Parallel testing site?

[srt9969]

Hi All,

I've just gone live with my new site, but there will be things I want to do in future which I want to test on an 'offline' site first.
Can I copy all my zencart files to a new folder, adjust the configure files, and test away? I think probably not...I'm assuming I need an independant sql database, copied from the original? If I do this, what other stuff will I need to change? Is it all more trouble than its worth?
Any pointers on this will be very welcome, thanks in advance.

Regards,

Sean

[afo]

What you've outlined is basically what you need. Create another database and copy the existing data into it (you can do this through phpMyAdmin). Create a folder for the test site and copy your Zen Cart folders and files into it. Change the config files to point to the new database and folder.

I suggest changing some of the info so you can tell the difference between the live site and the test site (store name, for example).

[srt9969]

So, it's only the config files I need to change? Nothing else points the the db?

Thanks,

Sean

[CoolCarPartsOnline]

Yes you will only need to change 2 files after you create and copy the database. includes/configure.php and admin/includes/configure.php. Make sure to change the permission on the configure file to allow the ftp account to overwrite your existing configure file.