Ultimate SEO v3 (and v2.200) [Support Thread]

Not at my development computer at the moment, but I would venture the client has "automatic redirects" enabled in Ultimate URLs... And someone (or bot) is sending unusual request URIs to the server (with malformed data)...

Out of curiousity can you verify my guess by examing the corresponding request URIs from the webserver "access.log" around the time of those warnings?


Would not worry too much, but you may want to upgrade PHP as the warning is only generated under PHP 5.3.2 and older (past EOL).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lhungil

Not at my development computer at the moment, but I would venture the client has "automatic redirects" enabled in Ultimate URLs... And someone (or bot) is sending unusual request URIs to the server (with malformed data)...

Out of curiousity can you verify my guess by examing the corresponding request URIs from the webserver "access.log" around the time of those warnings?


Would not worry too much, but you may want to upgrade PHP as the warning is only generated under PHP 5.3.2 and older (past EOL).

---

Still awaiting some feedback, but last time I went a looking for the "access log" files, appeared as if the host would have to provide the requested URI information. That said, after I thought about it some more, I realized I was able to reproduce the error by providing a similar malformed url, but at the time couldn't identify the characteristic that would more than likely cause the problem (PHP version combined with "automatic redirects). Hopefully can easily resolve (server side issues that may/may not exist) knowing/having more of an idea of what to do.

Will report findings when information is made available. (Not available because haven't been told I'm allowed to login to site to pull up the information/nor place a file to obtain the same.)

I've installed the latest version of this module as found in the downloads onto a 1.5.3 site. I used the additional files found on post 555 for 1.5.2 and carefully merged these with the 1.5.3 files. htaccess is the one supplied in the downloaded files.

My problem is that every page is redirecting to /page.html no matter what i do with admin settings.

Anyone got any ideas what i need to be looking for to fix this?
I have checked and double checked the merges.

Thanks

Quote:

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Originally Posted by strelitzia

... My problem is that every page is redirecting to /page.html no matter what i do with admin settings. ...

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I have never seen this module redirect every request to "/page.html". If you are seeing the redirect even when the "admin setting" for this module is set to disabled, best guess would be some other alteration is present and causing the issue.

What other modifications are present? Was this a Zen Cart upgrade (versions and process used if upgraded)? Was a different (or older) plugin installed to alter URLs (names and versions)? Copy of the .htaccess file in the Zen Cart store's root folder? Copy of any .htaccess file in parent directories? Any "redirects" configured by the hosting company? Copy of "/includes/configure.php"? Messages displayed during install? Copy of any "debug log" files?

Please wrap any answers to the above questions containing file contents in [code][/code] tags. This will make them easier to read. The # button in the editor when posting can be used to add the code tags.

Any new word on Ultimate URL 2.215? Just upgraded to 1.5.4 and the current model doesn't not work with it.

HINT... this is why it always pays to read/search through support threads.. Questions are often already addressed..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lhungil

I would not recommend installing Ultimate URLs 2.212 under Zen Cart 1.5.4. While most of the code will work, some of the "automatic redirection code" if enabled may cause issues.

No release date yet for Ultimate URLs 2.215; have not heard from any of the current BETA testers yet. In their defense they are donating their time, so they may have other priorities at the moment.

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Hi,
i'm using Zen-Cart v1.5.1 version, and when i install Ultimate SEO 2.200 i get this message:

Code:

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"Internal Server Error

The server encountered an internal error or misconfiguration and was unable to complete your request.

Please contact the server administrator, [email protected] and inform them of the time the error occurred, and anything you might have done that may have caused the error.

More information about this error may be available in the server error log.

Additionally, a 500 Internal Server Error error was encountered while trying to use an ErrorDocument to handle the request."

---

also, i have installed latest Zen-Cart and latest ultimate SEO, and i got White page instead of admin login page...

can someone help please, i've lost sooo much time on this, trying to figure it out...?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sxone

Hi,
i'm using Zen-Cart v1.5.1 version, and when i install Ultimate SEO 2.200 i get this message:

Code:

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"Internal Server Error

The server encountered an internal error or misconfiguration and was unable to complete your request.

Please contact the server administrator, [email protected] and inform them of the time the error occurred, and anything you might have done that may have caused the error.

More information about this error may be available in the server error log.

Additionally, a 500 Internal Server Error error was encountered while trying to use an ErrorDocument to handle the request."

---

...

---

This indicates your hosting provider's server did not like something and encountered an internal error. The usual causes are problems encountered when uploading files - or files skipped / missed during installation and merging (most common), mistakes / errors in the Zen Cart configuration files (common), an improperly configured "RewriteBase" in the .htaccess file (less common), the server not supporting one of the directives in the .htaccess file (uncommon), or an issue with the server iteslf (rare).

The best way to start debugging an "Internal Server Error" is to obtain the error log from the server. Most often this will be the webserver error log (for Apache). In some cases the hosting provider may have a log file also defined in "php.ini". You may need to contact the Hosting Provider to obtain the actual error log and messages. The link in my signature "Where are the HTTP 500 / Server Error Logs?" contains some additional information.

In addition to the "Server Error Logs" answers to the other questions in the posting tips (scroll up when posting to find the posting tips) would be useful. For example, the contents of the page shown by Zen Cart under "admin" -> "version"?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DivaVocals

HINT... this is why it always pays to read/search through support threads.. Questions are often already addressed..

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I would be happy to beta test. I'm in the midst of updating a site for a customer of mine to 1.5.4 and they had this plugin installed on 1.3.9h and need it on the new site. Let me know if I can get an early look at it and help out with the beta testing.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SuprMgr

I would be happy to beta test. I'm in the midst of updating a site for a customer of mine to 1.5.4 and they had this plugin installed on 1.3.9h and need it on the new site. Let me know if I can get an early look at it and help out with the beta testing.

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Beta testing JUST to get the latest version?? Not sure that's going to be possible.. That said.. I'm not the active author/contributor of this module.. It's HIS decision as to who he includes as beta testers..

I use the current version and it works OK on v1.5.4.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by neteasy

I use the current version and it works OK on v1.5.4.

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Aye, as long as people are VERY careful on the merges... Apply all the known bug fixes for Zen Cart 1.5.4 (at least one affects URLS)... And disable the "automatic redirect" option (at least two known issues - non-trivial patches)... And apply all of the known patches for Ultimate URLs (from this thread)... Then Ultimate URLs 2.212 does work under Zen Cart 1.5.4.

I just do not recommend installing Ultimate URLs versions prior to 2.215 in Zen Cart 1.5.4 due to the complexity of the installation (and patch hunting / application).

Ultimate URLs 2.215 (for Zen Cart)
The next version of this module has been submitted for review. This release includes some big changes since the last public release, so be sure to read the included documentation. Kindly note the official name change to "Ultimate URLs".
Once available for download, I would strongly recommend stores running older versions upgrade.


Compatibility
Running this version on PHP < 5.3.7 is not recommended or supported. Please upgrade your server environment if you are still using obsolete versions of PHP.

Version 2.215 has been tested under:

• Windows, CentOS, Debian, and Ubuntu.
• PHP 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, and 5.6.
• MySQL 5.1, 5.5, and 5.6.
• Apache 2.2 and 2.4.
• Zen Cart 1.3.9h, 1.5.0, 1.5.1, 1.5.2-BETA, 1.5.3, and 1.5.4.

Installation and Upgrading
This process has changed significantly. With this release, manual merging (or overwriting core files) should rarely (if ever) be needed. This version is compatible with "Plugin Manager" (you do not need to have "Plugin Manager" to install, upgrade, or remove Ultimate URLs). Make sure you read the documentation (all pages / tabs) before attempting to install or upgrade.


BETA team members
Without the help of these individuals during QA testing, many bugs and issues might have been overlooked. Thank You for all of the time and effort you donated to help make Ultimate URLs a better Zen Cart plugin.

Thank you lhungil. I can't wait for the download.

Larry I just upgraded a v1.3.9h site from 2.1 to 2.212 and in configuration I selected true for 'reset URL cache' and I lost the lot - no website and no admin. I subsequently uninstalled using uninstall files and still nothing and then I reloaded a backup version of my database and a complete copy of a site backup ... and still I have a totally blank login page but I do get the website with standard ZC url's ............ what have I done wrong? how can I restore login page?

cheers, Mike

Curly, this module does not alter the "login" page. If you restored from a "working" backup of the database and files, your site should now be "working". Perhaps the backup was not complete (or the restore was not completed correctly / fully)? A broken install (or extra / missing files) can cause the catalog and admin to not load. Have you double checked the auto_loader and init_scripts folders against the stock Zen Cart distribution?

Are you sure the previously installed version of this module was 2.1 (do not see that version listed on this site - 2.209 was the first Zen Cart 1.3.9 compatible version)? When upgrading from such ancient versions of Ultimate (SEO) URLs (prior to 2.150), it is always best to first completly uninstall the ancient version.

Moe, in what ways does your store differ from a stock Zen Cart installation? A blank page = error logs; please provide these (or indicate there are none). What do you mean by "lost the lot"? Did you not win the lottery? Or did you lose a piece of real estate in a poker game? Please provide step by step instruction on how to duplicate the issue(s) you are encountering (starting from a clean Zen Cart installation).

Perhaps the login issue relates to the partial FEC installation and removal reported in another thread? Or is this a completely different store? Version of PHP? Link to the site (the sites in your footer do not have blank login pages)? Answers to the other questions asked in the "Posting Tips"?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lhungil

Curly, this module does not alter the "login" page. If you restored from a "working" backup of the database and files, your site should now be "working". Perhaps the backup was not complete (or the restore was not completed correctly / fully)? A broken install (or extra / missing files) can cause the catalog and admin to not load. Have you double checked the auto_loader and init_scripts folders against the stock Zen Cart distribution?

Are you sure the previously installed version of this module was 2.1 (do not see that version listed on this site - 2.209 was the first Zen Cart 1.3.9 compatible version)? When upgrading from such ancient versions of Ultimate (SEO) URLs (prior to 2.150), it is always best to first completly uninstall the ancient version.

Moe, in what ways does your store differ from a stock Zen Cart installation? A blank page = error logs; please provide these (or indicate there are none). What do you mean by "lost the lot"? Did you not win the lottery? Or did you lose a piece of real estate in a poker game? Please provide step by step instruction on how to duplicate the issue(s) you are encountering (starting from a clean Zen Cart installation).

Perhaps the login issue relates to the partial FEC installation and removal reported in another thread? Or is this a completely different store? Version of PHP? Link to the site (the sites in your footer do not have blank login pages)? Answers to the other questions asked in the "Posting Tips"?

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I have managed to get login back but still have a blank index page of site www.treeoflife.net.au/tree_of_life_store/

I am going to start from scratch - am pretty tired and making too many errors. Will get back to you once I have had another shot at this. By the way, who was the fourth Bother?

If I remember correctly the hosting provider for that site is using LiteSpeed as a webserver, yes? Not all Apache directives (such as those in a .htaccess file) are supported by LiteSpeed... I would guess one of them may be causing the HTTP 500 / Internal Server Error now showing on that site... Could also be an errant "auto_loader" or messed up PHP file... Hard to say without the server logs.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shags38

... I am going to start from scratch ...

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Makes sense at a certain level... May also be worth looking into a Hosting Provider running a different LAMP stack if you keep running into issues... And of course what post would be complete without the suggesting to have two stores (if you do not already): one LIVE and one TEST. That way you can test changes w/o affecting the live store.


NOTE: Go get some sleep!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lhungil

Hard to say without the server logs.

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Yep.. the proverbial "it's broken", "it doesn't work", or my favorite "isn't compatible" posts are soooooooo unhelpful for both the community and the person posting such non-information.. If one wants a SOLUTION, then one must post ALL the information.. It's broken is the SYMPTOM, the ERROR LOGS will help the narrow down the CAUSE.. Knowing the CAUSE will lead to a SOLUTION..

'tis all.. carry on..

(I need to get some sleep too.. all nighters are NOT my thing..)

Hello,

I installed this plug in about a year ago and noticed it had been updated to 2.2. My initial install is working fine. Are there any real world advantages to upgrading and possibly breaking the site.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by coucho

... My initial install (year ago) is working fine. Are there any real world advantages to upgrading and possibly breaking the site. ...

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I would not recommend upgrading if there was no real world advantages. There are some important notes in the 2.215 release announcement. The short answer to "Why upgrade?" is: bugfixes, enhancements, wider compatibility, and performance improvements.

The long answer to "Why upgrade?" is download a copy and read the included documentation. The Beta Team and I spent a long time creating and refining new documentation for this release (complete with more friendly instructions, compiled lists of workarounds, a changelog, and the use of images and color). So please do download a copy and take a few moments to enjoy the vast improvements (if I do say so myself)!

As with any other changes made to a live website: mistakes, other modifications present, and server configurations can potentially complicate the process of upgrading or making changes.¹ As previously noted, before upgrading make sure you do not have an ancient version of this module installed.²


NOTE 1: One should always keep up to date backups (especially before and after installation / changes) and test all changes in a "staging" (test, development, temporary, etc) copy of your live website. Regular backups so will help avoid extended downtime if something goes wrong. And when the changes are being made on a "copy" of the live website (not the live website itself), if anything goes wrong it does not impact the live website. This gives one time to "test" first and address any issues which occur (as well as take very good notes as to why and what needs to be done when later applying the changes to the live website).

NOTE 2: One can check what version is currently installed by going to the configuration menu for this plugin in the Zen Cart administrative interface. If the version is not listed, the installed version is ancient (3+ years old) and I would recommend first uninstalling whatever version is installed (files, file changes, and database entries) before installing the latest version. This will help avoid potential complications.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lhungil

I would not recommend upgrading if there was no real world advantages. There are some important notes in the 2.215 release announcement. The short answer to "Why upgrade?" is: bugfixes, enhancements, wider compatibility, and performance improvements.

The long answer to "Why upgrade?" is download a copy and read the included documentation. The Beta Team and I spent a long time creating and refining new documentation for this release (complete with more friendly instructions, compiled lists of workarounds, a changelog, and the use of images and color). So please do download a copy and take a few moments to enjoy the vast improvements (if I do say so myself)!

As with any other changes made to a live website: mistakes, other modifications present, and server configurations can potentially complicate the process of upgrading or making changes.¹ As previously noted, before upgrading make sure you do not have an ancient version of this module installed.²


NOTE 1: One should always keep up to date backups (especially before and after installation / changes) and test all changes in a "staging" (test, development, temporary, etc) copy of your live website. Regular backups so will help avoid extended downtime if something goes wrong. And when the changes are being made on a "copy" of the live website (not the live website itself), if anything goes wrong it does not impact the live website. This gives one time to "test" first and address any issues which occur (as well as take very good notes as to why and what needs to be done when later applying the changes to the live website).

NOTE 2: One can check what version is currently installed by going to the configuration menu for this plugin in the Zen Cart administrative interface. If the version is not listed, the installed version is ancient (3+ years old) and I would recommend first uninstalling whatever version is installed (files, file changes, and database entries) before installing the latest version. This will help avoid potential complications.

---

Thanks for the information.

Hi lhungil

I have a problem to use the EasyPopulate 4.0 after install ultimate_urls-215 at admin-end. When I export the "Complete Products" file, I got an error as "Call to undefined function zen_get_info_page() in ...\includes\classes\usu.php on line 324". There are no issues when other files were exported. When the "Complete Products" file was exported, the product urls from products_description table would be fetched. This is may the point. Could you help to find the problem?

Zne-Cart: v1.5.4
EasyPopulate: v4.0.28

Confirmed Bug in Ultimate URLs 2.215 (Ticket #28)
Thank You su35 for reporting!

Symptoms
When a URL is generated from the Zen Cart administrative interface the following error is encountered: "Call to undefined function zen_get_info_page()".

How to Fix
Edit "/admin/includes/functions/extra_functions/usu.php". Add the following at the very end of the file:

Code:

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// This function is available for use on the catalog side of Zen Cart and
// needed on the admin side for Ultimate URLs to lookup the product_info page.
if(!function_exists('zen_get_info_page')) {
        function zen_get_info_page($zf_product_id) {
                global $db;
                $sql = "select products_type from " . TABLE_PRODUCTS . " where products_id = '" . (int)$zf_product_id . "'";
                $zp_type = $db->Execute($sql);
                if ($zp_type->RecordCount() == 0) {
                        return 'product_info';
                }
                else {
                        $zp_product_type = $zp_type->fields['products_type'];
                        $sql = "select type_handler from " . TABLE_PRODUCT_TYPES . " where type_id = '" . (int)$zp_product_type . "'";
                        $zp_handler = $db->Execute($sql);
                        return $zp_handler->fields['type_handler'] . '_info';
                }
        }
}

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Hi lhungil

It work now, thanks

Client wants to make a bunch of changes to products and categories.. He needs to delete a BUNCH of his products, move others to new categories, and many more moves to move linked products from one category to another. I want to mitigate any issues before he does this work..

I could create a bunch of 301 redirects in his .htaccess file, but I'd rather dynamically redirect visitors who hit one of these old product links to a category link instead.. Did some digging and found this post: http://www.zen-cart.com/showthread.p...577#post859577 and then an article based on that post here: http://pro-webs.net/blog/2010/03/21/...tock-products/.

In particular the section below is what I am thinking about implementing. It is the last paragraph that is relevant to this module that I am questioning. I've not applied this code yet. I wanted to first do a temperature check to make sure that the situation suggested in the highlighted paragraph does not in fact apply to this module.. As the article was written in 2010, I wanted to find out if the many changes made to this module make that highlighted section a non issue..

Quote:

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In the forum thread we noted earlier, Zenner 7thVeil suggested using a php redirect to move these pages to the category page for their original location. This is an excellent technique for a dynamic solution. The code change supplied by 7thVeil, was very smart, but incomplete as it was returning a 302 in the header. We definitely do not want to return a 302, as this is a temporary redirect, but a permanent headache for your SEO campaign.

So I tweaked his alteration for the following which will send disabled and deleted products to their category page with a permanent 301 redirect. If no category exists they are sent to the product not found page.
In /includes/modules/pages/product_info/main_template_vars.php around line 31 find:

Code:

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if ( $res->fields['total'] < 1 ) {

---

Just below this you will see

Code:

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$tpl_page_body = '/tpl_product_info_noproduct.php';

---

Replace this line with

Code:

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$requeststring = (isset($_GET['cPath']))?'&cPath='. (int)$_GET['cPath']:'';        header( "HTTP/1.1 301 Moved Permanently" );        header('location:index.php?main_page=index'.$requeststring);

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Remember this is really a very dynamic solution and you are giving up the ultimate control over where this product page url should be sent. There is also the possibility, if you are using a SEO rewrite module, that this tweak will result in a double redirect. This is not a good situation, so if you apply this and the header for the pages is sending a double redirect, or worse, a loop... then this solution is not for you.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by DivaVocals

Client wants to ... move ... (products) to new categories ... and ... move linked products from one category to another. ...

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When categories or products are moved around (or linked), no need to do anything special. When done, just reset the URL cache (if enabled) to see the changes immediately. As long as the product ID and Category ID are not changed, both the old and new locations will be handled automatically without any issues. Additionally, the generated canonical will contain the new URL (unless your theme disables the canonical link handling built into Zen Cart). One can also enable automatic redirects to force a 301 redirect to the new URL (if desired).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DivaVocals

Client ... needs to delete a BUNCH of his products ... I'd ... (like to) dynamically redirect visitors who hit one of these old product links to a category link instead...

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Let me first put on my "SEO Hat" and place it on my head.
From an SEO perspective, I would strongly recommend against this approach. Redirecting multiple different pages with different content to a single page (also with different content compared to the original pages) can result in a mess (or even a nightmare). Sends chills up and down my spine when I hear thoughts along these lines... But carry on if this is NOT what you are talking about...


Now let me take of the "SEO Hat" and instead put on my "Customer Hat".
Let's say six moths ago I ordered a "green widget". I was very happy with the "green widget" and now want to order another matching widget (or share a link to the product I bought with a friend). So I go back to the store, sign into my account, and pull up my order history. My expectation is I will be able to view my past order and click on a link to the "green widget" previously ordered.

If the product has been deleted from the store... This link (if enabled) brings me to a 404... Or worse, it brings me to the home page of the store (or some other page such as a category)... And in the second case, now I am confused (because I clicked on a link for a "green widget" and was brought somewhere else). Either way I no longer have a way to quickly (and easily) review the product details or specifications for the "green widget" I previously purchased... So now even if I find a new version of a product (or a similiar product) at the store, I do not have the information about the "green widget" I purchased to look at and compare against... Not the best experience...

Now if the product is still present in the store... The link does bring me to the old products page. And ideally, the store owner has made some minor edits to the product. For example: setting the product so it cannot be added to the shopping cart, added big bold obvious text letting me know the product is no longer available, added a link to the replacement (or comparable product), etc. Not only can I still review the information and details regarding my previously purchased "green widget"... But I also know the product is no longer available (and have a link to view or purchase a comparable / replacement product matching my "green widget"). For me this would be a good customer experience.


Now let me take of the "Customer Hat" and instead put on my "Consultant Hat".
The above code to dynamically redirect deleted product pages to their category is flawed. It will affect all "product pages" where a product_id is not present in the database including pages for products which never existed (and should generate a 404). There is no guarantee $_GET['cPath'] will be present (this is true even with stock Zen Cart URLs), so in some cases it will redirect to the store root instead of the expected parent category. The code fails to call zen_href_link (failing to call this may in some cases cause the customer session to be lost). The code directly access $_GET (I would avoid this), the variable $cPath will already be populated by Zen Cart and contain the correct cPath (or '' if not present).

So additional logic will be needed with the above code changes if one wants to selectively redirect certain products (or only in certain cases)... Kinda defeating the purpose of modifying the PHP code in the first place... And of course once additional PHP code is added (or existing files edited), added complexity is in play... The possibility (and risk) of multiple chained redirects increases... Troubleshooting "redirect" issues (if they occur) becomes more time consuming... Upgrading Zen Cart becomes slightly more time consuming...

I'd personally avoid using such redirects in the first place... But if the client is adamant about deleting products and using redirects... Make sure to update the code previously presented. At the minimum use zen_href_link() and $cPath... Ideally some additional logic could be added to call the home page (no "&cPath=" when no cPath is available). Time permitting, some code could also be added to make sure the redirect only occurs on a "deleted" product (not on product IDs which do not yet exist / have not yet been used).


NOTE 1: Disabling / deleting a category is a whole different beast. In most cases, I would avoid the need and simply change the content... But sometimes one may desire to make such a change (especially if inheriting a site with overly nested categories)... I'd think about a 301 redirect (using mod_rewrite) if there is another category with very similiar content... Otherwise I'd let the 404 page handle the situation...

NOTE 2: Not really on topic, but something I should probably mention... I'd recommend (with or without redirects) one create / supply a good 404 page for customers. Ideally a good 404 page has: easy to use navigation, a search box, content customized to the broken URL (pre-populated search results, a link to the containing category when known, etc), and possibly some form of humor.

NOTE 3: Remember SEO and Best Practices tend to change over time. Any advice or opinions on this (or any site) should always be taken with a grain of salt. Make sure you do your research (including A/B testing) to determine the most beneficial course of action for your specific store. And always keep a backup handy!

NOTE 4: The highlighted portion only applies to Ultimate URLs when "automatic redirects" are enabled and the 3rd party code does not call zen_href_link(). This will not apply if the 3rd party code is updated to correctly utilize zen_href_link().

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lhungil

When categories or products are moved around (or linked), no need to do anything special. When done, just reset the URL cache (if enabled) to see the changes immediately. As long as the product ID and Category ID are not changed, both the old and new locations will be handled automatically without any issues. Additionally, the generated canonical will contain the new URL (unless your theme disables the canonical link handling built into Zen Cart). One can also enable automatic redirects to force a 301 redirect to the new URL (if desired).



Let me first put on my "SEO Hat" and place it on my head.
From an SEO perspective, I would strongly recommend against this approach. Redirecting multiple different pages with different content to a single page (also with different content compared to the original pages) can result in a mess (or even a nightmare). Sends chills up and down my spine when I hear thoughts along these lines... But carry on if this is NOT what you are talking about...


Now let me take of the "SEO Hat" and instead put on my "Customer Hat".
Let's say six moths ago I ordered a "green widget". I was very happy with the "green widget" and now want to order another matching widget (or share a link to the product I bought with a friend). So I go back to the store, sign into my account, and pull up my order history. My expectation is I will be able to view my past order and click on a link to the "green widget" previously ordered.

If the product has been deleted from the store... This link (if enabled) brings me to a 404... Or worse, it brings me to the home page of the store (or some other page such as a category)... And in the second case, now I am confused (because I clicked on a link for a "green widget" and was brought somewhere else). Either way I no longer have a way to quickly (and easily) review the product details or specifications for the "green widget" I previously purchased... So now even if I find a new version of a product (or a similiar product) at the store, I do not have the information about the "green widget" I purchased to look at and compare against... Not the best experience...

Now if the product is still present in the store... The link does bring me to the old products page. And ideally, the store owner has made some minor edits to the product. For example: setting the product so it cannot be added to the shopping cart, added big bold obvious text letting me know the product is no longer available, added a link to the replacement (or comparable product), etc. Not only can I still review the information and details regarding my previously purchased "green widget"... But I also know the product is no longer available (and have a link to view or purchase a comparable / replacement product matching my "green widget"). For me this would be a good customer experience.


Now let me take of the "Customer Hat" and instead put on my "Consultant Hat".
The above code to dynamically redirect deleted product pages to their category is flawed. It will affect all "product pages" where a product_id is not present in the database including pages for products which never existed (and should generate a 404). There is no guarantee $_GET['cPath'] will be present (this is true even with stock Zen Cart URLs), so in some cases it will redirect to the store root instead of the expected parent category. The code fails to call zen_href_link (failing to call this may in some cases cause the customer session to be lost). The code directly access $_GET (I would avoid this), the variable $cPath will already be populated by Zen Cart and contain the correct cPath (or '' if not present).

So additional logic will be needed with the above code changes if one wants to selectively redirect certain products (or only in certain cases)... Kinda defeating the purpose of modifying the PHP code in the first place... And of course once additional PHP code is added (or existing files edited), added complexity is in play... The possibility (and risk) of multiple chained redirects increases... Troubleshooting "redirect" issues (if they occur) becomes more time consuming... Upgrading Zen Cart becomes slightly more time consuming...

I'd personally avoid using such redirects in the first place... But if the client is adamant about deleting products and using redirects... Make sure to update the code previously presented. At the minimum use zen_href_link() and $cPath... Ideally some additional logic could be added to call the home page (no "&cPath=" when no cPath is available). Time permitting, some code could also be added to make sure the redirect only occurs on a "deleted" product (not on product IDs which do not yet exist / have not yet been used).


NOTE 1: Disabling / deleting a category is a whole different beast. In most cases, I would avoid the need and simply change the content... But sometimes one may desire to make such a change (especially if inheriting a site with overly nested categories)... I'd think about a 301 redirect (using mod_rewrite) if there is another category with very similiar content... Otherwise I'd let the 404 page handle the situation...

NOTE 2: Not really on topic, but something I should probably mention... I'd recommend (with or without redirects) one create / supply a good 404 page for customers. Ideally a good 404 page has: easy to use navigation, a search box, content customized to the broken URL (pre-populated search results, a link to the containing category when known, etc), and possibly some form of humor.

NOTE 3: Remember SEO and Best Practices tend to change over time. Any advice or opinions on this (or any site) should always be taken with a grain of salt. Make sure you do your research (including A/B testing) to determine the most beneficial course of action for your specific store. And always keep a backup handy!

NOTE 4: The highlighted portion only applies to Ultimate URLs when "automatic redirects" are enabled and the 3rd party code does not call zen_href_link(). This will not apply if the 3rd party code is updated to correctly utilize zen_href_link().

---

Right.. Except the client is pretty adamant about wanting to remove these products from the store.. He DOES NOT want customers to view any discontinued or otherwise unavailable product, and I simply want to contain the damage by making sure that they are re-directed to a place of our choosing and NOT sent to a 404 page (and for this site a category page will indeed work).. and yes I've explained the reasons not to do this to him. He is WELL aware of the risks, and he still wants to proceed.. I will figure something out.. Thanks for the response..

Re: Note 2.. Out-the-box, the Zen Cart 404 page has a site map and not much else.. Not doubting that it shouldn't be what you state, but it's not even close to this today, and probably over the heads of most (including myself) to customize to that level..:smile:

Seems that I am having a re direct problem I dont know but everytime I click on a product it just goes back to the main page and not the product page after installing the URL mod.

http://staging.tricountyhobbies.com

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sean Kersten

Seems that I am having a re direct problem I dont know but everytime I click on a product it just goes back to the main page and not the product page after installing the URL mod.

http://staging.tricountyhobbies.com

---

When I attempt to access your development site I am seeing the standard Zen Cart "setup" prompts. Not sure if changes have been made since your initial post, but I would guess some have. Based upon the information presented a number of potential issues / conflicts caused by the server configuration exist:

• Multiple directories are set to not allow write access (including the cache, logs, and backup folders).
• There is an extra "/" in the path presented by $_SERVER["SCRIPT_FILENAME"]. This can cause potentially cause some issues with parsing of path information.
• The webserver is running nginx (without support for .htaccess files).

As you are running under nginx, you will need to convert the .htaccess files into native nginx configuration instructions. Once you have converted (and verified the nginx instructions), they will need to be added to the nginx configuration (not just the .htaccess file from Ultimate URLs - but also the ones from Zen Cart). The same step is needed for those running under IIS (without support for .htaccess files). Alternately you could just install Apache instead of nginx (Zen Cart works best under an AMP stack). Apache supports .htaccess files natively.

Next I would tackle the path issue. This could affect far more than just Ultimate URLs. I would guess there is an errant "/" in the php-fpm configuration for nginx. If you switched to Apache, just check to make sure the paths output by phpinfo are correct (and do not include extraneous slashes).

Afterwards (just to make life easier), I would create a user specifically for accessing the server document root (via FTP, SMB, and for the php-fpm pool). This way only that user will have access to the files (and can be given full control). Alternately you could run PHP under php-cgi and suPHP (doing something similiar). This will result in a setup similiar to how most shared hosting providers will be configured.

I've found spending the extra time to create such a setup can save ALOT of time during the course of development and reduce potential issues when deploying to a production webserver. The goal is always to match the final environment as closely as possible :smile:

Yes I took it down to try something but I put it back up. Maybe you can see something I am missing now but I will have the one who set up the server look at it.
Thanks

Zen Cart (and Ultimate URLs) was designed to run on a LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP).¹

As previously posted, you are attempting to run your "staging" website on a LEMP stack (nGinx instead of Apache). The nGinx web server does NOT natively support the use of .htaccess files. Both Zen Cart and Ultimate URLs use .htaccess files (one to add security and performance tweaks, the other to handle incoming URLs).

The quickest (and easiest) method to get your "staging" server up and running would be to use a LAMP stack on your "staging" server (and configure it to load / allow the required Apache modules).

Alternately, you (or your server admin) can convert the various .htaccess files from both Zen Cart and Ultimate URLs and add the corresponding entries into the nGinx configuration files.


Note 1: See the Zen Cart Server Requirements for more details.

I read a little about it last night. The weird thing is that the site runs perfect and super fast but once I install the Ultimate URL mod it redirects itself. Ill have the guy who set up the server look into it. Thanks for the replies

Not weird at all (and not a bug with Ultimate URLs).

If you use a webserver other than Apache (such as nGinx or IIS), you will need to manually recreate the functionality added by the .htaccess files (from both Zen Cart and Ultimate URLs).

Running without converting the Zen Cart directives negatively impacts security and performance. Running without converting the Ultimate URL directives means your webserver does not know how to handle the URLs generated by Ultimate URLs.

Got an error with the new version - may be site specific but don't see how.

htmlspecialchars(): charset `utf8' not supported, assuming iso-8859-1 in /home/user/public_html/includes/classes/usu.php on line 241

filling up the logs folder!

Looks like an invalid CHARSET may be defined in one or more of the affected store's language files. For example the main language files for english: "/includes/languages/english.php" and "/admin/includes/languages/english.php".

For stores returning HTML with UTF-8 character encoding either "utf-8" or "UTF-8" can be used.


NOTE: In Zen Cart the constant CHARSET is used for PHP functions. In Zen Cart the constant DB_CHARSET is used for the MySQL connection. These are different. For example PHP uses the name "UTF-8", but MySQL uses the name "utf8".

Thanks for that explanation. I didn't realize there were two different ways.

The english file had define('CHARSET', 'utf8'); Adding in that dash fixed it. When I know why things are done, I'm more likely to remember and do it right!!

You are welcome. Knowing is half the battle!

Documentation missing in the latest version

I would love to try installing the software but when and after I have unzipped it there is no documentation. This is after it says the documentation will show up after you unzip. I have no idea how to install can someone send me the documentation or a link to the documentation please.

C

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ckfs1

Documentation missing in the latest version

I would love to try installing the software but when and after I have unzipped it there is no documentation. This is after it says the documentation will show up after you unzip. I have no idea how to install can someone send me the documentation or a link to the documentation please.

C

---

After you extract the Zip, look for index.hml in the readme folder.

Ok I had my programmer reworked the site to a LAMP stack set up. I am getting a not found error when I click on any test product

Not Found

The requested URL /test-2-p-2.html was not found on this server.

http://staging.tricountyhobbies.com

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sean Kersten

Ok I had my programmer reworked the site to a LAMP stack set up. ...

---

Make sure your "programmer" has installed, loaded, and enabled Apache mod_rewrite. You may also want to direct them to Zen Cart requirements. Make sure you edited the ".htaccess" file and added it to the correct location on the server (as per the server configuration and Ultimate URLs documentation).

Hi

I cannot installor uninstall. I get the following message:

Quote:

---

An error occurred while replacing / updating content in '/my/root/admin/categories.php'. Backtrack Limit exceeded. This usually indicates an overly conservative pcre.backtrack_limit configured on your server (or restricted by mod_security). Either change the setting or manually merge the required changes.

---

I have uncommented the following line in my php.ini

Quote:

---

pcre.backtrack_limit=1000000

---

And restated my XAMPP server But this makes no difference.

I welcome any advice :blink:

PHP version?
Ultimate URLs version?
Host OS?

I was wondering if you could help us out. We are currently working on a site. Fresh install of zen cart 1.5.4 and using themeforests marqet template.
When we install Ultimate URL the links work fine but it completely messes up the template layout. The sliders disappear and columns are thrown way off.
Any ideas what might be causing this and how we can get it fixed.
Your help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Colleen

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by NewLightCreative

I was wondering if you could help us out. We are currently working on a site. Fresh install of zen cart 1.5.4 and using themeforests marqet template.
When we install Ultimate URL the links work fine but it completely messes up the template layout. The sliders disappear and columns are thrown way off. ...

---

Ultimate URLs does not alter anything template (or display) related. Sounds like something "broken" in the theme...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by lhungil

Ultimate URLs does not alter anything template (or display) related. Sounds like something "broken" in the theme...

---

To add to that,more than likely the "broken" areas probably do not use ZC standard calls and therefore do not generate the images or other links to render properly. Suggestion generally is to go back to the author at the thread (if it is something available from this site) or location where the theme was purchased. Also, a new thread could be begun, but suggest providing the link to the site in that new thread to obtain the maximum assistance.

Although my word means less than the current maintainer of this plugin, USU does not otherwise cause this issue in a properly setup/designed theme.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mc12345678

...
Although my word means less than the current maintainer of this plugin ...

---

I might argue with that statement. The current maintainer may know the code itself slightly better... But those who have used a plugin usually have their own unique perspectives and experience (and can often provide detailed and more useful help to others).

I'd say the rest of your advice is sound!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by lhungil

PHP version?
Ultimate URLs version?
Host OS?

---

Oops, sorry. php: 5.6.3 on test server. 5.4+ on live hosting
Ultimate URLs version: latest version 2.15
Host OS: XAMPP on test. LINUX on live

Thanks for the info. I did not post the link simply due to privacy reasons. Both of you pretty much answered what I was already thinking. That it is a template issue. Other seo's have been tried as well. Seems the the templates do not play nice with any of them.
Thanks for the advice.

I just upgraded a cart from 1.3.9h to 1.5.4. Plugin manager not installed so I did this as i have a number of time before. This time uploading the files to admin kills off the admin. With no error log. I have reinstalled and made sure everything else is working correctly. If I remove the config.usu_onetime.php file, admin is fine. So I checked the path and all files are there. there's no missing upgrade but on this server it just won't run. PHP version is 5.4.39. Major hosting company that is playing with their servers like crazy and I no longer recommend for hosting. It's possible there's something hinky but I don't see it now.

How can I run the upgrade for the database without this? Aren't I just lacking the sql upgrade most likely?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by delia

I just upgraded a cart from 1.3.9h to 1.5.4. Plugin manager not installed so I did this as i have a number of time before. This time uploading the files to admin kills off the admin. With no error log. I have reinstalled and made sure everything else is working correctly. If I remove the config.usu_onetime.php file, admin is fine. So I checked the path and all files are there. there's no missing upgrade but on this server it just won't run. PHP version is 5.4.39. Major hosting company that is playing with their servers like crazy and I no longer recommend for hosting. It's possible there's something hinky but I don't see it now.

How can I run the upgrade for the database without this? Aren't I just lacking the sql upgrade most likely?

---

Running this on quite a few different host companies with no issues:

• Camelot
• Bluehost
• Hostmonster
• InMotion
• Arvixe
• Net Firms

If any the companies listed are the one you are working with, check your install again.. The current version was one of the EASIEST mods I've ever installed for Zen Cart.. In fact the install went so smooth that I thought something HAD to be wrong.. :laugh: and don't sleep on the Plugin Manager.. It makes a good thing even EASIER!!!

yep I know and this client on one of the ones you mentioned. If I can just get this upgraded and prove that it works on the site, I can rule out other things. Right now all I can tell you is that it should work and I haven't run into this before. I was one of the testers on this new version so I have experience!

This server was really really slow earlier but that is no longer an issue and the same thing is still happening. blank screen with that file uploaded and no error log.

Enable "error logging to file" in your php.ini (if supported by your host). This should help track down issues occurring before the internal debug logging in Zen Cart is loaded.

You will also need to edit the section pertaining to STRICT_ERROR_REPORTING in the Zen Cart admin (/admin/includes/application_top.php)... Either set it to true (or if you have edited the php.ini comment out "error_reporting(0);")... Just don't forget to reset the file when done with testing...

Usual causes are: files uploaded to wrong locations, files "backed up" via file copy (and left on the server), and mistakes doing any manual merging (or caused by previous manual merges to any of the "modified" files).


NOTE: "Plugin Manager (full)" usually handles issues during an upgrade better (and will usually result in a Zen Cart debug log if an error occurs) as an init_script is not used. If you have access I would recommend using this method instead... One can always uninstall "Plugin Manager (full)" afterwards.

error logging is working - or at least was. I've deleted all the error logs while I was doing this and there were some there. I changed the php to 5.4 after I did the upgrade so can't swear the error logs happened after that. How would you enable errors via ini files. Never had to do that ever in 15 years.

The cart is error logging correctly. I deliberately screwed the admin english file and the error log did get created in the log folder. Therefore anything that creates a blank screen should be logged in that folder, right?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by delia

The cart is error logging correctly. I deliberately screwed the admin english file and the error log did get created in the log folder. Therefore anything that creates a blank screen should be logged in that folder, right?

---

Mostly correct, it is possible for errors to be generated before or outside the ZC error logging. It is the first place to take a look though and if the error isnot logged there then that is an indication of what to look at next or what the problem is.

My previous posts included instructions neccessary to further debug the issue(s). This includes configuring PHP to log errors BEFORE runtime. Once configured and enabled, please provide the contents of the configured PHP error log.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by delia

The cart is error logging correctly. I deliberately screwed the admin english file and the error log did get created in the log folder. Therefore anything that creates a blank screen should be logged in that folder, right?

---

To catch some errors PHP must be configured to show or log errors prior to runtime (before any PHP scripts are loaded / run). For exampe from the PHP manual: "Although display_errors may be set at runtime (with ini_set()), it won't have any effect if the script has fatal errors. This is because the desired runtime action does not get executed." The same holds true when logging errors to a file.

Also keep in mind PHP scripts inside "init_scripts" are currently run before Zen Cart enables logging specific types of errors to a log file.

How PHP and Zen Cart error display / logging work are not related specifically to Ultimate URLs. Further discussion of the HOW and WHY would be better suited to a new thread.

Got nothing. Followed your instructions and nothing is being written to the designated php error file.

Quote:

---

3,. Install / Upgrade (using Plugin Manager)
This module is compatible with Plugin Manager and can be installed and upgraded using the administrative page included with a full installation of Plugin Manager.

---

Newbie question. What is the Plug manager? I could not figure out what it is, and where I could get it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by delia

Got nothing. Followed your instructions and nothing is being written to the designated php error file.

---

For anyone else who runs into a similiar situation (catalog can be accessed; blank admin) when attempting to run the installation, no debug logs, and no server / PHP error logs... Double check all of the paths inside "/admin/includes/configure.php". After some further debugging, the cause was determined to be a broken / invalid path specified in "/admin/includes/configure.php". Correcting the path remedied the situation.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bwlinux

Newbie question. What is the Plug manager? I could not figure out what it is, and where I could get it.

---

I'm a bit surprised this question has not been asked before. "Plugin Manager" is not yet available (currently ALPHA status - no ETA on a future release).

For now, use the alternative instructions in the readme (for those without Plugin Manager).

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by lhungil

I'm a bit surprised this question has not been asked before. "Plugin Manager" is not yet available (currently ALPHA status - no ETA on a future release).

For now, use the alternative instructions in the readme (for those without Plugin Manager).

---

Thank you. I installed it manually. A wonderful plugin.

Hi

I have installed this module and it works ok on Chrome, but when using IE it comes up with page cannot be displayed error for 3 of the 4 categories. The site is www.customtables4u.com, and the only category on the left hand side that works with IE is the Nest of Tables.

Any ideas?

Regards

John

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by HammurIT

... I have installed this module and it works ok on Chrome, but when using IE it comes up with page cannot be displayed error for 3 of the 4 categories. ...

---

This issue is not caused by Ultimate URLs.

Please supply the ENTIRE contents of the .htaccess file (and the contents of any .htaccess files in parent directories). Based on the behavior of your site, it appears either the server has a misconfiguration or someone has added an errant RewriteRule (not following best practice, and not favorable for SEO either). This is causing the Apache web server hosting your site to incorrectly issue a "HTTP 302 / Found" without specifying the "Location" header on any URI ending with a slash.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by lhungil

This issue is not caused by Ultimate URLs.

Please supply the ENTIRE contents of the .htaccess file (and the contents of any .htaccess files in parent directories). Based on the behavior of your site, it appears either the server has a misconfiguration or someone has added an errant RewriteRule (not following best practice, and not favorable for SEO either). This is causing the Apache web server hosting your site to incorrectly issue a "HTTP 302 / Found" without specifying the "Location" header on any URI ending with a slash.

---

.htaccess file as below

SetEnv DEFAULT_PHP_VERSION 5

<ifModule mod_gzip.c>
mod_gzip_on Yes
mod_gzip_dechunk Yes
mod_gzip_item_include file .(html?|txt|css|js|php|pl)$
mod_gzip_item_include handler ^cgi-script$
mod_gzip_item_include mime ^text/.*
mod_gzip_item_include mime ^application/x-javascript.*
mod_gzip_item_exclude mime ^image/.*
mod_gzip_item_exclude rspheader ^Content-Encoding:.*gzip.*
</ifModule>

# compress text, HTML, JavaScript, CSS, and XML
AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE text/plain
AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE text/html
AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE text/xml
AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE text/css
AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE text/javascript
AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE application/xml
AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE application/xhtml+xml
AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE application/rss+xml
AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE application/javascript
AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE application/x-javascript
AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE application/js
AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE image/jpeg

# Or, compress certain file types by extension:
<Files *.html>
SetOutputFilter DEFLATE
</Files>

# remove browser bugs
BrowserMatch ^Mozilla/4 gzip-only-text/html
BrowserMatch ^Mozilla/4\.0[678] no-gzip
BrowserMatch \bMSIE !no-gzip !gzip-only-text/html
Header append Vary User-Agent

RewriteEngine on
RewriteCond %{HTTP_HOST} ^customtables4u\.com$ [NC]
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ http://www.customtables4u.com/$1 [R=301,L]
RewriteCond %{THE_REQUEST} ^.*/index.html
RewriteRule ^(.*)index.html$ http://www.customtables4u.com/$1 [R=301,L]

RewriteEngine On
RewriteRule ^(.*)/$ http://%{HTTP_HOST}/$1

# 1 WEEK 1 DAY
#<filesMatch “.(jpg|jpeg|png|gif|swf|ico)$”>
#Header set Cache-Control “max-age=691200, public”
#</filesMatch>
# 1 WEEK 1 DAY
#<filesMatch “.(xml|txt|js)$”>
#Header set Cache-Control “max-age=691200, proxy-revalidate”
#</filesMatch>
# 1 WEEK 1 DAY
#<filesMatch “.(html|htm|css|php)$”>
#Header set Cache-Control “max-age=691200, private, proxy-revalidate”
#</filesMatch>

###############################################################################
# Add custom headers and options
###############################################################################
# Notes:
#
# Examples: Adding IE compatibility / edge flags, language and encoding flags,
# php or suphp directives, configure other Apache modules such as page_speed,
# and enable or disable Apache httpd options.
#
# Do NOT configure anything directly relating to physical or virtual resources
# in this section. These should be addressed later on in this file.
###############################################################################
#Options -Indexes

###############################################################################
# Enable mod_rewrite processing using the rules in this .htaccess file
###############################################################################
# Notes:
#
# <IfModule> should be avoided at all costs. If mod_rewrite is not available
# it is almost always better to return HTTP 500 status. This way we see there
# is an issue as soon as the .htaccess file is uploaded.
#
# For mod_rewrite to work, the Apache server option to allow symbolic links to
# be followed must be enabled. Most providers supporting mod_rewrite will
# already have it enabled for you, but if your rewrite rules are not working
# you can un-comment the first directive below to manually enable the option.
#
# Don't forget, mod_rewrite directives are processed in order until a matching
# RewriteRule with the [L] flag is encountered. So the more specific a rule is
# the closer it should appear to the top of this file.
###############################################################################
#Options +FollowSymLinks
RewriteEngine on

###############################################################################
# Tell mod_rewrite where this file is relative to the server document_root
###############################################################################
# Notes:
#
# This directive should only be enabled if this .htaccess file is not placed
# in the document_root (usually public_html, www, or web) of the (sub)domain.
#
# An easy way to determine the location relative to the server document_root is
# to look at the URL used to access a file in this folder. For example if you
# access a "page" in the same folder as this file by typing in the URL
# "www.mydomain.com/myfolder/index.html" then "myfolder" will be the location
# of this file relative to the server document_root.
#
# Another quick and easy way to determine the correct setting for this is to
# look at the defined value for DIR_WS_CATALOG and DIR_WS_HTTPS_CATALOG in
# Zen Cart's configure.php files. All three values should match.
#
# Don't forget the leading and trailing /. This directive requires both!
###############################################################################
#RewriteBase /shop/


###############################################################################
# Redirect if request was for index.php (no query)
###############################################################################
# Notes:
#
# This is only required if the site generates references to index.php with no
# parameters. This rule will force a 301 redirect to the site root when a
# request is made for "/index.php" with no query terms (?key=value).
###############################################################################
#RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} ^$
#RewriteRule ^index\.php$ / [R=301,L]


###############################################################################
# Add any custom 301 redirects
###############################################################################
# Notes:
#
# In general these should be few and far between. If you use a RewriteRule
# be sure to add the L flag to let Apache mod_rewrite know to stop processing
# and skip any RewriteRules defined later in the .htaccess file.
###############################################################################


###############################################################################
# Redirect if request was for index.php (with or without query)
###############################################################################
# Notes:
#
# This is a performance optimization. If the request is for index.php simply
# pass the request on and do not process any other mod_rewrite directives in
# this file.
#
# Basically this avoids the overhead of checking if index.php is a real file
# or directory (used in subsequent mod_rewrite rules) before sending the
# request to index.php.
###############################################################################
RewriteRule ^index\.php$ - [L]


###############################################################################
# Start Ultimate (SEO) URLs
###############################################################################
# Notes:
#
# You should not make any changes in this section unless you really understand
# how it will impact your web site. Mistakes can break things.
###############################################################################

# Handles the new URL formats
RewriteRule ^(.*)-c-([0-9_]+)/(.*)-p-([0-9]+)(.*)$ index\.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=$4&cPath=$2&%{QUERY_STRING} [L]
RewriteRule ^(.*)-c-([0-9_]+)/(.*)-pi-([0-9]+)(.*)$ index\.php?main_page=popup_image&pID=$4&cPath=$2&%{QUERY_STRING} [L]
RewriteRule ^(.*)-c-([0-9_]+)/(.*)-pr-([0-9]+)(.*)$ index\.php?main_page=product_reviews&products_id=$4&cPath=$2&%{QUERY_STRING} [L]
RewriteRule ^(.*)-c-([0-9_]+)/(.*)-pri-([0-9]+)(.*)$ index\.php?main_page=product_reviews_info&products_id=$4&cPath=$2&%{QUERY_STRING } [L]

# Original (unchanged) URL formats
RewriteRule ^(.*)-p-([0-9]+)(.*)$ index\.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=$2&%{QUERY_STRING} [L]
RewriteRule ^(.*)-m-([0-9]+)(.*)$ index\.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=$2&%{QUERY_STRING} [L]
RewriteRule ^(.*)-pi-([0-9]+)(.*)$ index\.php?main_page=popup_image&pID=$2&%{QUERY_STRING} [L]
RewriteRule ^(.*)-pr-([0-9]+)(.*)$ index\.php?main_page=product_reviews&products_id=$2&%{QUERY_STRING} [L]
RewriteRule ^(.*)-pri-([0-9]+)(.*)$ index\.php?main_page=product_reviews_info&products_id=$2&%{QUERY_STRING} [L]
RewriteRule ^(.*)-ezp-([0-9]+)(.*)$ index\.php?main_page=page&id=$2&%{QUERY_STRING} [L]
RewriteRule ^(.*)-c-([0-9_]+)(.*)$ index\.php?main_page=index&cPath=$2&%{QUERY_STRING} [L]

# Rewrite all other requests (if the file / directory does not exist)
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ index\.php?main_page=$1&%{QUERY_STRING} [L]

###############################################################################
# Add any other directives relating to the handling of physical files
###############################################################################
# Notes:
#
# If processing makes it this far, the request was for a real file or folder.
# Example: Adding further processing related to browser caching or security.
###############################################################################

Sorted it by removing

RewriteEngine on
RewriteCond %{HTTP_HOST} ^customtables4u\.com$ [NC]
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ http://www.customtables4u.com/$1 [R=301,L]
RewriteCond %{THE_REQUEST} ^.*/index.html
RewriteRule ^(.*)index.html$ http://www.customtables4u.com/$1 [R=301,L]

RewriteEngine On
RewriteRule ^(.*)/$ http://%{HTTP_HOST}/$1

Many thanks for pointing out where the issue would be.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by HammurIT

Sorted it by removing

RewriteEngine on
RewriteCond %{HTTP_HOST} ^customtables4u\.com$ [NC]
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ http://www.customtables4u.com/$1 [R=301,L]
RewriteCond %{THE_REQUEST} ^.*/index.html
RewriteRule ^(.*)index.html$ http://www.customtables4u.com/$1 [R=301,L]

RewriteEngine On
RewriteRule ^(.*)/$ http://%{HTTP_HOST}/$1

Many thanks for pointing out where the issue would be.

---

Not so sure all of that had to go, but glad it resolved your issue. The bolded rule to me seemed like a possible problem causer not having any "restrictions" or checks, just redirect the site to the host information provided, almost seems like a way to launch off to somewhere else from using your site.

*ugh* sorry, just realized. Let the lashings commence. Discussion is off topic from thread as previously identified. Sorry. May be helpful to some, but result is not caused by this plugin.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by HammurIT

Sorted it by removing

RewriteEngine on
RewriteCond %{HTTP_HOST} ^customtables4u\.com$ [NC]
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ http://www.customtables4u.com/$1 [R=301,L]
RewriteCond %{THE_REQUEST} ^.*/index.html
RewriteRule ^(.*)index.html$ http://www.customtables4u.com/$1 [R=301,L]

RewriteEngine On
RewriteRule ^(.*)/$ http://%{HTTP_HOST}/$1

...

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mc12345678

Not so sure all of that had to go, but glad it resolved your issue. The bolded rule to me seemed like a possible problem ...

---

Agreed.

Simply placing the contents of the .htaccess provided by Ultimate URLs at the bottom of an existing .htaccess file is not the best solution. One should instead integrate the two .htaccess files... Removing redundant directives... Making sure directives are in the correct order... Keeping the directives organized... Using the correct directives for the desired outcome... I usually recommend consulting with someone VERY knowledgeable in regards to Apache server directives and configuration when modifying (or merging) .htaccess files.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mc12345678

*ugh* sorry, just realized. Let the lashings commence. Discussion is off topic from thread as previously identified. Sorry. May be helpful to some, but result is not caused by this plugin.

---

Correct the problem was NOT Ultimate URLs... But hold off the lashing! Good short slightly related posts are helpful and appreciated!

Now it is time for me to go a bit off topic...

First I see HammurIT's website is running on Apache 2.4 (good) and PHP 5.2 (bad). Would strongly recommend starting the process of upgrading to a version of Zen Cart 1.5.4 (or newer) and PHP 5.4 (or newer).

Second, I would recommend using mod_deflate or mod_gzip on images. The performance hit to compress already compressed image data is not worth the VERY minor gain. Any good software for editing images should do this automatically for JPEG, PNG, and other common image formats.

Third, no need for both mod_deflate and mod_gzip. You only need to enable one. Considering your server is Apache 2.4, mod_deflate is probably the appropriate one to use.


I'd probably use a .htaccess file similiar to:

Code:

---

###############################################################################
# Add custom headers and options
###############################################################################
# Notes:
#
# Examples: Adding IE compatibility / edge flags, language and encoding flags,
# php or suphp directives, configure other Apache modules such as page_speed,
# and enable or disable Apache httpd options.
#
# Do NOT configure anything directly relating to physical or virtual resources
# in this section. These should be addressed later on in this file.
###############################################################################
#Options -Indexes

# Hosting Provider Specific directive (change the PHP Version)
SetEnv DEFAULT_PHP_VERSION 5

# Configure basic gzip support
<IfModule mod_deflate.c>
    AddOutPutFilterByType DEFLATE text/plain text/html text/xml text/css application/xml application/xhtml+xml application/rss+xml application/javascript
    <IfModule mod_setenvif.c>
        # Netscape 4.x has some problems...
        BrowserMatch ^Mozilla/4 gzip-only-text/html
       
        # Netscape 4.06-4.08 have some more problems
        BrowserMatch ^Mozilla/4\.0[678] no-gzip
       
        # MSIE masquerades as Netscape, but it is fine
        # BrowserMatch \bMSIE !no-gzip !gzip-only-text/html
       
        # NOTE: Due to a bug in mod_setenvif up to Apache 2.0.48
        # the above regex won't work. You can use the following
        # workaround to get the desired effect:
        BrowserMatch \bMSI[E] !no-gzip !gzip-only-text/html
       
        # Don't compress images
        SetEnvIfNoCase Request_URI .(?:gif|jpe?g|png)$ no-gzip dont-vary
    </IfModule>
   
    <IfModule mod_headers.c>
        # Make sure proxies don't deliver the wrong content
        Header append Vary User-Agent env=!dont-vary
    </IfModule>
</IfModule>

###############################################################################
# Enable mod_rewrite processing using the rules in this .htaccess file
###############################################################################
# Notes:
#
# <IfModule> should be avoided at all costs. If mod_rewrite is not available
# it is almost always better to return HTTP 500 status. This way one can see
# there is an issue as soon as the .htaccess file is uploaded.
#
# For mod_rewrite to work, the Apache server option to allow symbolic links to
# be followed must be enabled. Most providers supporting mod_rewrite will
# have it enabled by default. If rewrite rules are not working one can see if
# enabling symbolic links fixes the issue by un-commenting the first directive
# below (Options +FollowSymLinks).
#
# When the MultiViews option is enabled, negotiation rules from mod_negotiation
# are applied prior to any mod_rewrite directives. This can cause unintended
# behavior. For example if the directory "/cms/" does not exist and the file
# "/cms.php" exists, a request for "/cms/someimage.jpg" will be transformed
# internally by mod_negotiation to "/cms.php/someimage.jpg". To disable
# MultiViews un-comment the second directive below (Options -MultiViews).
#
# Don't forget, mod_rewrite directives are processed in order until a matching
# RewriteRule with the [L] flag is encountered. So the more specific a rule is
# the closer it should appear to the top of this file.
###############################################################################
#Options +FollowSymLinks
#Options -MultiViews
RewriteEngine on

###############################################################################
# Tell mod_rewrite where this file is relative to the server document_root
###############################################################################
# Notes:
#
# This directive should only be enabled if this .htaccess file is not placed
# in the document_root (usually public_html, www, or web) of the (sub)domain.
#
# An easy way to determine the location relative to the server document_root is
# to look at the URL used to access a file in this folder. For example if you
# access a "page" in the same folder as this file by typing in the URL
# "www.mydomain.com/myfolder/index.html" then "myfolder" will be the location
# of this file relative to the server document_root.
#
# Another quick and easy way to determine the correct setting for this is to
# look at the defined value for DIR_WS_CATALOG and DIR_WS_HTTPS_CATALOG in
# Zen Cart's configure.php files. All three values should match.
#
# Don't forget the leading and trailing /. This directive requires both!
###############################################################################
#RewriteBase /shop/


###############################################################################
# Redirect if request was for index.php (no query)
###############################################################################
# Notes:
#
# This is only required if the site generates references to index.php with no
# parameters. This rule will force a 301 redirect to the site root when a
# request is made for "/index.php" with no query terms (?key=value).
###############################################################################
#RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} ^$
#RewriteRule ^index\.php$ / [R=301,L]


###############################################################################
# Add any custom 301 redirects
###############################################################################
# Notes:
#
# In general these should be few and far between. If you use a RewriteRule
# be sure to add the L flag to let Apache mod_rewrite know to stop processing
# and skip any RewriteRules defined later in the .htaccess file.
###############################################################################

# FQDN redirect (don't apply to POST requests or data may be lost)
RewriteCond %{HTTP_HOST} ^customtables4u\.com$ [NC]
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_METHOD} !POST
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ http://www.customtables4u.com/$1 [R=301,L]

###############################################################################
# Redirect if request was for index.php (with or without query)
###############################################################################
# Notes:
#
# This is a performance optimization. If the request is for index.php simply
# pass the request on and do not process any other mod_rewrite directives in
# this file.
#
# Basically this avoids the overhead of checking if index.php is a real file
# or directory (used in subsequent mod_rewrite rules) before sending the
# request to index.php.
###############################################################################
RewriteRule ^index\.php$ - [L]


###############################################################################
# Start Ultimate (SEO) URLs
###############################################################################
# Notes:
#
# You should not make any changes in this section unless you really understand
# how it will impact your web site. Mistakes can break things.
###############################################################################

# Handles the new URL formats
RewriteRule ^(.*)-c-([0-9_]+)/(.*)-p-([0-9]+)(.*)$ index\.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=$4&cPath=$2&%{QUERY_STRING} [L]
RewriteRule ^(.*)-c-([0-9_]+)/(.*)-pi-([0-9]+)(.*)$ index\.php?main_page=popup_image&pID=$4&cPath=$2&%{QUERY_STRING} [L]
RewriteRule ^(.*)-c-([0-9_]+)/(.*)-pr-([0-9]+)(.*)$ index\.php?main_page=product_reviews&products_id=$4&cPath=$2&%{QUERY_STRING} [L]
RewriteRule ^(.*)-c-([0-9_]+)/(.*)-pri-([0-9]+)(.*)$ index\.php?main_page=product_reviews_info&products_id=$4&cPath=$2&%{QUERY_STRING} [L]

# Original (unchanged) URL formats
RewriteRule ^(.*)-p-([0-9]+)(.*)$ index\.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=$2&%{QUERY_STRING} [L]
RewriteRule ^(.*)-m-([0-9]+)(.*)$ index\.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=$2&%{QUERY_STRING} [L]
RewriteRule ^(.*)-pi-([0-9]+)(.*)$ index\.php?main_page=popup_image&pID=$2&%{QUERY_STRING} [L]
RewriteRule ^(.*)-pr-([0-9]+)(.*)$ index\.php?main_page=product_reviews&products_id=$2&%{QUERY_STRING} [L]
RewriteRule ^(.*)-pri-([0-9]+)(.*)$ index\.php?main_page=product_reviews_info&products_id=$2&%{QUERY_STRING} [L]
RewriteRule ^(.*)-ezp-([0-9]+)(.*)$ index\.php?main_page=page&id=$2&%{QUERY_STRING} [L]
RewriteRule ^(.*)-c-([0-9_]+)(.*)$ index\.php?main_page=index&cPath=$2&%{QUERY_STRING} [L]

# Rewrite all other requests (if the file / directory does not exist)
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ index\.php?main_page=$1&%{QUERY_STRING} [L]

###############################################################################
# Add any other directives relating to the handling of physical files
###############################################################################
# Notes:
#
# If processing makes it this far, the request was for a real file or folder.
# Example: Adding further processing related to browser caching or security.
###############################################################################

---

Many thanks for the tips.

Next thing I have now noticed is that my main menu is missing for the Ez Pages - is that related to this module?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by HammurIT

... I have now noticed is that my main menu is missing for the Ez Pages - is that related to this module?

---

Nope, all Ultimate URLs does is provide alternative URLs (via zen_href_link). It does not alter or change any HTML, CSS, JS, modules, sideboxes, etc.

I have another newbie question.

I created a define page about_us same as contact_us, /about_us.html and /contact_us.html both work.

With the Ultimate SEO 2.20, the code below

PHP Code:

---

<li><?php echo '<a href="' . zen_href_link(FILENAME_CONTACT_US) . '">' . BOX_INFORMATION_CONTACT . '</a>';?></li>

---

which generated a static link /contact_us.html.
However,

PHP Code:

---

<li><?php echo '<a href="' . zen_href_link(FILENAME_ABOUT_US) . '">' . BOX_INFORMATION_ABOUT . '</a>';  ?></li>

---

which generated a /index.php?main_page=about_us link, which is not a seo link.

By the way, the about_us page was added after I installed the plugin.

What is wrong with my installation? How should I do to generate a seo url /about_us.html, instead of /index.php?main_page=about_us.

Check your setting for: "Limit alternate URLS to the following pages".

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by lhungil

Check your setting for: "Limit alternate URLS to the following pages".

---

Thanks you so much.

Additional Question, what is the correct name for manufacturer?

Code:

---

RewriteRule ^(.*)-m-([0-9]+)(.*)$ index\.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=$2&%{QUERY_STRING} [L]

---

Hi everyone! got a problem installing this mod.
I followed steps 1, 2 and 3 of the installation guide:

1 - Uploaded New Files
2 - Modified .htaccess file
3 - Uploaded Install Files

But when i click on ANY link in the admin (as the installation guide says), I only get a blank page. Now all my Admin pages are blank pages and I can't really do nothing about it.

I already uploaded a backup of my admin directory and erased the new files manualy but nothing happened.

I have Zen Cart v 1.5.1. The admin of my site http://www.jollyrogerbay.it/store/Mitola64

Anyone could help? thanks

Marco

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bwlinux

... what is the correct name for manufacturer? ...

---

Not sure what you are asking... The name would be whatever you entered for the manufacturer in the Zen Cart administrative interface.

Are you asking what Zen Cart page handles manufacturer product listings? If so the answer is "index" (same one handling the home page, categories, etc).

One can determine the Zen Cart Page name by looking in one or both of the following locations (xxxx is where the page name will be). n the stock Zen Cart URLs, this appears as index.php?main_page=xxxx. In the installation file structure pages appear at /includes/modules/pages/xxxx.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marco Serge

... when i click on ANY link in the admin (as the installation guide says), I only get a blank page. Now all my Admin pages are blank pages and I can't really do nothing about it. ...

---

This was discussed a page or two back in this thread.

Two likely culprits:
Something not uploaded to the correct location (or the upload was corrupt).
An invalid path exists inside "/admin/includes/configure.php".

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by lhungil

This was discussed a page or two back in this thread.

Two likely culprits:
Something not uploaded to the correct location (or the upload was corrupt).
An invalid path exists inside "/admin/includes/configure.php".

---

Thanks a lot for your reply, I've checked the admin/includes/configure.php file but cannot figure out if there's something wrong inside, I've re-uploaded the configure.php file of my backup (that was working) but I always got blank page.
I've tried to re-upload the entire admin folder by changing the transfert-type mode in my FileZilla client (tried binary and then automatic) but this haven't changed.
The log file on the logs folder in the server says:

[08-May-2015 16:39:06 Europe/Rome] PHP Fatal error: Class 'SEO_URL' not found in /web/htdocs/www.jollyrogerbay.it/home/store/includes/autoload_func.php on line 79

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by lhungil

Not sure what you are asking... The name would be whatever you entered for the manufacturer in the Zen Cart administrative interface.

Are you asking what Zen Cart page handles manufacturer product listings? If so the answer is "index" (same one handling the home page, categories, etc).

One can determine the Zen Cart Page name by looking in one or both of the following locations (xxxx is where the page name will be). n the stock Zen Cart URLs, this appears as index.php?main_page=xxxx. In the installation file structure pages appear at /includes/modules/pages/xxxx.

---

Thanks for explaining, I see how the plugin works.

I am sorry for my previous confusing question. Here is the problem I want to solve.

My site generates seo links for categories and products etc as expected; but it does not generate seo links for manufacturer links. For example,

PHP Code:

---

index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=19 


---

should be converted to a seo link

PHP Code:

---

/anyname-m-19 


---

But it does not convert the link to the seo link.

How should I address the problem? Thank you very much.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marco Serge

...
[08-May-2015 16:39:06 Europe/Rome] PHP Fatal error: Class 'SEO_URL' not found.

---

What version did you install? Did you upload all file from "new_files" (including "empty" files and overwriting any files already existing)? If this was an upgrade from a very old version of Ultimate URLs (pre 2.150), did you uninstall the old version first?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bwlinux

...
My site generates seo links for categories and products etc as expected; but it does not generate (alternative URLs)...

---

If you are referring to the "manufacturers sidebox" included with Zen Cart... I know older versions of Zen Cart had not yet updated the code to use zen_href_link in the sidebox (all internal links should use zen_href_link)... And alternative URLs only work when zen_href_link is used...

If the above is still the case for the version of Zen Cart you have installed... May need to use a different "manufacturers sidebox" or change the coding...

Alternately, one can enable "automatic redirects". When this setting is enabled, Ultimate URLs will issue a 301 redirect if the requested URI does not match the canonical.

So in the case where the request is for "?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=19" and the canonical for the page is "anyname-m-19", a 301 redirect would be issued. Not as good of a solution as fixing the code failing to utilize zen_href_link, but should work.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by lhungil

What version did you install? Did you upload all file from "new_files" (including "empty" files and overwriting any files already existing)? If this was an upgrade from a very old version of Ultimate URLs (pre 2.150), did you uninstall the old version first?

---

Thanks,

I've installed the latest version and was a new installation, previously I was using the Simple SEO URL mod, I've removed all the files of the ultimate SEO mod from my root, and tried to rewrite the html_output files of the admin side with the original Zen Cart 1.51 but nothing.

Class 'SEO_URL' is not part of Ultimate URLs. Suggest making sure Simple SEO URLs has been completely removed if you had it previously installed.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marco Serge

Thanks,

I've installed the latest version and was a new installation, previously I was using the Simple SEO URL mod, I've removed all the files of the ultimate SEO mod from my root, and tried to rewrite the html_output files of the admin side with the original Zen Cart 1.51 but nothing.

---

I've removed one by one all simple seo files (that were still on server) but didn't change anything: always blank page :(

I really cannot figure it out, it all begun as I tried to install Ultimate SEO

Ok, finally I've figured it out!! ^^

there was a file into the admin/auto_loader folder config seo.php, I had deleted it at first (before posting here) but with no results, but after totally remove any sign of Simple SEO and Ultimate SEO (into the Database Too) the deleting of this file finally worked!

I would really thank you lhungil, for all the help you provide and all the time you dedicated to me. Thanks, really.

@Marco Serge - Glad you found the errant file (referencing the SEO_URL class). May also want to compare / cleanup the various core files both Simple SEO and Ultimate URLs modify with the originals (previous versions are available for download on zen-cart.com on the homepage).

Once done, you should be able to attempt the install again (if desired). Best of luck (either way) with your store!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by lhungil

If you are referring to the "manufacturers sidebox" included with Zen Cart... I know older versions of Zen Cart had not yet updated the code to use zen_href_link in the sidebox (all internal links should use zen_href_link)... And alternative URLs only work when zen_href_link is used...

If the above is still the case for the version of Zen Cart you have installed... May need to use a different "manufacturers sidebox" or change the coding...

Alternately, one can enable "automatic redirects". When this setting is enabled, Ultimate URLs will issue a 301 redirect if the requested URI does not match the canonical.

So in the case where the request is for "?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=19" and the canonical for the page is "anyname-m-19", a 301 redirect would be issued. Not as good of a solution as fixing the code failing to utilize zen_href_link, but should work.

---

Thank you very much. Your explanation helped me to find and fix the problem using the code below.

PHP Code:

---

href="<?php echo zen_href_link(FILENAME_DEFAULT, 'manufacturers_id='.$manufacturers_id); ?>"

---

@bwlinux - No problem and thank you for reporting back (and sharing). Best wishes for your store!

There appear to be a bit of bug which occurs when zencart is set up with a shared SSL Certificate. To test the system it should be set up with SSL for the main site to allow a customer SSL login. - When someone selects a product from any area (which is not SSL) but being controlled by Ultimate SEO then the item does get sent to the basket. However if they try to log into the system turns to SSL. When the login button is pushed Ultimate SEO throws them to not found page.
This is a test i did

https://web131.secure-secure.co.uk/X...9rda2vc4u0obe1 - without Ultimate SEO - result OK

https://web131.secure-secure.co.uk/X...9rda2vc4u0obe1 - with Ultimate SEO FAILS


Standard links when logged on without SSL

http://XXXXXX.co.uk/shop2/index.php?...products_id=33 - without OK

http://XXXXXX.co.uk/shop2/logs-c-34/...logs-p-33.html - with OK

This only occurs in this occurrence -

The customer can click the back button and everything returns on this url
https://web131.secure-secure.co.uk/X...9rda2vc4u0obe1

I have checked out the .htaccess and everything is fine.
I have also checked this on another site with the same result

Any ideas how to overcome this problem???

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dr Trevor Stevens

There appear to be a bit of bug which occurs when zencart is set up with a shared SSL Certificate. To test the system it should be set up with SSL for the main site to allow a customer SSL login. - When someone selects a product from any area (which is not SSL) but being controlled by Ultimate SEO then the item does get sent to the basket. However if they try to log into the system turns to SSL. When the login button is pushed Ultimate SEO throws them to not found page.
This is a test i did

https://web131.secure-secure.co.uk/X...9rda2vc4u0obe1 - without Ultimate SEO - result OK

https://web131.secure-secure.co.uk/X...9rda2vc4u0obe1 - with Ultimate SEO FAILS


Standard links when logged on without SSL

http://XXXXXX.co.uk/shop2/index.php?...products_id=33 - without OK

http://XXXXXX.co.uk/shop2/logs-c-34/...logs-p-33.html - with OK

This only occurs in this occurrence -

The customer can click the back button and everything returns on this url
https://web131.secure-secure.co.uk/X...9rda2vc4u0obe1

I have checked out the .htaccess and everything is fine.
I have also checked this on another site with the same result

Any ideas how to overcome this problem???

---

The only way I can see is to remove from the SEO Limit list those items that are causing problems like the contact link which I found also to be the same

I have set my list to this - index, product_info, product_music_info, document_general_info, document_product_info, product_free_shipping_info, products_new, products_all, featured_products, specials, conditions, privacy, reviews, shippinginfo, faqs_all, site_map, gv_faq, discount_coupon, page, page_2, page_3, page_4

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dr Trevor Stevens

There appear to be a bit of bug which occurs when zencart is set up with a shared SSL Certificate. To test the system it should be set up with SSL for the main site to allow a customer SSL login. - When someone selects a product from any area (which is not SSL) but being controlled by Ultimate SEO then the item does get sent to the basket. However if they try to log into the system turns to SSL. When the login button is pushed Ultimate SEO throws them to not found page.
This is a test i did

https://web131.secure-secure.co.uk/X...9rda2vc4u0obe1 - without Ultimate SEO - result OK

https://web131.secure-secure.co.uk/X...9rda2vc4u0obe1 - with Ultimate SEO FAILS


Standard links when logged on without SSL

http://XXXXXX.co.uk/shop2/index.php?...products_id=33 - without OK

http://XXXXXX.co.uk/shop2/logs-c-34/...logs-p-33.html - with OK

This only occurs in this occurrence -

The customer can click the back button and everything returns on this url
https://web131.secure-secure.co.uk/X...9rda2vc4u0obe1

I have checked out the .htaccess and everything is fine.
I have also checked this on another site with the same result

Any ideas how to overcome this problem???

---

You say your .htaccess is fine, but unless you post it, how will anyone be able to check to see that it IS correct.. Post your .htaccess file contents.. obscure any admin folder names.. and post REAL links to your site so folks can see what you see..

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dr Trevor Stevens

The only way I can see is to remove from the SEO Limit list those items that are causing problems like the contact link which I found also to be the same

I have set my list to this - index, product_info, product_music_info, document_general_info, document_product_info, product_free_shipping_info, products_new, products_all, featured_products, specials, conditions, privacy, reviews, shippinginfo, faqs_all, site_map, gv_faq, discount_coupon, page, page_2, page_3, page_4

---

Not a bug with the module at all.. You don't say if you have issues with your shared SSL with this module turned off.. No matter.. Either way, the REAL issue is you are using a shared SSL and the shared certificate changes the the base URL. This in turn requires some very specific configure.php file settings and probably some special .httaccess settings too to point to the right top level domain..

Quote:

---

With Shared SSL, the URL may look something like this:

https://servername.yourhost.com/

Whilst with dedicated SSL, the URL is determined by you, either as another registered domain or as a sub domain of your website domain name. You can have your private secure url such as

https://yourname.com/

---

Others who are more knowledgable can help with those very specific modifications to use a share SSL with Zen Cart and this module.. However, the RIGHT answer is to get a REAL dedicated SSL cert..

Hosting companies offer them for pretty cheap, and they will provide your customers with the confidence they are looking for when they shop at your store.

Quote:

---

A private SSL shows that you are a business and shows your domain in the url address versus a shared SSL where the url address is that of the shared certificate holder.

---

Quote:

---

The main downside to the shared SSL certificate is that your business name is not usually on the certificate. The person who bought the certificate (and you are sharing it with) usually appears. For some online shoppers, this might raise red flags. Another problem is that if the person who bought the SSL certificate lapses, you lapse as well, leaving your Web site vulnerable.

Shared SSL is installed globally on the server and configured to be used from all users on the servers. The shared SSL certificate generated for the hostname of the server and it will cause a certificate warning message pop up on your site when it used as it's not matching the domain names.

On the other hand a dedicated SSL will use your domain name and will not cause any warnings messages, it can be very beneficial for your online store and web presence as it’s issued specially for your domain name by a trusted authority. When a potential customers visit your site, they will see that you own the certificate, giving them assurance and the confidence they need to feel safe when shopping on your site.

The dedicated SSL needs a dedicated IP address which makes your website separate, so that if the shared IP address gets blocked, your site wouldn't be blocked automatically along with it.

Dedicated SSL is preferred for protecting credit card information for E-Commerce website.

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I've got a client who's using v2.212 of Ultimate SEO on Zen Cart v1.5.1. When I look at the canonical link generated for a product, it has the full category information prepended to the product's information. Is this working-as-designed?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lat9

I've got a client who's using v2.212 of Ultimate SEO on Zen Cart v1.5.1. When I look at the canonical link generated for a product, it has the full category information prepended to the product's information. Is this working-as-designed?

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Depends on how Ultimate URLs is configured, if the product is a "linked" product, if the canonical override is in place ("/init_includes/overrides/init_canonical.php"), and if Ultimate URLs has been modified by the end user.

If the end user has successfully installed an unmodified copy of Ultimate URLs, the following will apply:
When configured to "Display categories as directories", product URLs will be prepended with the category information. When not configured to "Display categories as directories" and "Format of alternate URLs" is configured to use "parent", product URLs will be prepended with the parent category name. Otherwise product URLs will not be prepended with category information.

When a linked product is encountered, the master category cPath is used to generate the canonical.


Example (Stock Zen Cart URLs):

Code:

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Generated URLs:
/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_20&products_id=24
/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=22&products_id=24

Canonical URL:
/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=24

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Example (Format of alternate URLs = original; Display categories as directories = full):

Code:

---

Generated URLs:
/software-c-2/strategy-c-2_20/disciples-sacred-lands-linked-p-24
/big-linked-c-22/disciples-sacred-lands-linked-p-24

Canonical URL:
/software-c-2/strategy-c-2_20/disciples-sacred-lands-linked-p-24

---

Example (Format of alternate URLs = original; Display categories as directories = short):

Code:

---

Generated URLs:
/strategy-c-2_20/disciples-sacred-lands-linked-p-24
/big-linked-c-22/disciples-sacred-lands-linked-p-24

Canonical URL:
/strategy-c-2_20/disciples-sacred-lands-linked-p-24

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Example (Format of alternate URLs = parent; Display categories as directories = short):

Code:

---

Generated URLs:
/software-strategy-c-2_20/disciples-sacred-lands-linked-p-24
/big-linked-c-22/disciples-sacred-lands-linked-p-24

Canonical URL:
/software-strategy-c-2_20/disciples-sacred-lands-linked-p-24

---

Example (Format of alternate URLs = parent; Display categories as directories = off):

Code:

---

Generated URLs:
/strategy-disciples-sacred-lands-linked-p-24?cPath=2_20
/big-linked-disciples-sacred-lands-linked-p-24?cPath=22

Canonical URL:
/strategy-disciples-sacred-lands-linked-p-24

---

Example (Format of alternate URLs = original; Display categories as directories = off):

Code:

---

Generated URLs:
/disciples-sacred-lands-linked-p-24?cPath=2_20
/disciples-sacred-lands-linked-p-24?cPath=22

Canonical URL:
/disciples-sacred-lands-linked-p-24

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Note 1: When "Display categories as directories" is configured as off, the handling of cPath matches the Zen Cart stock URL behavior (this may change in the future).

Note 2: Ultimate URLs 2.215 includes a large number of changes, enhancements, and fixes. I am no longer actively supporting older versions of Ultimate URLs (and would recommend upgrading as soon as possible).

Note 3: I do not provide support for forks (I know of at least one fork reporting itself as "Ultimate SEO URLs" - the author did not change the plugin name in the database or files). Third party forks of "Ultimate URLs" are not always actively maintained. Upgrading directly from a fork may result in unintended behavior. Some forks may also contain hard-coded changes to the URLs (instead of using the built-in PCRE filter) or may include changes in violation of the HTML specification (such as replacing "&amp;" with "&" in attributes).

Note 3: Ultimate URLs will also handle "shortened" URLs (anchor + id; ex: "/-p-24" or "/sacred-land-p-24?cPath=22"). The canonical for "shortened" URLs will be the same as for the configured alternate URL (ex: "/software-c-2/strategy-c-2_20/disciples-sacred-lands-linked-p-24"). If making use of this feature, one may wish to enable "automatic redirects" (will issue a 301 to the configured alternative URL when a "shortened" URL is requested).

Whew! Thanks, lhungil, for the overview. This is the first site I've worked on that uses the Ultimate SEO plugin and I'm appreciating the detailed information.

Need help. New install of Zen-cart 1.5.4. The only plugin I have added is Apsona-shopadmin. Trying to load Ultimate SEO V2.215. When doing the manual install I was getting the admin blank page when clicking on the Home Admin button. If I remove the config.usu_onetime.php the admin opens just fine. I loaded in the new files in the appropriate folders. Then ran the config.usu_onetime.php and it installed great but I am still getting strings of code after the .html.

Product UrL
http://whitemagik.com/jewelry-bracel...l#.VYYTZflVhBc

Catagories
http://whitemagik.com/jewelry-earrin...?pg=categories

Thanks in advance, if anyone has seen this any help would be appreciated.

The first url with the #.VYYTZflVhBc is perfectly normal. It's the session id, I believe.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by slafrenier

... Trying to load Ultimate SEO V2.215. When doing the manual install I was getting the admin blank page when clicking on the Home Admin button. If I remove the config.usu_onetime.php the admin opens just fine. I loaded in the new files in the appropriate folders. Then ran the config.usu_onetime.php and it installed great ..

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Glad you were able to resolve the installation issue by making sure all files were copied to the correct locations in the store. The most common causes of the behavior reported (blank admin page; nothing in logs; removing config.usu_onetime.php to restore admin access) are: Forgetting to upload a file, accidentally uploading to the wrong location, files being corrupted during upload, or invalid paths in one or both of the configure.php files.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by slafrenier

... a37-pentagram-gaelic-plait-p-1529.html#.VYYTZflVhBc ...

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It appears you have installed "AddThis" on your website. The part in red comes from "AddThis" (added using JavaScript), not Ultimate URLs or Zen Cart.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by slafrenier

... jewelry-earrings-c-65_90/?pg=categories ...

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Your store most likely has a 3rd party modification injecting / adding the "pg" parameter. Ultimate URLs leaves any "extra" URL parameters added by 3rd party modifications alone. If you do not want these in your URLs, remove whatever 3rd party modification is adding the "pg" parameter.

Need help.
Generally fresh instalation of 1.5.4. Everything works well, but one thing dosnt. When i choose on any manufacturers from manufacturers list, the link in the browser is in the old version (attached screenshot).
For example categories are ok (attached screenshot)
Attachment 15436
Attachment 15435

First lines of debug log file :
============================================================
===== URL Generation Log Started 2015-Jul-18T19:32:55
============================================================
Real URI: index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=16
Request URI: /?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=16
Canonical URI:

============================================================
===== Generated Alternative URLs
============================================================


Request sent to href_link('index', 'manufacturers_id=16&', 'NONSSL', false, false, true, true)
Parsing Parameters for index
array (
0 => 'manufacturers_id=16',
)
Generated URL: http://sklep.italiadesign.pl/krzesla-zuiver-m-16.html

Request sent to href_link('index', '', 'NONSSL', true, false, true, true)
Generated URL: http://sklep.italiadesign.pl/

Request sent to href_link('index', 'manufacturers_id=16', 'NONSSL', true, false, true, true)
Parsing Parameters for index
array (
0 => 'manufacturers_id=16',
)
Generated URL: http://sklep.italiadesign.pl/krzesla-zuiver-m-16.html
=========

So, it seems mod works well.

I have no idea what and where is wrong.
Marek

Quote:

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Originally Posted by meksicus

Need help.
Generally fresh instalation of 1.5.4. Everything works well, but one thing dosnt. When i choose on any manufacturers from manufacturers list, the link in the browser is in the old version

...

I have no idea what and where is wrong.

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The "manufacturers" sidebox may not be using zen_href_link to generate the URLs. There is a post (one page back) explaining your options regarding the "manufacturers" sidebox. The OP also responded in this post, letting us know the previous post was correct (and the source of the issue for the OP's Zen Cart installation). The OP also kindly included a short snippet showing the correct code for generating the manufacturer link (for http, not https).

Format of alternate URLs = original; Display categories as directories = off
but I've always the cPath, as http://www.100asa.it/100asa-kit-4-te...13_28300_28325
Why?