructions are lacking by comparison to some other instructions I have seen and used for some other add-ons.

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Adding on to what Kuroi wrote... IMHO swinging fists and posting harshly worded critiques of a contributor who's primary language is NOT english is kinda bad form (just sayin':smile:).. Also please keep in mind that these contributions are work that was done for free.. So if the suggestion of paying for installation is off-putting to you, please keep in mind that the modules available in the downloads section are all free..

That said Andrew's instructions while concise, are clear. If you have installed other mods successfully and see how the files are structured you will see that Andrew has not gone "off script" with his mod. Most mods are packaged so that the files/folders follow the same file/folder structure of the store. You only need to rename the "admin" folders to match the name of your own admin folder, and rename any override folders to match the name of your store's template folder, then copy the files over into your store's main root (not the folder, but the CONTENTS of the folder) .. No PHP for programming required..

Suggest reading this tutorial on the override system so you can get a feel for how it works.
https://www.zen-cart.com/tutorials/i...hp?article=230
This is important because many modules use overrides, and it's important to understand how the override system works when you are installing mods that use them. Again this requires no knowledge of HTML or PHP.

Good luck..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shags38

ppps - love your pearl of wisdom -
(Questions answered in the forum only - so that any forum member can benefit - not by personal message) guess I will have to wait to "benefit"

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Before you critique the signature (which is similar to mine and others here) how about I explain the meaning behind the message.. (as it appears you have have assumed that there is a nefarious meaning to it) Then if you want to criticize, have at it..:smile:

If a community member asks a question privately and is given the answer privately, how would another community member with the SAME question benefit from that private exchange of information?? eg:a signature which suggests asking your question in the appropriate place in the public forum so that all community members may seek and find that exchange which may address the same/similar issue for them..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DivaVocals

Adding on to what Kuroi wrote... IMHO swinging fists and posting harshly worded critiques of a contributor who's primary language is NOT english is kinda bad form (just sayin':smile:).. Also please keep in mind that these contributions are work that was done for free.. So if the suggestion of paying for installation is off-putting to you, please keep in mind that the modules available in the downloads section are all free..

That said Andrew's instructions while concise, are clear. If you have installed other mods successfully and see how the files are structured you will see that Andrew has not gone "off script" with his mod. Most mods are packaged so that the files/folders follow the same file/folder structure of the store. You only need to rename the "admin" folders to match the name of your own admin folder, and rename any override folders to match the name of your store's template folder, then copy the files over into your store's main root (not the folder, but the CONTENTS of the folder) .. No PHP for programming required..

Suggest reading this tutorial on the override system so you can get a feel for how it works.
https://www.zen-cart.com/tutorials/i...hp?article=230
This is important because many modules use overrides, and it's important to understand how the override system works when you are installing mods that use them. Again this requires no knowledge of HTML or PHP.

Good luck..

Before you critique the signature (which is similar to mine and others here) how about I explain the meaning behind the message.. (as it appears you have have assumed that there is a nefarious meaning to it) Then if you want to criticize, have at it..:smile:

If a community member asks a question privately and is given the answer privately, how would another community member with the SAME question benefit from that private exchange of information?? eg:a signature which suggests asking your question in the appropriate place in the public forum so that all community members may seek and find that exchange which may address the same/similar issue for them..

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Thanks for the explanation about the signature albeit it wasn't necessary - it was exactly just the intent of the "let's help EVERYONE" inference of the message that I was eluding to, which is the way it should be, however it appears that "everyone" seems to be classified as being at at least a certain level by some in here. Like I said, some in here really "understand" that some newbies really do not have a clue and need the bouncing ball detailed instructions that are totally superfluous to most - some tutorials in here, and posts / threads, are fantastic in their very detailed explanation(s) of how things work and how to do / change things and make them work - whilst some are written by experts, in expert "lingo" for experts. For some, certainly including me, it is like exiting a lecture by an eminent professor of mathematics who knew exactly what he was talking about however the attendees exited with dumbfounded looks of despair and utterances of "what was he getting at"? or similar - the typical inability (language barriers to one side in this case as it is hardly a valid excuse given examples of fluid English in this thread alone from Andrew) of a person to impart knowledge to others effectively, if not inability then apathy.

For one second obviate the perceived attack on your friend or colleague's commitment to Zen and look at my original post - it starts with "I have checked FAQ's, posts etc....blah, yada yada, as I ALWAYS DO prior to asking for help.

Andrew is not going to help me, without me paying a fee, however others will and as I get more experienced and suffer less trepidation about altering ADMIN files then I will be able to handle similar installs without asking for help.

And yes Kuroi I did " Suggest reading this tutorial on the override system so you can get a feel for how it works.
https://www.zen-cart.com/tutorials/i...hp?article=230 "

I read it a few times BEFORE asking for assistance - just because it is written doesn't necessarily satisfy the "is this written for newbies to understand criteria"? I have read a lot about motor racing however I cannot drive an F1 car because I haven't been shown how to.

In any case let's leave it at that shall we - as much as Koroi offered some guidance I didn't get the help I really needed as requested and it is apparent that it will not materialize in this thread however my site will ultimately be a success.

If you ever need any Marketing assistance then that is my area of expertise - you will see my contributions in those related threads as required as time advances.

cheers,
Mike

Effective communication is a required skill to succeed not only in business or politics but also in any aspect of lifes endeavors, including personal relationships, however it is a skill, not unlike blacksmithing, that is unfortunately doomed in certain circles in today's technological society ..... author unknown

More Generals have lost battles throughout history for lack of effective communications (particularly poor instructions to commanders) than for ineffective tactics or lack of resources. It is why in the Military these days instructions are repeated back to ensure that the instructions were received and importantly interpreted correctly.

et domine et filea et spiritu domine

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shags38

Hi,

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Hi shags38,

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shags38

...
I am running 1.3.9 so am ignoring the SQL patch install. The folder sitemapXML v2 is uploaded to the root directory. So what now? Which folders / files need to be copied into which folders (like for MY_STORE) in languages or templates and which of any .php files need to be modified and with what information (if any) ??

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Ok shags38,
I will lay this out calmly and quite to the point. Please follow the directions in numeric order do not skip steps, and do not think that what has been written by the contributor is in anyway criticism of you.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lolwaut

0. Backup all Zen-Cart files to your server or local computer. & Backup your database.

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This is critical. This step must be done

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lolwaut

1. Unzip and upload all files to your store directory.

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This is the main zencart directory. If this happens to be your root directory then your files are in the correct directory. I will suggest that you take a quick look and make sure the directories you unzipped from the addon are the "same name" as the ones on your server.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lolwaut

2. Go to Admin->Tools->Install SQL Patches and install install.sql.

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This is required. If you get errors this is alright, but just take a screen shot of the error for reference in this topic.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lolwaut

3. Go to Admin->Tools->Sitemap XML and click "Install SitemapXML SQL".

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This "new" listing should be in your Admin->Tools drop down menu. It is assumed that you have made yourself familiar with the admin area of zen cart by now.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lolwaut

4. Go to Admin->Configuration->Sitemap XML and setup all parameters.
5. Go to Admin->Tools->Google XML Sitemap (If error messages occur, change permissions on the XML files to 777).

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These drop down menu areas should be available now. Tweak to your hearts content. FYI = most of these settings are fine. The only tweak is for yahoo since the MSN / Yahoo merger.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lolwaut

6. To have this update and automatically notify Google, you will need to set up a Cron job via your host's control panel.

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This is not needed if you have a good spider.txt file pointing to your sitemap.xml files. Just after adding products for the day press the link to let the spiders know you have new content. If you update to often the search engines can think bad of your site.

You have now installed the SiteMap XML addon. The mods most of the time don't take any editing of the php/html/.htaccess files. If you are using Zen Cart on a Windows/Mac Server may the creator be with you.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shags38

Is there a bouncing ball installation guide for dummies? ...

Any and ALL help will be appreciated (I have searched FAQ's and posts in this forum) :unsure:

cheers,
Mike

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This is not a bouncing ball that takes too much time to code and the forums do not allow such things. I hope this will help you and get you into the wonderful zen cart world.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Redbaron2

Quote:

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2. Go to Admin->Tools->Install SQL Patches and install install.sql.

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This is required. If you get errors this is alright, but just take a screen shot of the error for reference in this topic.

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There is no such step. There is another:

Quote:

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For Zen-Cart 1.5.x. Run install-sitemapxml.sql

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Redbaron2

This is not needed if you have a good spider.txt file pointing to your sitemap.xml files.

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You mean robots.txt file.

You are still so busy swinging fists that you have MISSED my attempt to make clear what was not clear for you in Andrew's instructions.. Red Baron posted a similar instruction (highlighted RedBaron's post below)..

How about instead of swinging fists at everyone, you help folks who are trying to help you understand what part of the information posted is unclear?? Repeatedly saying "it's not written for newbies" is not a helpful response.. We post information we think is helpful because it HAS been helpful to others.. If it's not helpful to you, then it would help if you could indicate what part isn't clear..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DivaVocals

That said Andrew's instructions while concise, are clear. If you have installed other mods successfully and see how the files are structured you will see that Andrew has not gone "off script" with his mod. Most mods are packaged so that the files/folders follow the same file/folder structure of the store. You only need to rename the "admin" folders to match the name of your own admin folder, and rename any override folders to match the name of your store's template folder, then copy the files over into your store's main root (not the folder, but the CONTENTS of the folder) .. No PHP for programming required..

Suggest reading this tutorial on the override system so you can get a feel for how it works.
https://www.zen-cart.com/tutorials/i...hp?article=230
This is important because many modules use overrides, and it's important to understand how the override system works when you are installing mods that use them. Again this requires no knowledge of HTML or PHP.

Good luck..

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by shags38

Thanks for the explanation about the signature albeit it wasn't necessary - it was exactly just the intent of the "let's help EVERYONE" inference of the message that I was eluding to, which is the way it should be, however it appears that "everyone" seems to be classified as being at at least a certain level by some in here. Like I said, some in here really "understand" that some newbies really do not have a clue and need the bouncing ball detailed instructions that are totally superfluous to most - some tutorials in here, and posts / threads, are fantastic in their very detailed explanation(s) of how things work and how to do / change things and make them work - whilst some are written by experts, in expert "lingo" for experts. For some, certainly including me, it is like exiting a lecture by an eminent professor of mathematics who knew exactly what he was talking about however the attendees exited with dumbfounded looks of despair and utterances of "what was he getting at"? or similar - the typical inability (language barriers to one side in this case as it is hardly a valid excuse given examples of fluid English in this thread alone from Andrew) of a person to impart knowledge to others effectively, if not inability then apathy.

For one second obviate the perceived attack on your friend or colleague's commitment to Zen and look at my original post - it starts with "I have checked FAQ's, posts etc....blah, yada yada, as I ALWAYS DO prior to asking for help.

Andrew is not going to help me, without me paying a fee, however others will and as I get more experienced and suffer less trepidation about altering ADMIN files then I will be able to handle similar installs without asking for help.

And yes Kuroi I did " Suggest reading this tutorial on the override system so you can get a feel for how it works.
https://www.zen-cart.com/tutorials/i...hp?article=230 "

I read it a few times BEFORE asking for assistance - just because it is written doesn't necessarily satisfy the "is this written for newbies to understand criteria"? I have read a lot about motor racing however I cannot drive an F1 car because I haven't been shown how to.

In any case let's leave it at that shall we - as much as Koroi offered some guidance I didn't get the help I really needed as requested and it is apparent that it will not materialize in this thread however my site will ultimately be a success.

If you ever need any Marketing assistance then that is my area of expertise - you will see my contributions in those related threads as required as time advances.

cheers,
Mike

Effective communication is a required skill to succeed not only in business or politics but also in any aspect of lifes endeavors, including personal relationships, however it is a skill, not unlike blacksmithing, that is unfortunately doomed in certain circles in today's technological society ..... author unknown

More Generals have lost battles throughout history for lack of effective communications (particularly poor instructions to commanders) than for ineffective tactics or lack of resources. It is why in the Military these days instructions are repeated back to ensure that the instructions were received and importantly interpreted correctly.

et domine et filea et spiritu domine

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Redbaron2

Hi shags38,


Ok shags38,
I will lay this out calmly and quite to the point. Please follow the directions in numeric order do not skip steps, and do not think that what has been written by the contributor is in anyway criticism of you.


This is critical. This step must be done

This is the main zencart directory. If this happens to be your root directory then your files are in the correct directory. I will suggest that you take a quick look and make sure the directories you unzipped from the addon are the "same name" as the ones on your server.

This is required. If you get errors this is alright, but just take a screen shot of the error for reference in this topic.

This "new" listing should be in your Admin->Tools drop down menu. It is assumed that you have made yourself familiar with the admin area of zen cart by now.

These drop down menu areas should be available now. Tweak to your hearts content. FYI = most of these settings are fine. The only tweak is for yahoo since the MSN / Yahoo merger.

This is not needed if you have a good spider.txt file pointing to your sitemap.xml files. Just after adding products for the day press the link to let the spiders know you have new content. If you update to often the search engines can think bad of your site.

You have now installed the SiteMap XML addon. The mods most of the time don't take any editing of the php/html/.htaccess files. If you are using Zen Cart on a Windows/Mac Server may the creator be with you.


This is not a bouncing ball that takes too much time to code and the forums do not allow such things. I hope this will help you and get you into the wonderful zen cart world.

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Many thanks Red Baron for the effort you put in to an explanation of how to install the add-on. I have yet to give it a shot but will do so soon and see how it goes and will report back - I assume it will be OK albeit I am stiill confused about the SQL patch part that Andrew has countered in his response to your post, a contradiction that no doubt has some explanation, maybe in interpretation. maybe after reading Andrews response with the contradiction and referencing v1.5.1 you may get some idea of the quandry it caused me as an absolute novice in such things.

In any case thanks again.

Diva, do you have a thing about pugilism? and no I didn't miss your attempt to make clear what wasn't clear - your attempt was indeed clearer than Andrews however still lacked that bouncing ball detail which indeed RedBaron2 has provided - with his/her explanation I feel more confident in having a go in fiddling with "admin"file renaming - last time I did that I lost my whole site, admin included so hence the trepidation. Maybe I am being too cautious.

Thank you one and all for your tolerance (no this is not the part where the second string actor is about to do his big scene and exit the movie).... I will let you know what happens tomorrow.

cheers,
Mike

p.s. the other trepidation is that a Google SiteMap is not necessary - nice to have but not necessary - so I figure if I am confident I won't screw up my store and hence some business I will give it a shot, if not I am still ranking well anyway :smile: GoogleBot knows where I am :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shags38

Many thanks Red Baron for the effort you put in to an explanation of how to install the add-on. I have yet to give it a shot but will do so soon and see how it goes and will report back - I assume it will be OK albeit I am stiill confused about the SQL patch part that Andrew has countered in his response to your post, a contradiction that no doubt has some explanation, maybe in interpretation. maybe after reading Andrews response with the contradiction and referencing v1.5.1 you may get some idea of the quandry it caused me as an absolute novice in such things.

In any case thanks again.

Diva, do you have a thing about pugilism? and no I didn't miss your attempt to make clear what wasn't clear - your attempt was indeed clearer than Andrews however still lacked that bouncing ball detail which indeed RedBaron2 has provided - with his/her explanation I feel more confident in having a go in fiddling with "admin"file renaming - last time I did that I lost my whole site, admin included so hence the trepidation. Maybe I am being too cautious.

Thank you one and all for your tolerance (no this is not the part where the second string actor is about to do his big scene and exit the movie).... I will let you know what happens tomorrow.

cheers,
Mike

p.s. the other trepidation is that a Google SiteMap is not necessary - nice to have but not necessary - so I figure if I am confident I won't screw up my store and hence some business I will give it a shot, if not I am still ranking well anyway :smile: GoogleBot knows where I am :)

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Yes sometime it's better to pay someone if you don't have a clue how to install a particular module.
And we wonder why the threads get so long to read......:censored:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by a_berezin

There is no such step. There is another:
For Zen-Cart 1.5.x. Run install-sitemapxml.sql
You mean robots.txt file.

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As for the 1.5.x line. Since 1.5.x is in development stages. I went with the line from my readme file. The install.sql file was over 7kb and has the add instructions for the edit menu area under Admin -> Configuration -> Sitemap XML. This was why I did that in my instructions. I see that these have been included in a admin file for the latest version. ( developers never leaving code alone :smile: )

The file I was referring to was the robots.txt file.

If you still have problems shags38. The version I installed is 2-1-0 on the end of the zip archive. I had no errors and installed to version v 1.3.9g of zen cart. I hope that this helps more people.


The way this thread topic gets so long is because people don't know how to creatively edit the quotes from previous posts.