Posted Steps to Upgrading Too Broad - Need Instructions in Layman's Terms

[nchgalleries]

I have been needing to upgrade my version of Zen Cart for a while now but am daunted by the task. I did not originally install Zen Cart and am still trying to figure everything out. I have the instructions on this page : http://www.zen-cart.com/content.php?148 .

However, even the first line "Unzip a copy of the new version of Zen Cart®, upload it to your webserver into a "demo" folder, and install the new version into a separate database, and include the Demo products" is not clear enough for me.. How do I install the new version into a separate database? Should I follow instructions for installing Zen Cart for the first time in order to understand the process?

I am completely and utterly lost and this issue is stressing me out. If there are more detailed instructions for this process, where can I find them? Am I taking on too big of a task and should I just try to find someone who I can pay to do this for me? This site is amazing and always helps me find a solution but from most threads I have read, everyone already kind of has the hang of the whole installing-thing.

Thank you so much to all you who help people like me!

[dbltoe]

First of all, you should consider only the newest version when upgrading. Whatever you have in 1.3.x is WAY old.

You need to create a new database without anything in it. When you start the install, you will be asked for the database name and password.

[nchgalleries]

I read that it is best to upgrade in steps, as to not override the customizations. I was planning on upgrading to 1.3.9 and move up from there.

I downloaded the 1.3.9 version and have it saved on my computer, but how do I actually install it? I am completely ignorant in this area so please excuse me.

Also, I just noticed in the file version of Zen Cart, it is labeled as 1.3.9, but in my admin it says I have version 1.3.7. So which would be correct?

[dbltoe]

Most of what you will have in the way of modifications is just outdated and will probably not work with 1.5.3 which is the current/stable version. Many changes were made when the 1.5.x series started.

Create a database
Download the 1.5.3 files (NEVER use an autoloader)
Extract the file to your computer
Go to the docs folder and open index.html
Click on item 3

[mc12345678]

If when you login to your admin and you select version in the upper corner you see that Zc 1.3.7 and database of 1.3.7 are installed, then basically you have version 1.3.7 with possibly some plugins or patches that used some of the 1.3.9 files. Some of the modifications may be salvageable or at least to identify what aspect was modified.

So easiest way to conceptualize the upgrade is that you want to build/create/recreate your site in a location other than your live folder. You can install all of the necessary software on your local computer: ie, apache webserver, mysql database, php, or you can find a "hidden" away location on your site where you can claim some space, to install a fresh copy/version of ZC. Yes, following the instructions of a new install would be best to handle the first step. It may seem daunting, but until the live store files and database are modified, there's really little to no harm to happen to your live site. This gives you the opportunity to continue selling and at the same time to create the store you want to continue to operate.

Regarding who to do the upgrade, there is a lot that is learnt from doing it yourself, the thing(s) to consider are is it worth your time and energy to do it yourself, or do you have better things to do. Some enjoy the challenge and go it "alone" (useing the site and resources available), some just say forget it, I need it now, either I've played with the upgrade process enough or it just is too important to upgrade quickly and let someone else at least stage the store to be copied over and the active database updated.

If you do pay someone (or let someone), I would suggest that you create an ftp location to which they can login and make modifications to only the files that you have made available. This way urlive store can not be affected by anything that is done. This option/capability is locateable in your cPanel.

[mc12345678]

Oh, I forgot to mention, there is reportedly no need now-a-days to upgrade in "steps", the install/upgrade program (at least for the database) performs the upgrade in "one" step. The file part? I'm with dbltoe that basically so much has chaanged, that going through the multi-upgrade may be more "costly" than modifying the files/installing new ones of a new cart to obtain the desired functionality/look.

[dbltoe]

Don't try to do too much at once. There are so many things that have been added for Zen Cart since 1.3.7 (2007) or 1.3.9 (2010). That's a LOT of years in computer time. Your site is uncomplicated enough that it can continue while you install and learn.

Don't worry about anything but getting 1.5.3 going in a demo/test folder with demo products. That will let you see and learn a lot about ZC.

In your first few days of "playing", start searching the plug ins for Responsive Templates. There's no point in creating a new site that doesn't respond to the tablets and smart phones out there.

You will definitely be needing Image Handler 4 as your site is mainly images. Some of your artwork images are nearly 2 meg Search Engines cannot "see" images which is going to be something you will need to overcome with text/content.

Other than that, you just need to use the demo to see how to list your items.

Once you have the template and product in place, you can go online by moving the site to your root directory (there's a tutorial for that as well). Leave the test/demo site working so that you can test modifications/upgrades that you think might build your business.

Number one mistake most make is trying to do too much at initial build.
Load and install
Install Image Handler
Install template
put it items and images (This can be done with a database upgrade rather than having to enter all the old data. Depends on the percentage of items that are still relevant.)
Delete/turnoff demo categories
Content, Content, Content
Copy to root while leaving the test/demo for testing.
Start selling and test any desired mods/changes with the test/demo site.

The forum will be your friend along the way.

[mc12345678]

If I may offer one modification to dbltoe's suggested sequence of install. Install your template before Image handler 4. It is designed to install to your template and performing in the order suggested above will essentially require it to be installed a second time nd likely cause confusion.

[DivaVocals]

mc12345678

Re: Posted Steps to Upgrading Zen Cart Too Broad - Need Instructions in Layman's Term
If I may offer one modification to dbltoe's suggested sequence of install. Install your template before Image handler 4. It is designed to install to your template and performing in the order suggested above will essentially require it to be installed a second time nd likely cause confusion.

Nods in agreement..




BTW on an unrelated note.. does anyone know why this section of the forum seems to prohibit quoting posts???? TRE ANNOYING... IJS...

[mc12345678]

Nods in agreement..




BTW on an unrelated note.. does anyone know why this section of the forum seems to prohibit quoting posts???? TRE ANNOYING... IJS...

Still unrelated: above was quoted using simple reply with quote button option. You on a "new" template, device, or something else?