Is it ok to Rename the admin folder?

[nickbowers]

Hi,
I was wonder if it is ok to simply rename the admin folder? this might make it a little bit harder for the hackers to find it.
Cheers

[schoolboy]

It is often asked, and common wisdom is that one should re-name the admin folder.

It's not too complicated to re-set the paths to the newly-named folder... the path/directory name changes you need to make are in:-

includes/configure.php
and
admin/includes/configure.php

(Naturally, if you re-name ADMIN before you change the settings (paths) in admin/includes/configure.php, you will have to (in your c-panel or ftp) navigate to the appropriate directory to find that configure.php file.)

Set your site to "Down for Maintenance" while you make the changes - it should take about 5 to 10 minutes to change the folder name, and the references in the two configure.php files.

[DrByte]

It's even less complicated than Schoolboy makes it, although he's got the right idea.

To rename the admin folder, you don't need to go down-for-maintenance, and you don't need to touch the /includes/configure.php file.

You only need to touch the /admin/includes/configure.php file, after renaming your admin folder itself.

The process is documented in your Zen Cart files ... see the /docs/ folder or look up the topic in the tutorials/FAQs area: https://www.zen-cart.com/tutorials/index.php?article=73

[schoolboy]

Ah, thanks doc... just shows how long ago I did this myself !

[Pazaz]

Hi

I just did this and got the following error:
ERROR: admin/includes/configure.php file not found. Suggest running zc_install/index.php?

So I checked the configure file again ensuring that it has saved properly. There are only 3 places to change it and they are correct. The folder and the edits were all compatible but still get the above error.

SO... after about 4 hours of faffing about I decided just to rename it all back to admin and guess what:

ERROR: admin/includes/configure.php file not found. Suggest running zc_install/index.php?

same error... what am I missing??

rgds

Mick

[DrByte]

You will get that message when the configure.php file does not exist, or cannot be read due to overly restrictive permissions, or when the content of the file does not validate.

I suspect you've changed a setting to point to a folder that doesn't exist.

Please post the admin configure.php file contents here ... and replace your private admin folder name with MYFOLDER, and mask the password.

[Pazaz]

Thanks.

I eventually just uploaded the entire admin folder again from a backup and its working again. Just shows the importance of backups.

Still dont know what caused the trouble but Ill be back if it doesnt work when I try to change it again.

Thanks again Dr Byte.

rgds

Mick