Can Templates from Prior Versions Be Added to Later Versions?

**PSurf** · 3 Dec 2011, 04:32 AM

I have inherited a Zen Cart site that used a template called "Theme125" -- it was selectable from the list of templates when running the Admin module. As I did not create the site originally, I do not know what version of Zen Cart it is using (can I find that out somehow?).

However, I need to recreate the site (not a migration, since the owner deleted the database and has no backup) and have to use the latest version running on the hosting company's server (1.3.8.h). I've installed 1.3.8.h, but while in the Admin module, "Theme125" is not listed.

Is there some way to make "Theme125" available in v1.3.8.h, whether by downloading it from somewhere or manually copying files (I have a copy of the old site, so I should have access to any .css files, etc.).

This site MUST use the Theme125 template, so PLEASE help me if you can!

Thank you.

**PSurf** · 3 Dec 2011, 04:57 AM

Correction -- all references to 1.3.8.h SHOULD BE 1.3.8.a

**Kim** · 3 Dec 2011, 05:15 AM

Unfortunately, that sounds like it could be a Template Monster template.

**stevesh** · 3 Dec 2011, 01:10 PM

It is a Template Monster template, and I'll be willing to bet that, even if you can get them to reply to your request, they'll expect you to pay for it again.

I'd be interested in the reason this store must use that tempate. Templates are just about the site's appearance, after all.

**schoolboy** · 3 Dec 2011, 03:18 PM

You have two potentially difficult problems:

1. version 1.3.8a is extremely vulnerable to hacker attacks, and believe me... if the site gets hacked it is a tedious and time-consuming task to clean it up. And if you are a "novice" webmaster, you will probably have to pay a lot of money to have it cleaned.

2. It is using a TemplateMonster template, and while these may "look nice" they are horrible to work with. The reason is that the developers of these templates either rip the heart out of much of the core functionality, or they re-shape it completely. The result is that you may lack a lot of control (both via your admin panel and via module add-ons) in both how the site looks and how it behaves.

Interestingly... it is possible to configure a template that DOES behave well, that can look as good - if not better - than these terrible template monster concoctions.

If you are intent on hanging onto that template, don't expect much help on this forum... not that we don't want to help, but we just don't have hours and hours to "unpick" TM templates to try to fathom out what stupid thinking has gone into removing or modifying essential zencart behaviour.

**schoolboy** · 3 Dec 2011, 03:30 PM

Here's your best bet...

REMOVE the current installation completely (As it is de facto a brand new install of 1.3.8, just delete the whole thing... database, files, the lot.)

DOWNLOAD a copy of the latest version (1.3.9h) and manually install that on your server.

Abandon the idea of using a TM template. There are some very attractive ones that can be modified very easily, available in the free downloads, and some neat ones from 12leaves (the "pure" series).

To show you just how flexible a template can be, the following sites are ALL based on the same template.

Site One
Site Two
Site Three