Setting up Zen Cart on Windows XP using Xampp - a howto

After much confusion and hair pulling I decided to setup Zen Cart on my home system running XP Professional. I've got to say that when you see a test site running on your own comp it really makes things much clearer.

I'll try to give as concise as possible step by step procedure for getting this all working and hopefully this will help all you fellow Zen'rs setting up and configuring a site (which can later be uploaded to a server).

Files to download

Download Zen Cart
zen-cart-v1.3.7-full-fileset-12302006.zip
http://sourceforge.net/project/showf...kage_id=171544

Download Xampp for Windows
xampp-win32-1.6.0a-installer.exe
http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp-windows.html
Xampp is the program which runs MySQL, PHP and Apache webserver on your local system (make sure you have the disk space as this is a 250+ mb download)

Install Xampp
Double-click on xampp-win32-1.6.0a-installer.exe to start the Xampp installation. Follow the install instructions up to where it asks if you want to run Apache/MySQL/FileZilla as a service. (I chose to run MySQL & PHP as a service. Filezilla is an ftp program and is non-essential for testing on a local system) Running these applications as a service means that they will run at bootup on Windows. If you don't want this then you can manually start them from the Start Menu>Programs>Apache Friends>Xampp>Xampp Control Panel

Open Xampp control panel (if installed as a service the icon will be in the systray or start manually as indicated above). Start Apache and MySQL (if not already started).

Create the Database
In your browser's address bar type:
http://localhost/xampp
If everything is installed successfully you'll see the Xampp opening screen. Choose your language to proceed to the next page.
Towards the bottom of the navigation bar on the left side click on "phpMyAdmin". You will now see a page that shows information on Server & Protocol hosts etc.

There are only two fields that need to be populated in order to create your database:

CREATE NEW DATABASE - enter in the name of your database (zencart, zen ... whatever ... make note of whatever you call it as you'll need this info when setting up Zen Cart).

COLLATION ... click on the down arrow and at the very bottom of the list select utf8_unicode_ci ... this should match identically the field a little higher up "MySQL connection collation:".

Once you've populated the Create New Database name field and Collation field click Create ... when you see the screen that says " Database <name you selected> has been created." You are done!

Install the Zen Cart Files
For Zen Cart to work correctly with Xampp it needs to be installed in the Xampp subdirectory htdocs
C:\Program Files\xampp\htdocs\

Unzip the file zen-cart-v1.3.7-full-fileset-12302006.zip to the above directory. By default this will probably create a directory called:
zen-cart-v1.3.7-full-fileset-12302006
rename this to something simple (ie: store, zen, zencart)

Install the Zen Cart Program
In your browser's address bar type:
http://localhost/<name of your store> (the directory you just changed in htdocs)

You should now see the Zen Cart Installer page:
Follow the steps up to the Database Setup page ...
You now need to enter the name of the database you created earlier with phpMyAdmin into the Database Name field. Click "Save Database Settings " and you should see all the pretty ~'s scrolling across the screen.

On the Store Setup page I found it very helpful to install Zen Cart with the Store Demo. This is a mockup store with products etc. Some of the things that are very useful are the attributes set for certain products, tax rates etc which you can access via the admin page. Seeing actual examples really makes all the difference and takes the pain out of trying to find answers.

After you successfully have installed Zen Cart you given the option to visit either the online store or the admin area. This part is up to you.

http://localhost/<name of your store> to access your test store
http://localhost/admin ... to access the admin panel
bookmark these for easy access

When you first access the test store the first thing you notice is that there are two red warning signs at the top of your page ... these will always be present on your test site until you follow the instructions on the warnings.

Anyway, I hope this works for you.
See this link:
https://www.zen-cart.com/tutorials/index.php?article=54
on how to migrate your files up to your server

Brian

xampp-win32-1.6.0a-installer.exe

Goh Koon Hoek suggests an EARLIER version???

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by schoolboy

xampp-win32-1.6.0a-installer.exe

Goh Koon Hoek suggests an EARLIER version???

---

I never understood what you meant by that.

NOW I KNOW!!!
You're trying to promote your book!
I just bought and received it,
very informative ...

1 down ... 399 pages to go ... :smartalec:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ajeh

1 down ... 399 pages to go ... :smartalec:

---

399 pages exactly! (I had to check)
:cool:

oh .. buy the book ... everything I posted about setting up a local configuration is in there! with much more detail!

This thread was incredibly helpful and easy to follow. It's been over six months since I did any Zenning and I was dreading things - now I'm all charged up! Thanks.

hint for the challenged - rename the zc-install and for includes/configure just right click the file - properties - read only (this will probably be located C:\xampp\htdocs\<your_store_name>)

The Zen - eStart book is on the way but now I don't have to wait!!

life is good!

:cool:

You are more than welcome! Thank You :cool:

It's great to see folks having fun...
May I intrude with a question?

CURRENT CONFIG
I already have a ZEN CART store hosted on a Windows platform using IIS Server 6.0. I bought THE book when it was first released... and it is one of the best user/developer/ document I have ever purchased.

MORE DETAILS
I have decided to assist a friend in developing his web site. He is using an Apache server -
I have the latest Apache/PHP/MySQL combo as my localhost for port 80; however, I do not use it for the ZEN-CART web site previously mentioned - because it is on an IIS server.

THE book says to use an earlier version of XAMPP - and before installing it, UNINSTALL the current Apache Server/PHP/ etc.

I respect the book, and he states in the book to use xampp-win32-1.4.16-installer.exe because the current version of ZEN-CART (1.3.7) cannot utilize the latest version of xampp.

QUESTION:
Can I use the latest version of XAMPP now? Will 1.3.7 work with the latest updates using the latest version of XAMPP? I will uninstall Apache, PHP, etc per GHK - I truly respect him and his advice - but, for me it seems that it would be smarter to install the latest version of XAMPP, provided it will work.

What is the consensus? (or is that conZENsus :smile: ) of opinions?

Respectfully,
jund

He wrote the book off of 1.3.7...that being so, I am sure what he says to use to run it was based off the advice of the zen cart team.

You could also pm him and ask him his advice, he posts on this forum.

Thanks godspeed27
jund

That is precisely my doubt and the subject of a recent post.
I cannot understand why he recommends an earlier version which, incidentally, did not work for me.
I could never get that version of Xampp to run Apache, even after opening port 80 both TCP and UDP.
What I got instead running was...IIS.
I uninstalled Xampp, disabled IIS, and loaded wamp5 (thanks to user Get 'em fast, read post).
Great performance!!
It doesn't have a mail server, though, but it works beautifully.
Now my problem is how to install Zen Cart and mail test accounts on that server, but should be pretty easy.

Does XAMPP come with mod rewrite (for SEO URL)?

I perfer Wamp5 but to each his own I will give it a try. Thanks for the wounderful tut....:D

Go to the support site for the book
www.cucumbermedia.com
and check the errata
KH says that ZC works *officially* with MySQL 4.x, having backtracked from his previous wording.
I have installed latest version of XAMPP, 1.6.1, however I did a modification (thanks to KH who suggested the fix), to have it run PHP4, until the dev team tests further on PHP5 and MySQL5.
Just stop Apache and run php-switch.bat in XAMPP home dir.
Not a fix for the masses, that is why KH recommends an earlier version of XAMPP that (theoretically) works with PHP4 and MySQL4, which is what the dev team supports.
I have had no problems at all with the latest version of XAMPP, however ZC doesn't support it as of this writing, and KH has to be in sync with that.
I agree with: KH is the Man, thanks for all the hard work.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ckosloff

That is precisely my doubt and the subject of a recent post.
I cannot understand why he recommends an earlier version which, incidentally, did not work for me.
I could never get that version of Xampp to run Apache, even after opening port 80 both TCP and UDP.
What I got instead running was...IIS.
I uninstalled Xampp, disabled IIS, and loaded wamp5 (thanks to user Get 'em fast, read post).
Great performance!!
It doesn't have a mail server, though, but it works beautifully.
Now my problem is how to install Zen Cart and mail test accounts on that server, but should be pretty easy.

---

Thanks for the latest Post - I was completely unaware of the support Cucumber provides... you made my day!
Respectfully,
jund

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Briank58

After much confusion and hair pulling I decided to setup Zen Cart on my home system running XP Professional. I've got to say that when you see a test site running on your own comp it really makes things much clearer.

I'll try to give as concise as possible step by step procedure for getting this all working and hopefully this will help all you fellow Zen'rs setting up and configuring a site (which can later be uploaded to a server).

Files to download

Download Zen Cart
zen-cart-v1.3.7-full-fileset-12302006.zip
http://sourceforge.net/project/showf...kage_id=171544

Download Xampp for Windows
xampp-win32-1.6.0a-installer.exe
http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp-windows.html
Xampp is the program which runs MySQL, PHP and Apache webserver on your local system (make sure you have the disk space as this is a 250+ mb download)

Install Xampp
Double-click on xampp-win32-1.6.0a-installer.exe to start the Xampp installation. Follow the install instructions up to where it asks if you want to run Apache/MySQL/FileZilla as a service. (I chose to run MySQL & PHP as a service. Filezilla is an ftp program and is non-essential for testing on a local system) Running these applications as a service means that they will run at bootup on Windows. If you don't want this then you can manually start them from the Start Menu>Programs>Apache Friends>Xampp>Xampp Control Panel

Open Xampp control panel (if installed as a service the icon will be in the systray or start manually as indicated above). Start Apache and MySQL (if not already started).

Create the Database
In your browser's address bar type:
http://localhost/xampp
If everything is installed successfully you'll see the Xampp opening screen. Choose your language to proceed to the next page.
Towards the bottom of the navigation bar on the left side click on "phpMyAdmin". You will now see a page that shows information on Server & Protocol hosts etc.

There are only two fields that need to be populated in order to create your database:

CREATE NEW DATABASE - enter in the name of your database (zencart, zen ... whatever ... make note of whatever you call it as you'll need this info when setting up Zen Cart).

COLLATION ... click on the down arrow and at the very bottom of the list select utf8_unicode_ci ... this should match identically the field a little higher up "MySQL connection collation:".

Once you've populated the Create New Database name field and Collation field click Create ... when you see the screen that says " Database <name you selected> has been created." You are done!

Install the Zen Cart Files
For Zen Cart to work correctly with Xampp it needs to be installed in the Xampp subdirectory htdocs
C:\Program Files\xampp\htdocs\

Unzip the file zen-cart-v1.3.7-full-fileset-12302006.zip to the above directory. By default this will probably create a directory called:
zen-cart-v1.3.7-full-fileset-12302006
rename this to something simple (ie: store, zen, zencart)

Install the Zen Cart Program
In your browser's address bar type:
http://localhost/<name of your store> (the directory you just changed in htdocs)

You should now see the Zen Cart Installer page:
Follow the steps up to the Database Setup page ...
You now need to enter the name of the database you created earlier with phpMyAdmin into the Database Name field. Click "Save Database Settings " and you should see all the pretty ~'s scrolling across the screen.

On the Store Setup page I found it very helpful to install Zen Cart with the Store Demo. This is a mockup store with products etc. Some of the things that are very useful are the attributes set for certain products, tax rates etc which you can access via the admin page. Seeing actual examples really makes all the difference and takes the pain out of trying to find answers.

After you successfully have installed Zen Cart you given the option to visit either the online store or the admin area. This part is up to you.

http://localhost/<name of your store> to access your test store
http://localhost/admin ... to access the admin panel
bookmark these for easy access

When you first access the test store the first thing you notice is that there are two red warning signs at the top of your page ... these will always be present on your test site until you follow the instructions on the warnings.

Anyway, I hope this works for you.
See this link:
https://www.zen-cart.com/tutorials/index.php?article=54
on how to migrate your files up to your server

Brian

---

Hello, I have followed the above instructions but when Icome to Create the Database and type the following url into a browser I get a HTTP 403 forbidden error.

The website declined to show this webpage
HTTP 403
Most likely causes:
This website requires you to log in.

I seem to be getting this alot, when I have tried to install Zen Cart I also get this error

Can anyone please help ? :unsure:

Is your live server (not the localhost one) a windows server?
jund

I am trying to install this on my local machine rather then a server, I would like to have a play around before uploading to a live server.

Thanks
Emma

Thank you for the reply - and the update. I understand your local server is Apache, but I was wondering what your hosting server was.

As you probably understand, the Apache way of doing things is very different from the Windows 'way.' Especially regarding permissions - and I just didn't want to see you waste your time if the two were different.

As long as you are having fun, learning, and figuring things out :smile:.

Respectfully,
jund

Minnie,
Upon installation of ZC you will see a screen asking you twice if you want to use SSL and it clarifies, don't select yes unless you are sure that SSL is working.
Quick fix, delete your installation directory under htdocs and when re-installing ZC select No for the above two questions.
Let me know how this works.

I am slowly getting somewhere. I have now managed to get the Xampp opening screen but why I go to phpmyadmin I am getting a log in error:

MySQL said:
#1045 - Access denied for user 'pma'@'localhost' (using password: NO)

I have checked the config file and everything looks ok to me...i think :unsure:

I have also got throught to the zen cart installer page...it is just creating the database that is causing me issues...

thankyou in advance for your help

Minnie

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by minniemouse

I am slowly getting somewhere. I have now managed to get the Xampp opening screen but why I go to phpmyadmin I am getting a log in error:

MySQL said:
#1045 - Access denied for user 'pma'@'localhost' (using password: NO)

I have checked the config file and everything looks ok to me...i think :unsure:

I have also got throught to the zen cart installer page...it is just creating the database that is causing me issues...

thankyou in advance for your help

Minnie

---

Download Oxicottin's contrib in Downloads -->Troubleshooting.
It is meant for those installing on a WAMP server, not XAMPP, but the database creation process is the same, since it is done over phpmyadmin in both cases.
The screenshots will guide you through painlessly.

Thankyou so very much for your help.

I have managed to get zen cart working and have had play but then I switched off my laptop and when I switched it back on I am unable to start the apache service and am unable to get to my store. I am now using WAMP5 rather than xampp. I have tried re installing but still no joy, as far as I am aware I haven't changed any settings.

Thankyou
Minnie

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by minniemouse

Thankyou so very much for your help.

I have managed to get zen cart working and have had play but then I switched off my laptop and when I switched it back on I am unable to start the apache service and am unable to get to my store. I am now using WAMP5 rather than xampp. I have tried re installing but still no joy, as far as I am aware I haven't changed any settings.

Thankyou
Minnie

---

If you want support for WAMP please post in the appropriate thread.
http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showthread.php?t=64632
You will find some answers there and more people to help you.
Basically, you have to test port 80 (in WAMP) and see what process is using it, it is probably blocked by IIS.
In Services, stop IIS and set it to start manually, restart box.
Make sure you set up WAMP to start automatically.

Hi there ..

I follow the instruc as mentioned above but got ERRORS as

Fatal error: Cannot redeclare getmenulist() (previously declared in C:\wamp\www\zencart\admin\includes\functions\extra_functions\rl_language.php:7) in C:\wamp\www\zencart\admin\includes\functions\extra_functions\rl_language.php.bak on line 13



Can someone help me please ...

Thank you

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bambus

Hi there ..

I follow the instruc as mentioned above but got ERRORS as

Fatal error: Cannot redeclare getmenulist() (previously declared in C:\wamp\www\zencart\admin\includes\functions\extra_functions\rl_language.php:7) in C:\wamp\www\zencart\admin\includes\functions\extra_functions\rl_language.php.bak on line 13



Can someone help me please ...

Thank you

---

Please post rl_language.php.bak, so somebody will be able to look at line 13.

Dear ckosloff,

thanks for your reply!

I delete the *.bak file - and - it works ..

*.bak file is same as original on : rl_language.php


Cheers,

Bambus

Hi,

I have received the book and following to the letter however I have come to a grinding halt where you need to add new email accounts.

Where it says to ADD then you add a user with the '@' separating the username it just beeps at me and will not allow the '@' symbol. If I type the username without the '@' symbol it accepts it easily. Is this a mis-print or am I doing something wrong?

thanks

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Joddymix

Hi,

I have received the book and following to the letter however I have come to a grinding halt where you need to add new email accounts.

Where it says to ADD then you add a user with the '@' separating the username it just beeps at me and will not allow the '@' symbol. If I type the username without the '@' symbol it accepts it easily. Is this a mis-print or am I doing something wrong?

thanks

---

This is a known issue.
Please check the the errata and gotcha sections in the book's support site
http://www.cucumbermedia.com/
Yes, it is an error.

I found the problem, it is a typo in the book, I was beginning to doubt my own sanity! Many thanks for the assitance..

I have a problem. after installed zencart without demo store, i can't open admin area. after login just blank page.

sorry for my english. I hope you understand

Obviously you cannot connect to database.
I suggest deleting, creating database first, make a note of name and user (check permissions too), then reinstall.
Xampp has a built-in certificate so you can install with SSL support

What is the possiblity that your configuration has some simple problem?
May I ask the following - can you see the store?
If you can see the store and not the admin, that suggests the database is ok and the path that admin uses is not correct.
If you cannot see both the store and the admin area then it could be the database, or the path is wrong for both...
I am assuming your site is not 'on the air.' Is that true?

jund

Some folks might have trouble getting XAMPP running if they have Skype installed and active.

Skype often uses port 80 for incoming connections. This can be changed:
Tools->Options->Advanced->Connections.
Uncheck the box next to "Use port 80 and 443 as alternatives for incoming connections".
Then click Save, and then quit and restart Skype before trying to start Apache in XAMPP.

Hello All...

I got the book and so far its nice. However I ran into a problem with Configuring Apache. I use the Crimson Editor and tried to open the <xampp-home>/apache/conf/httpd.conf file. It was said to be an invalid file. I tried looking for it manually but still cannot find the file.

Yes, I am a total, utter novice. I got to start somewhere...

- Yesac13

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Yesac13

Hello All...

I got the book and so far its nice. However I ran into a problem with Configuring Apache. I use the Crimson Editor and tried to open the <xampp-home>/apache/conf/httpd.conf file. It was said to be an invalid file. I tried looking for it manually but still cannot find the file.

Yes, I am a total, utter novice. I got to start somewhere...

- Yesac13

---

Please do not think this is a stupid question - but did you install the Apache server as part of the process... or are you using a previously installed Apache server?

jund

I have Apache already installed.

But I need no help now. I figured out how to get to the stupid files. I realized that the "/" means subcategories. So I ignored the whole file name and focused on each word between the "/" and found what I was looking for. My problem before was that I typed in the whole file name as shown in the book and tried to search for that. It certainly did not work!

I have lots to learn but am progressing fine now - for now, I'm sure I will hit a brick wall soon enough!

Thanks for replying to my message.

- Yesac13

Just installed XAMPP on a WXPSP2 machine and then installed a test store - works fine BUT...

I get two warnings during creation:

1) Curl is Not installed - I know it isnt from my server information. Question do I need in test environment and if so where can I get it?

2) PHP Output buffering is off. ? Just starting so this might as well say "Your egg is hard boiled"

Since the book gets rave reviews I purchased a copy which should be here in a week or so!

Thats a quick guide without the details because there's nothing about curl support which is a major issue on installation.

XAMPP is never intended to run a live server. Your choice to do so is contrary even to apachefriends.org's recommendations to avoid such use.

Nevertheless, if you want CURL support, just enable it in your php.ini.
And SSL as well.

Since you're going to ask "how", just uncomment these lines:

Code:

---

;extension=php_curl.dll
;extension=php_openssl.dll

---

...so they look like this:

Code:

---

extension=php_curl.dll
extension=php_openssl.dll

---

And restart the apache service afterward.

Hi All,
I just purchased the book and got started yesterday. Actually, I have a zen store up and running, but it is version 1.3.6. I didn't test it on my local machine prior to having it on a live server. It was on a subdomain and nothing was linking to it until I got it up and running. Anyway, I now want to upgrade to a newer version and am wanting to try out some more 3rd party mods, so I want everything running perfectly prior to replacing my old store with the new one. So, I downloaded and installed the version of xampp that was suggested, but can't get it working right. When I go in the xampp control panel, the only thing running is filezilla. I can get mercury to run, but am unable to get apache or mysql to run when I click on the start button. I'm guessing that either something else is using the needed ports or they are blocked, but don't know how to check if that is the problem or how to change it if that is the problem. I'm running window xp sp2 and have the windows firewall running. Any help would be hugely appreciated.
Thanks,
Melissa
http://store.equineshop.biz

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by saddlebred

I downloaded and installed the version of xampp that was suggested, but can't get it working right. When I go in the xampp control panel, the only thing running is filezilla. I can get mercury to run, but am unable to get apache or mysql to run when I click on the start button. I'm guessing that either something else is using the needed ports or they are blocked, but don't know how to check if that is the problem or how to change it if that is the problem.

---

Chuck posted something in post #34 of this thread which might be of some help, if you're running Skype on your computer:
http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showpo...0&postcount=34

Wow, I am so glad I found this post!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by chuck

Some folks might have trouble getting XAMPP running if they have Skype installed and active.

Skype often uses port 80 for incoming connections. This can be changed:
Tools->Options->Advanced->Connections.
Uncheck the box next to "Use port 80 and 443 as alternatives for incoming connections".
Then click Save, and then quit and restart Skype before trying to start Apache in XAMPP.

---

I do have skype installed. When I did the above, skype wanted me to tell it another port, but I wasn't sure what to tell it. Anyways, I don't think this is my problem, because I signed out of skype and still can't get apace or mysql to start. I also tried disabling the Windows friewall and couldn't get it running either.
Melissa
http://store.equineshop.biz

Mail.....

Have been using XAMPP in test environment for a month or so and it is great.

Just received 'the book' and following it chapter for chapter....

Stuck at P38 Configuring Mercury Mail

I have made all the changes so far to use a domain instead of local host but when I configure mercury ALL my domain names goto a screen titled Mercury List not XAMPP front page.

?

If your windows machine is running Vista, turn off the user access control when installing xampp. Certain components of the install won't load if the user access control is on.

I ran the port checker and found that IIS admin was using the 80 port. I disabled this and got apache loading. now just to figure out why when enabling mercury I can't load my XAMPP main screen.

In case anyone is getting this problem when using Mercury/apache for testing local development - using XAMPP 1.6.5


Mercury runs a http webmail called MercuryB in later versions, this uses port 80 to listen for http. If running apache as well mercury overrides.

Change MercuryB Port in mercury.ini to port 85 ish.

> ALFO

Thanks. I was having that problem and your solution worked.

I think apache isn't running for me? Only MySQL service says "running" next to it on the control panel. If I type in localhost/xampp I get page not found. I'm confused! I installed xampp on my second partition, D:\xampp, if that makes a difference?

As mentioned before run Portchecker and check what it says is using Port 80.

If anything but Apache is using it then it will not start.

AHHH I didn't see that....says inetInfo.exe is using port 80....

I turned off IIS Admin in the Computer Services page - not saying another program might eventually have a problem with this but.....- freed up the port.

I had to stop IIS as well...I'm also running MicrosoftPOS that runs it's own SQL server. I have to pause that to work on the test site, or things get a bit wacky...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DrByte

XAMPP is never intended to run a live server. Your choice to do so is contrary even to apachefriends.org's recommendations to avoid such use.

Nevertheless, if you want CURL support, just enable it in your php.ini.
And SSL as well.

Since you're going to ask "how", just uncomment these lines:

Code:

---

;extension=php_curl.dll
;extension=php_openssl.dll

---

...so they look like this:

Code:

---

extension=php_curl.dll
extension=php_openssl.dll

---

And restart the apache service afterward.

---

I am back with ZC after a long absence and re-learning ZC.

I did both of the above on localhost to try to get rid of the error messages, and they still appear.

Anything I can do?? (I don't absolutely need curl on localhost, I would just like to know how to make this work!!)

Thank you, Tom

I got ZC working just fine by setting the various IIS services to manual and stopping them before installing the most current Xampp.

No other issues with the ZC install other than the above-mentioned Curl thing.

:) tom

After much confusion and hair pulling ................

............Click "Save Database Settings " and you should see all the pretty ~'s scrolling across the screen.


Till here all things goes well even i got error "CURL not compiled into PHP - notify server administrator' after i accept license.

Till system setup it is working but when i comes on phpBB setup, i choose "Choose whether you want to use the phpBB forum or not" with "no" options and click on "save phpBB Settings"

After that i i just see blank page, and i am not able to setup store setup.

Please help !.

I am runing Xampp 1.5.1 in windows xp sp-2

Hi,

I have followed the wonderful steps in installing the zen cart, but I am running into an issue. I get the following message when I type the address http://localhost/zencart/ into my explorer:

Hello. Thank you for loading Zen Cart™.
You are seeing this page for one or more reasons:
This is your first time using Zen Cart™ and you haven't yet completed the normal Installation procedure.
If this is the case for you, you will need to upload the "zc_install" folder using your FTP program, and then run zc_install/index.php via your browser (or reload this page to see a link to it). Not Sure how to do this as when I try to load the index.php in the browser it opens dreamweaver with a blank document

Your /includes/configure.php and/or /admin/includes/configure.php file contains invalid path information and/or invalid database-connection information.
If you recently edited your configure.php files for any reason, or maybe moved your site to a different folder or different server, then you'll need to review and update all your settings to the correct values for your server.

I have downloaded a few version of Zen Cart and can't find the file configure.php in the admins folder are anywhere. It seems to be missing.:lookaroun Any suggestions?

Thanks Peter

Peter-

Type in http://localhost/zencart/zc_install/. That should bring up the install screen and just reinstall zencart.

Dear Zenners,

i have been searchin for the ans for motnhs!!! and i finally found it here!!!!
however while i was installin zen cart, it says i do not have 'curl' will that be an issue?

also, what is my DB's password and user name as I did not create it in xampp under phpadmin?

DBs pass and user name are created when you install Zen Cart, not in phpmyadmin.
If you already have a database then most probably your user is root and pass blank, just a guess, I'm not the one who should know...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ckosloff

DBs pass and user name are created when you install Zen Cart, not in phpmyadmin.
If you already have a database then most probably your user is root and pass blank, just a guess, I'm not the one who should know...

---

hey hey, i got it for dis one!!!
thx!!

yo mite improve da spelin

ok thats funni.....:D

Thanks for your help!

Hi! I already have a site live on my server. Someone helped me set it up - so which means I have not used xampp before in my life.

Now I want to make some major changes to my site but I want to do it using xampp first for obvious reason.

How do I transfer my current live site to my PC? I hv installed xampp.

What do I do next? Do I FTP the public_html folder into xampp/htdocs?

what about the database?

thank you for your help

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by cufflinks2wear

What do I do next? Do I FTP the public_html folder into xampp/htdocs?

---

This is written assuming that you have read the appropriate chapters in the manual, describing the process of setting up xampp on your local machine.
If you haven't, STOP, buy the manual and read first.
OK, this will be kinda tut for all similar questions.
First, you have to understand that there are two elements in Zen Cart: the files (.php) and the database to which it connects (mysql).
The connection is made via two configure. php files: one in /includes, and the other one in admin/includes (or whatever you have renamed your admin folder to).
Both should be set to read-only after you finish modifying them.
The local site's configuration is of course different than the one online.
It is easy to understand the differences, but if you feel daunted, there is an easy and sure-fire way to do it: Install zen cart in your xampp, create a database according to instructions.
Once everything is connected, save the config files somewhere, you can then delete the installation (not the database), these are your config files for the local install.
Then save save the config files for your live cart.
Yes, you need two sets of config files.
Second step, is bringing the live folder into the xampp htdocs folder.
You can ftp everything, but I use a faster way:
ask your webhost to give you "jailed SSH" access to your site.
Then use a free SSH client like Putty to SSH into it, the webhost will tell you what port to use.
You access with same usern and pass that you use for Control Panel.
Once in there type the following Unix command:
tar czvf public_html.tgz public_html
You can rename the red part to the date to keep track of these files.
It will create this compressed file in your home directory in seconds.
You then download via ftp of File Manager.
With a free program like 7zip you uncompress these files to your htdocs directory and name the new directory something like "local".
You now have the files, next comes the database.
For that you use phpmyadmin, provided in your Control Panel.
It will show your live database, select it and then click Export.
Make sure that, apart from the default settings, Add if not exists and Add/drop table are checked.
Check save as file (again, to use the date for the name works best for me).
If you want to read the SQL, select sql, this may be good for learning purposes, if not select .gz which will make for smaller files.
Download the sql to hard drive, best in a folder where your compressed files already reside, so you have both in one folder, the folder can be named after the date too.
Next you have to import into your local installation.
Go your local PHPmyadmin, select your local database and click on Import, navigate to the folder where you saved the sql and select it, click go.
If you get an error after that , it means that you haven't replaced the live configure files with your local set.
There are FAQ, wiki, and threads that expand on this.
Ask me questions, but READ THE MANUAL FIRST.
If the answer is in the manual I will not answer.
I am planning to write a full tut in .pdf, with snapshots et al, but for now the witch is taking me to the beach.
Says good for my health after all those hours sitting at the comp.
And, it is the aftermath of the holiday.
Pres. Zelaya is going back to Honduras, down with fascist coup!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by cufflinks2wear

Hi! I already have a site live on my server. Someone helped me set it up - so which means I have not used xampp before in my life.

Now I want to make some major changes to my site but I want to do it using xampp first for obvious reason.

How do I transfer my current live site to my PC? I hv installed xampp.

What do I do next? Do I FTP the public_html folder into xampp/htdocs?

what about the database?

thank you for your help

---

I loaded Zencart and started using without the book! Now, I have the book and would like to have the test site. Not sure how to setup without disturbing my current running site. I would like to install on portable hard drive I purchased that has lots room.

I have ftp files to my drive already. Do I install XXAMP next?

How are you able to do this?
Kim

I have been using zencart on live site. I am trying to setup Xampp. I am stuck in directions with this one...

The local site's configuration is of course different than the one online.
It is easy to understand the differences, but if you feel daunted, there is an easy and sure-fire way to do it: Install zen cart in your xampp, create a database according to instructions. DONE


Once everything is connected, save the config files somewhere, you can then delete the installation (not the database), these are your config files for the local install. Where do I find the config files. I do not see traditional public file or my admin??? And is it the install folder that I can delete?

Then save save the config files for your live cart.
Yes, you need two sets of config files.

Thanks, Kim

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kburner

I have been using zencart on live site. I am trying to setup Xampp. I am stuck in directions with this one...

The local site's configuration is of course different than the one online.
It is easy to understand the differences, but if you feel daunted, there is an easy and sure-fire way to do it: Install zen cart in your xampp, create a database according to instructions. DONE


Once everything is connected, save the config files somewhere, you can then delete the installation (not the database), these are your config files for the local install. Where do I find the config files. I do not see traditional public file or my admin??? And is it the install folder that I can delete?

Then save save the config files for your live cart.
Yes, you need two sets of config files.

Thanks, Kim

---

Think I may have gotten above figured out...
My c:windows/system32/drivers/etc/hosts file looks like this:

# Copyright (c) 1993-2006 Microsoft Corp.
#
# This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows.
#
# This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each
# entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address should
# be placed in the first column followed by the corresponding host name.
# The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one
# space.
#
# Additionally, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual
# lines or following the machine name denoted by a '#' symbol.
#
# For example:
#
# 102.54.94.97 rhino.acme.com # source server
# 38.25.63.10 x.acme.com # x client host

127.0.0.1 localhost
127.0.0.1 www.example.com # For browser access
127.0.0.1 www.mail.example.com # For email access
127.0.0.1 www.example.com # For mercury mail server

Is this correct?

Thanks, Kim

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kburner

Where do I find the config files...And is it the install folder that I can delete?

---

includes/configure.php
admin/includes/configure.php
Yes, you should delete the whole installation after you saved those files, as I said, this is done only if you feel that you cannot edit them.

I am finally to this part.

ask your webhost to give you "jailed SSH" access to your site.
Then use a free SSH client like Putty to SSH into it, the webhost will tell you what port to use.
You access with same usern and pass that you use for Control Panel.

Webhost is giving me a hard time for access to jailed SSH. Is there another way?

I have faxed my id and still want more. Kim

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kburner

I am finally to this part.

ask your webhost to give you "jailed SSH" access to your site.
Then use a free SSH client like Putty to SSH into it, the webhost will tell you what port to use.
You access with same usern and pass that you use for Control Panel.

Webhost is giving me a hard time for access to jailed SSH. Is there another way?

I have faxed my id and still want more. Kim

---

Well..worked with host and finally got this working. I used PuTTY for SSH and file loaded. Not sure where it went.

Thanks, Kim

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kburner

Well..worked with host and finally got this working. I used PuTTY for SSH and file loaded. Not sure where it went.

Thanks, Kim

---

Stilll looking for this file.
Not sure where it went. When I go into filezilla and look under public_html...I do not see the 110509.tgz file. ???

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kburner

Stilll looking for this file.
Not sure where it went. When I go into filezilla and look under public_html...I do not see the 110509.tgz file. ???

---

oops found it! Sorry about that. I know I must be making this much harder than it really is. Kim

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kburner

oops found it! Sorry about that. I know I must be making this much harder than it really is. Kim

---

It goes to your root, public_html is only a folder inside your root.
Now you need to export live database with settings I gave you.
Keep both files in same folder in your machine, so you know they are related.
Next, decompress all contents of your .tgz file into your htdocs in XAMPP, replace the config files with your saved local files.
Import database to whatever DB your config files point to.
Voila!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ckosloff

It goes to your root, public_html is only a folder inside your root.
Now you need to export live database with settings I gave you.
Keep both files in same folder in your machine, so you know they are related.
Next, decompress all contents of your .tgz file into your htdocs in XAMPP, replace the config files with your saved local files.
Import database to whatever DB your config files point to.
Voila!

---

tgz File is too big. Spent most of night trying to get ftp to my local and timed out then computer did normal update and I lost it. The complete file of 3.5 did not copy over.I am guessing that is it the images. I have a little over 4,000 products with both small/large images. I does not matter if I have product images on local.

Can I copy to tgz file from SSH without images? It would makes things so much easier.

Thanks, Kim

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kburner

Can I copy to tgz file from SSH without images?

---

Cannot.
tgz will compress everything in that directory and subdirectories.
It shoouldn't be that big or cause you a problem, it is fast.
Review your syntax.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ckosloff

Cannot.
tgz will compress everything in that directory and subdirectories.
It shoouldn't be that big or cause you a problem, it is fast.
Review your syntax.

---

Please excuse my lack of knowledge....review your syntax???

How do I do that? It is taking a very long time. Kim

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kburner

Please excuse my lack of knowledge....review your syntax???

---

tar czvf public_html.tgz public_html
If you are on a Linux server it should be fast and you should be able to see the progress.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ckosloff

tar czvf public_html.tgz public_html
If you are on a Linux server it should be fast and you should be able to see the progress.

---

Finally got this done....thank you.

I am to the next step with database.
Go your local PHPmyadmin, select your local database and click on Import, navigate to the folder where you saved the sql and select it, click go.

I saved database sql to my local file. I went into local PHPmyadmin. I created a new database. I can not find import. It is not below export like on live PHPmyadmin. Page 39 of book said to create database...I went back thru your directions and do not see create database. Not sure what to do next.
Kim

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kburner

I went into local PHPmyadmin. I created a new database. I can not find import.

---

Of course my instructions don't ask to create database.
They say to delete test installation but NOT database, simply because the name of that database is what the config files use to connect.
Read your config files, therein you will find the name of the database, now create a database with exact same name.
Once created, you select it, it should show import as an option in the top bar.
By the way, what version of XAMPP are you using?
If you installed the latest 1.7.2, then you have PHP 5.3, Zen Cart v1.3.8a and older do not work with that one, read the announcements.
You have to install previous one 1.7.1.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ckosloff

Of course my instructions don't ask to create database.
They say to delete test installation but NOT database, simply because the name of that database is what the config files use to connect.
Read your config files, therein you will find the name of the database, now create a database with exact same name.
Once created, you select it, it should show import as an option in the top bar.
By the way, what version of XAMPP are you using?
If you installed the latest 1.7.2, then you have PHP 5.3, Zen Cart v1.3.8a and older do not work with that one, read the announcements.
You have to install previous one 1.7.1.

---

I am using XAMPP for Windows Version 1.4.16. Will this one work?

Kim

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ckosloff

Of course my instructions don't ask to create database.
They say to delete test installation but NOT database, simply because the name of that database is what the config files use to connect.
Read your config files, therein you will find the name of the database, now create a database with exact same name.
Once created, you select it, it should show import as an option in the top bar.
By the way, what version of XAMPP are you using?
If you installed the latest 1.7.2, then you have PHP 5.3, Zen Cart v1.3.8a and older do not work with that one, read the announcements.
You have to install previous one 1.7.1.

---

I went to local PHPmyadmin and created database with same name as my live site from config files. Still do not see import as option in top bar....

This is what I see after I select from left side of screen database name. It is on right side.

Server: localhost - Database: mydatabasename_xxxx
StructureStructure SQLSQL SearchSearch QueryQuery ExportExport OperationsOperations DropDrop

No tables found in database.
Create new table on database mydatabasename_xxxx:
Name:
Number of fields:


Kim

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kburner

I went to local PHPmyadmin and created database with same name as my live site from config files.

---

You are not understanding.
On your local site you create database with same name as your LOCAL files.
You need two sets of files: one for local and one for live.
I recommended 1.7.1.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ckosloff

You are not understanding.
On your local site you create database with same name as your LOCAL files.
You need two sets of files: one for local and one for live.
I recommended 1.7.1.

---

My local config file does not have a name...
define('DB_DATABASE', '');

Yes, I agree this has been very confusing for me. Kim

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kburner

My local config file does not have a name...
define('DB_DATABASE', '');

---

This doesn't make sense.
If you installed Zen Cart in your local XAMPP it forced you to create a database (dafault name: zencart).
How would it install otherwise?
Start over.
Uninstall your version of XAMPP, install 1.7.1.
Create DB in phpmyadmin.
Install Zen Cart pointing to that DB you created.
Once it installs correctly, save both your config files.
Then delete the whole folder, but NOT the DB.
Now you have a DB and good config files pointing to it.
Next uncompress your tar.gz into the htdocs folder in XAMPP.
Replace the config files with the ones you saved.
In phpmyadmin import the sql.gz from live into local.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ckosloff

This doesn't make sense.
If you installed Zen Cart in your local XAMPP it forced you to create a database (dafault name: zencart).
How would it install otherwise?
Start over.
Uninstall your version of XAMPP, install 1.7.1.
Create DB in phpmyadmin.
Install Zen Cart pointing to that DB you created.
Once it installs correctly, save both your config files.
Then delete the whole folder, but NOT the DB.
Now you have a DB and good config files pointing to it.
Next uncompress your tar.gz into the htdocs folder in XAMPP.
Replace the config files with the ones you saved.
In phpmyadmin import the sql.gz from live into local.

---

I started over. Thank you for being patient.

Uninstall your version of XAMPP, install 1.7.1. - DONE
Create DB in phpmyadmin. - Done
Install Zen Cart pointing to that DB you created. - I was able to install copy of live database this time.

I am at this point.
Once it installs correctly, save both your config files. Where do I find these files now? database? This part is confusing because I have not installed uncompress tar.gz into htdocs folder which houses these documents.
Then delete the whole folder, but NOT the DB. - ?

Now you have a DB and good config files pointing to it.
Next uncompress your tar.gz into the htdocs folder in XAMPP.
Replace the config files with the ones you saved.
In phpmyadmin import the sql.gz from live into local.[/QUOTE]

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kburner

Install Zen Cart pointing to that DB you created. - I was able to install copy of live database this time.

---

Still not understanding.
You have to install a fresh copy of Zen Cart, forget about your live site for the moment.
Create database first, install ZC pointing to that database, all this is in the manual.
Once ZC installs, save /includes/configure.php and /admin/includes/configure.php, anywhere you like.
Then you delete the installation, uncompress tar.gz, replace config files, import sql.gz

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ckosloff

Still not understanding.
You have to install a fresh copy of Zen Cart, forget about your live site for the moment.
Create database first, install ZC pointing to that database, all this is in the manual.
Once ZC installs, save /includes/configure.php and /admin/includes/configure.php, anywhere you like.
Then you delete the installation, uncompress tar.gz, replace config files, import sql.gz

---

Hi ckosloff,

I followed your directions and finally seems to work. I did all you directed above. I went back through book to make sure I was not leaving any open places for potential hackers. I changed curl file like book says on page 40. When I did zc-install (page 46-47) I get error of:

# CURL problems detected: 28 => connect() timed out! more info...
# CURL problems detected: 28 => connect() timed out! more info...
# CURL requires SSL support. Please notify webmaster or hosting company. 28 => connect() timed out!

Since, this is for local do I need to contact my host....I really hope I am still not messing this up. I thought I was finally getting it with last message. Kim

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kburner

Hi ckosloff,

I followed your directions and finally seems to work. I did all you directed above. I went back through book to make sure I was not leaving any open places for potential hackers. I changed curl file like book says on page 40. When I did zc-install (page 46-47) I get error of:

# CURL problems detected: 28 => connect() timed out! more info...
# CURL problems detected: 28 => connect() timed out! more info...
# CURL requires SSL support. Please notify webmaster or hosting company. 28 => connect() timed out!

Since, this is for local do I need to contact my host....I really hope I am still not messing this up. I thought I was finally getting it with last message. Kim

---

I have been looking for hours and found thread with curl information to just ignore. I am ok with that since not live. But other problem is I changed admin file and made sure changes made in admin/includes/config and includes/config. But, getting error of no file found with admin/includes/config when I zc-install. I went back and triple checked file and everything is correct.

Admin/includes (admin has been changed.)
<?php
/**
* @package Configuration Settings circa 1.3.8
* @copyright Copyright 2003-2007 Zen Cart Development Team
* @copyright Portions Copyright 2003 osCommerce
* @license http://www.zen-cart.com/license/2_0.txt GNU Public License V2.0
*/


/*************** NOTE: This file is similar, but DIFFERENT from the "store" version of configure.php. ***********/
/*************** The 2 files should be kept separate and not used to overwrite each other. ***********/

// Define the webserver and path parameters
// Main webserver: eg-http://www.your_domain.com -
// HTTP_SERVER is your Main webserver: eg-http://www.your_domain.com
// HTTPS_SERVER is your Secure webserver: eg-https://www.your_domain.com
// HTTP_CATALOG_SERVER is your Main webserver: eg-http://www.your_domain.com
// HTTPS_CATALOG_SERVER is your Secure webserver: eg-https://www.your_domain.com
/*
* URLs for your site will be built via:
* HTTP_SERVER plus DIR_WS_ADMIN or
* HTTPS_SERVER plus DIR_WS_HTTPS_ADMIN or
* HTTP_SERVER plus DIR_WS_CATALOG or
* HTTPS_SERVER plus DIR_WS_HTTPS_CATALOG
* ...depending on your system configuration settings
*
* If you desire your *entire* admin to be SSL-protected, make sure you use a "https:" URL for all 4 of the following:
*/
define('HTTP_SERVER', 'http://www.example.com');
define('HTTPS_SERVER', 'https://www.example.com');
define('HTTP_CATALOG_SERVER', 'http://www.example.com');
define('HTTPS_CATALOG_SERVER', 'https://www.example.com');

// Use secure webserver for catalog module and/or admin areas?
define('ENABLE_SSL_CATALOG', 'false');
define('ENABLE_SSL_ADMIN', 'false');

// NOTE: be sure to leave the trailing '/' at the end of these lines if you make changes!
// * DIR_WS_* = Webserver directories (virtual/URL)
// these paths are relative to top of your webspace ... (ie: under the public_html or httpdocs folder)
define('DIR_WS_ADMIN', '/shop/xxxx/');
define('DIR_WS_CATALOG', '/shop/');
define('DIR_WS_HTTPS_ADMIN', '/shop/xxxx/');
define('DIR_WS_HTTPS_CATALOG', '/shop/');

define('DIR_WS_IMAGES', 'images/');
define('DIR_WS_ICONS', DIR_WS_IMAGES . 'icons/');
define('DIR_WS_CATALOG_IMAGES', HTTP_CATALOG_SERVER . DIR_WS_CATALOG . 'images/');
define('DIR_WS_CATALOG_TEMPLATE', HTTP_CATALOG_SERVER . DIR_WS_CATALOG . 'includes/templates/');
define('DIR_WS_INCLUDES', 'includes/');
define('DIR_WS_BOXES', DIR_WS_INCLUDES . 'boxes/');
define('DIR_WS_FUNCTIONS', DIR_WS_INCLUDES . 'functions/');
define('DIR_WS_CLASSES', DIR_WS_INCLUDES . 'classes/');
define('DIR_WS_MODULES', DIR_WS_INCLUDES . 'modules/');
define('DIR_WS_LANGUAGES', DIR_WS_INCLUDES . 'languages/');
define('DIR_WS_CATALOG_LANGUAGES', HTTP_CATALOG_SERVER . DIR_WS_CATALOG . 'includes/languages/');

// * DIR_FS_* = Filesystem directories (local/physical)
//the following path is a COMPLETE path to your Zen Cart files. eg: /var/www/vhost/accountname/public_html/store/
define('DIR_FS_ADMIN', 'C:/xx/xxxx/xxxxx/xampp/htdocs/shop/xxxx/');
define('DIR_FS_CATALOG', 'C:/xx/xxxx/xxxxx/xampp/htdocs/shop/');

define('DIR_FS_CATALOG_LANGUAGES', DIR_FS_CATALOG . 'includes/languages/');
define('DIR_FS_CATALOG_IMAGES', DIR_FS_CATALOG . 'images/');
define('DIR_FS_CATALOG_MODULES', DIR_FS_CATALOG . 'includes/modules/');
define('DIR_FS_CATALOG_TEMPLATES', DIR_FS_CATALOG . 'includes/templates/');
define('DIR_FS_BACKUP', DIR_FS_ADMIN . 'backups/');
define('DIR_FS_EMAIL_TEMPLATES', DIR_FS_CATALOG . 'email/');
define('DIR_FS_DOWNLOAD', DIR_FS_CATALOG . 'download/');

// define our database connection
define('DB_TYPE', 'mysql');
define('DB_PREFIX', '');
define('DB_SERVER', 'localhost');
define('DB_SERVER_USERNAME', 'xxxxx');
define('DB_SERVER_PASSWORD', 'xxxx');
define('DB_DATABASE', 'xxxxx');
define('USE_PCONNECT', 'false');
define('STORE_SESSIONS', 'db');
// for STORE_SESSIONS, use 'db' for best support, or '' for file-based storage

// The next 2 "defines" are for SQL cache support.
// For SQL_CACHE_METHOD, you can select from: none, database, or file
// If you choose "file", then you need to set the DIR_FS_SQL_CACHE to a directory where your apache
// or webserver user has write privileges (chmod 666 or 777). We recommend using the "cache" folder inside the Zen Cart folder
// ie: /path/to/your/webspace/public_html/zen/cache -- leave no trailing slash
define('SQL_CACHE_METHOD', 'none');
define('DIR_FS_SQL_CACHE', 'C:/Users/Kim/server/xampp/htdocs/shop/cache');

// EOF

I have been trying to locate thread on this one too. If anyone knows please provide link. Thanks, Kim

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kburner

I have been looking for hours and found thread with curl information to just ignore.

---

Really, I don't know what more to tell you.
In fresh unzipped ZC the config files are sometimes named dist-configure.php, you can rename and remove the dist.
Regarding curl you can remove semicolon (uncomment) in php.ini.
This is of course in the manual.

Couple things here.
XAMPP recommends to install server at root, like so:
C:/xampp/
Regarding SSL support, xampp has an SSL cert which you can use, so you can use https for your admin.
Of course, Firefox will complain that cert is not valid, just add an exception and you will be good to go.
Now that ZC 1.3.8 has a patch for PHP 5.3 you can even install latest version of xampp and it will work.