Virus Trashed Files Trying To Restore - Help!

[gbd]

Hi, someone got in and did a number on the files and directories so I had to start over though I saved the DB contents.

I installed 1.3.8a using Fantastico then applied the patches recommended for 1.3.8a. I saved the database it created and then restored the old database using Cpanel's backup facility.

Now I've got a message on the top of the admin screen:

Warning Your database appears to need patching to a higher level. See Tools->Server Information to review patch levels.

What do I do about this?

Also will I need to do anything else to restore things other than detailed above? I assume any custom graphics are gone but I have no idea where to restore them at. And custom pages perhaps too or are they stored in the DB?

Also when I try to access the shopping cart I get an installation screen:

Hello. Thank you for loading Zen Cart™.
You are seeing this page for one or more reasons:

1. 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).

2. 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.
See the Online FAQ and Tutorials area on the Zen Cart™ website for assistance.

Now I did go in and change the paths on both including the renamed admin directory and the cart directory but didn't seem to matter.

Thanks for your help in advance

[schoolboy]

You've made a number of fundamental "faux-pas" here.

Firstly, you've used Fantastico to install. Not the way to do it, I'm afraid...

You infer that you trashed the original files as they were "full of viruses". If this is the case, then all customizations in the original store are gone.

Did you do any backup of the "old" files at all? Did you preserve your product images? Do you have a backup of these anywhere?

You did keep the database, it seems. Are you pointing the new (Fantastico) install to the ORIGINAL database?

Looks like you are...

... and what is happening is that your old site was probably version 1.3.7 (or earlier) and Fantastico has installed 1.3.8 ... and you are now pointing 1.3.8 FILES to a 1.3.7 DATABASE.

The message is saying this to you, and requiring that you do a database UPGRADE.

There are help and tutorial items on upgrading properly.

[gbd]

Ok so what's the difference between using fantastico and installing the security patches vs installing by hand? The result is pretty much the same isn't it?

Upgrading the DB is but one of the 2 major problems.

I appreciate that I'm stupid. And Zen cart certainly isn't designed for stupid people or for beginners. Nevertheless I've got to come up with solutions.

Is there are forum on the internet where I can get help then?