Creating a test site

[MeltDown]

As my site is looking a bit cluttered, I'd like to introduce Jade's horizontal css based flyout menu and clean things up a bit.
Exactly how would I go about creating a test site copy of my existing cart? Is it as simple as copying all files to a new file in the root? What about the database? And wouldn't I need to be making those changes from a new admin?

Thanks for any pointers - I just can't seem to fathom what is probably a pretty strait-forward procedure.

Tim

[misty]

Exactly how would I go about creating a test site copy of my existing cart? Is it as simple as copying all files to a new file in the root? What about the database? And wouldn't I need to be making those changes from a new admin?

Two ways to do this.. as you have suggested... create NEW folder, NEW database..copy existing site...BUT BACKUP everything first...
Second way(one I use).. Create copy on your home computer..using
XAMPP from http://www.apachefriends.org/en/index.html
Saves so much time when experimenting..no ftp etc, and also protects your current live zencart from any problems..
HTH

[DrByte]

Making a backup for local testing/backup purposes:
http://www.zen-cart.com/wiki/index.php/LocalCopySite

Also, setting up XAMPP is part of Chapter 2 of eStart your Web Store with Zen Cart which is also a complete users manual and admin guide to using Zen Cart.