In over my head...

[blabay]

I'm still experimenting with zen cart and have been playing with it for a while. I recently decided to try to upgrade from 1.3.8a to 1.3.9d and realized I didn't understand half of the update instructions. Is there an easier way to do this? Can I upgrade in smaller steps?

[stevesh]

If you're still experimenting (and not operating a store) I wonder if it might make more sense to start with a fresh 1.3.9d installation and start over, using what you've learned so far.

[blabay]

I though about that. I've made alot of changes to the css stylesheet and added some products to the database. Starting over would mean many hours wasted. I can't be rebuilding the whole thing every time theres an update.

[pocketpenny]

Heh that's pretty much where I'm at right now - I have been using Zen Cart for around a year now, and it's fine, but I can't seem to figure out how to upgrade without having to rebuild the whole thing, step by step!

I'm finding the 3 steps not 100% helpful... yikes!

[QS Supplements]

hahahah yes theres many problems in the way of an upgrade. your options
1. you could start fresh
pros
save LOTS of time, less likely to give problems.
more easier for a beginner and room to learn as you go, with your 1+ years exp wont be needed

cons
you might not be ready for an upgrade in future

2. you can upgrade
pros
you will learn alot on the way and will be more ready for problems in future (be it upgrades or addons)

cons
could be time consuming as i have learnt

im sure theres more,
my 2cents
good luck

[janissaire]

Did you use templates? meaning did you create your own?

I'm currently installing version "E" to my local but I do use templates - meaning most of the stuff on my current site are pages that I have customised mysleft - look, feel, text, etc.

I have saved the templates so that when I finish the upgrade I can tell the new store to use those.

Perhaps you can save the work you have done as a new template and it will make your life easier

[QS Supplements]

agreed, we had a web design company do a custom template for us on an old zen. we didnt even launch and i realised we shuld upgrade. they didnt use overides so i had to get all their changes and put it in a template.
made upgrading alot easier, but i should have known before

[blabay]

Yes, I have made many changes to the layout and customized some things. I created new files to override the defaults if thats what you mean by templates. If so, then maybe this is doable. Step by step instructions would be appreciated

[stitchnkitty]

blabay

I have and still am where you are;
first read upgrad for dummies - that is my thread and Dr byte and Kobra has written alot of good stuff that may be helpful.

first do a fresh install into a test folder on your server. Use the tutorials to help.
Create a new database for that demo site
reconfigure your config files to get things up and running.
Start to configure your site by uploading your override files. These are mostly lcated in the includes folder. I use Filezilla to find them all.
Go to the tools and rename your template for your site.
configure the rest of the adjustments in the admin. test test.
add your mods. test. go live.

Hope this helps
and if i missed something maybe the experts can jump in here.