HEEEELLLLLP!!!!!! So confused!!!

[craftyrose]

I am wanting to upload zencart to a test server so that I can build it up on my home pc before going live with it. I have no idea where to start. I have downloaded the zencart software but where do I go from here? I have read the tutorials but am still sooooooo confused. Or maybe it's because it's so cold here at the moment and frozen my brain. Can someone please help? Thanks in advance.

[schoolboy]

Do you want to install it on your own computer, or an internet server somewhere?

[craftyrose]

Hi schoolboy,

I am wanting to install it onto my own computer for now so that I can build my website offline before going live with it.

Cheers,
craftyrose

[fairestcape]

There are tutorials for doing this, but before you can install it on your local machine, your local machine needs to be able to handle the programming.

You can "configure" your local machine by installing XAMPP (if your PC is a windows-based one).

Once XAMPP is installed and properly configured, you can then install ZC.

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I use this for dev work, but it is a bit detailed setting up xampp, and for a novice it can be confusing. Please read my PM to you...

[janissaire]

Ok, the first thing you do is buy the book - it's the best way to approach the entire process - will tell you more in a bit.

[janissaire]

Hi,

Ok, here’s my advice – buy the Zen Cart Book – it’s got everything you need from start to finish – well almost finish as you may want to tweak your store to the way you like and that’s where the forums come in – you will find a great deal of help here to if you have any further questions.

Basically, here’s the way you should do it so you can be familiar with ZC – load onto your local (home computer) first.

1. Buy the book
2. Go to the links provided and get xammp to load the back end stuff you will need – database, etc. Make sure it’s the exe file and not the zip one.
3. Check you port configurations on your machine and anti virus software – or you will get error messages on install
4. Install back end
5. Download most recent version of ZC – currently 1.3.8a – full file set.
6. Install ZC
7. DO ALL SECURITY PATCHES – AND ADMIN STUFF RIGHT NOW!!!
8. DOUBLE CHECK EVERYTHING INCLUDING THE SECURITY STUFF.
9. 8. DOUBLE CHECK EVERYTHING
10. Make a backup – so you have a base configuration
11. Build your cart.
12. Happy Zenning!


I've basically just done the same thing you want to do.