How to get into the php admin area?

[ZuperDave]

I'm using Zen Cart 1.3.8a

I have spent two days searching tutorials and trying to find the area that I can edit the html. It refers to the php file. I ahve entered the php through the sql in my control panel on my server access.

The php files that I'm refered to in the tutorials seems to be aluding me.

Can anybody help me find this area that is being refrenced in the tutorials?

I'm trying to change the "Sales Message Goes Here" on the top of the page.

See http://carol.4x4him.com/shoppingmall/

[afo]

Zen Cart uses php to build most of the HTML on the fly depending on user requests, so there isn't really any HTML to edit.

MySQL has nothing to do with the php files. That's your database.

The php files are exactly where they're said to be in the tutorials. Unzip a copy of Zen Cart on your computer (it doesn't have to be able to run). You'll be able to see the folder and file structure and things will be clearer for you.

To edit php files, use a good text editor like Notepad++ or Crimson Editor.

To upload your changes to your website, use an FTP client like Filezilla.

All the programs I mentioned are available free from the net.

[ZuperDave]

I don't understand,.....I loaded my Zencart through the C-Panel of my server host Lunar Pages. So I don't have the program loaded onto my PC.

Should I delete the host upload and go straight to ZernCart to download on my PC ?

[bobdog]

You could start by downloading the entire zen cart files to your computer. An FTP program will do this. Try Filezilla.

Then edit files, and upload to the server.

[gjh42]

No, what Afo was talking about is having a reference set of the files to look at and edit on your pc. Once you have made edits on files, you need to upload them to your server by FTP.

Do not try to edit PHP files in your host's control panel - those editors may corrupt your files.

[svampola]

I'm using Zen Cart 1.3.8a

I have spent two days searching tutorials and trying to find the area that I can edit the html. It refers to the php file. I ahve entered the php through the sql in my control panel on my server access.

The php files that I'm refered to in the tutorials seems to be aluding me.

Can anybody help me find this area that is being refrenced in the tutorials?

I'm trying to change the "Sales Message Goes Here" on the top of the page.

See http://carol.4x4him.com/shoppingmall/

Too much help, sometimes goes astray.
What you want is to change or to delete "Sales Message Goes Here" so...
- Throught cpanel on your server and File Manager in folder:

public_html / includes/ languages/english/ ... find header.php

- Open header.php and there find text:

define('HEADER_SALES_TEXT', '<h1>Sales Message Goes Here</h1>');

Than change or erase the text in red.
That should solve your problem.

IF.... you have more than one languge, just find the same file in other languages folders, and change it.

[afo]

Too much help, sometimes goes astray.
What you want is to change or to delete "Sales Message Goes Here" so...
- Throught cpanel on your server and File Manager in folder:

public_html / includes/ languages/english/ ... find header.php

- Open header.php and there find text:

define('HEADER_SALES_TEXT', '<h1>Sales Message Goes Here</h1>');

Than change or erase the text in red.
That should solve your problem.

IF.... you have more than one languge, just find the same file in other languages folders, and change it.

As Glenn pointed out, using the editor in CPanel can corrupt php files and lead to more problems that it's worth. It's far better to edit the file locally using a good text editor and then use an FTP client to upload the changes to your custom folder. If you edit the files that come with Zen Cart directly and don't save your changes to a custom folder, all your changes will be lost with the next upgrade/update.

[fairestcape]

In describing his need (change "Sales Message Goes Here"), ZuperDave actually alerted us to a much more important issue...

... he's not at all familiar with the protocol of editing PHP files.

So it makes absolute sense to take him back a couple of steps, and to explain these protocols.

As the process of editing PHP is used very often, it's vital that new users understand the principal differences between HTML and PHP.

... and yes, it's NOT a good idea to edit in C-Panel...

[svampola]

Well, I usually make a copy of file before I change anything, and if something goes wrong, I just rename it back, but .....

Afo & fairestape, thanks for your tip.
Thought I didn't have any problems using CPanel editor - I'll take your advice for granted, and from now on - I'll edit files only locally.