testing a different template

[techextreme]

I'm wondering if there is a way to test a different template for our Zencart installation without causing problems or having it show to the general public that we "are" testing.

We would like to be able to do this without having to build a lamp server or find another server to play with.

Is this possible?

[joejoejoe]

There is a line in admin where you can put your own IP address in so that you can still view the store when it is in admin code. Set that, wait for dead time like 2 am wednesday or whatever, put your shop into maintenance mode. The viewing public will think you're doing your weekly cleanup or stocking the shelves, you can check out all the templates you desire and when done just turn off maintenance mode. That's the only way I can think of without a second set of files on another server.

[discoverytdi]

the only way I can think of is use XAMPP http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp.html on your computer saves having to shut down your live site and you can play to your hearts content without doing any harm.

[stevesh]

We would like to be able to do this without having to build a lamp server or find another server to play with.

Putting a test Zencart installation in a subdirectory of your current site would do the trick.