Turn off side-boxes in checkout

[eflat]

Was wondering...is there a way in admin to turn off the sideboxes just during the checkout process? The idea is to keep customers from getting distracted and on-track with the purchase. I'm sure I can modify the templates but would rather not if I can avoid it.

[gjh42]

This takes a very small mod to /includes/templates/your_template/common/tpl_main_page.php.
Find this at the top of the file

// the following IF statement can be duplicated/modified as needed to set additional flags
  if (in_array($current_page_base,explode(",",'list_pages_to_skip_all_right_sideboxes_on_here,separated_by_commas,and_no_spaces')) ) {
    $flag_disable_right = true;
  } 

and change to

// the following IF statement can be duplicated/modified as needed to set additional flags
  if (in_array($current_page_base,explode(",",'checkout_shipping,checkout_payment,checkout_success')) ) {
    $flag_disable_left = true;
    $flag_disable_right = true;
  } 

Look at the page names in your address bar to verify that their names are checkout_shipping,checkout_payment,checkout_success; alter the explode content if necessary.

[schoolboy]

Was wondering...is there a way in admin to turn off the sideboxes just during the checkout process? The idea is to keep customers from getting distracted and on-track with the purchase. I'm sure I can modify the templates but would rather not if I can avoid it.

Glen's suggestion is the most appropriate method, and is simple to undertake.

I tend to agree with your idea of removing "distractions" from the checkout pages, so this is a sensible move.

[BillyBoyle]

Thank you for this advice and information. It was just what I needed.