Host Installed Zen - Where do I edit?

[SandyFishGirl]

Hi All!
My Zen Cart was installed today via my host. I was able to change the name of my ADMIN folders and files. I manually loaded the patch & I thought all was well. WELL, until I tried to create a custom template. YES, I have read the FAQ - it's printed out & in front of me as I type

In the directions to create a custom template it says, in part

"Open includes/templates and create a new folder."

I am guessing this direction is assuming one has the Zen files on their local computer. BECAUSE at the end of the tutorial it says
"Upload your /CUSTOM folder to your server"

NOT realizing this was meant to be done on local & uploaded - I did it ON THE SERVER. However, I still could not see my custom template from my Zen Admin Home templates.

I posted in another board - still waiting for a response. I'm thinking there HAS to be someone out there that has the answer. I have read (and will continue to) the forum threads and FAQ's. I do not find an answer for this ?

Can I create a custom template directly in/on my server files/folder???

THANKS!

[afo]

Theoretically, you can, but it's MUCH simpler to download a copy of Zen Cart to your local drive and do your editing there. To edit php files, you really need a good text editor like Crimson Editor or Notepad++. Both editors are free on the net. You'll also need an FTP client like Filezilla (also free) to move files back and forth between your PC and your server.

This list is a bit outdated, but it'll give you the general idea.

To create a very basic custom template (you can build from there), you need:

• includes/languages/YOUR_TEMPLATE/english.php
• includes/languages/english/YOUR_TEMPLATE/index.php
• includes/languages/english/YOUR_TEMPLATE/meta_tags.php
• includes/languages/english/YOUR_TEMPLATE/header.php (to change the logo)
• includes/templates/YOUR_TEMPLATE/template_info.php
• includes/templates/YOUR_TEMPLATE/common/tpl_header.php <- may not be necessary
• includes/templates/YOUR_TEMPLATE/common/tpl_footer.php <- may not be necessary
• includes/templates/YOUR_TEMPLATE/images/logo.gif
• includes/templates/YOUR_TEMPLATE/css/stylesheet.css

Anywhere you see a /classic/ folder, you can create a folder for your custom template. You can copy the necessary files from either the /classic/ folder, the /template_default/ folder or the parent folder.

Edit includes/templates/YOUR_TEMPLATE/template_info.php to give your template identifying information so you'll recognize it in the admin under tools->template selection.

[SandyFishGirl]

Theoretically, you can, but it's MUCH simpler to download a copy of Zen Cart to your local drive

Ok, that sounds easy enough - ha! No, really. After about ten hours of this, I'm not feeling very "Zen". Actually, I think I'm slap twisted - ha!

To edit php files, you really need a good text editor like Crimson Editor or Notepad++.

Check -- I have a note to self - "Download Notepad++".

You'll also need an FTP client

Check - using the "Coffee" one for some time now - great little FTP there.

Now, all I need is to rest my brain cells & start fresh in the AM.

THANKS for your reply - I really thought I was going crazy - WHERE to do the edits......

[afo]

You'll get the hang of it.

In my opinion, it's better to do the edits locally because it gives you an instant "backup" of your site.

[SandyFishGirl]

You'll get the hang of it.

In my opinion, it's better to do the edits locally because it gives you an instant "backup" of your site.

THANKS! I think I will

I took a peek at your nephews site - a bit of a history buff (local) myself - interesting read!