mc12345678,
The SSL issue is a bit too complicated for me to figure out at present, at least without some solitary study to become more familiar with the process, so I've placed the issue on the back burner for the time being. I do, though, understand the basic differences between non-secure and secure servers, and I made sure that I got the proper URLs from my web hosting provider (HostGator). These URLs are straightforward:
Today I verified the secure server address with HostGator, to make sure that I hadn't let an address error creep in. The secure server address is correct, and I was able to access it via my HostGator control panel. This secure server URL is the one that I entered into the configure.php files when I first set up Zen Cart. Obviously, just entering this secure server address in the appropriate places in the configure.php files wasn't enough, because doing so didn't effectively link Zen Cart with my SSL secure server.
You point out that the appearance of the HostGator 404 error page "has nothing to do with ZC", but clearly it does, though I'm certainly not faulting the ZC program. I simply haven't carried out some needed configurations that will effectively link the Zen Cart program with my secure server. That's why I'll need to do some fairly detailed research before I can resolve the problem.
You further write:
Here you make a few psychological (rather than technical) assumptions that have no bearing on my plans. My primary interest in my website doesn't center on the store, nor on making money (though that would be rather pleasant). My primary interest lies with other material that I intend to make available on the website, with the store being just an added boon to website visitors. At any rate, I've been to a great many websites that included in-depth content, with a link to a website store strategically placed throughout the site, and
near as I can tell most people are web savvy enough not to waste too much time stumbling about, trying to get to the store.
Regards,
Ken Baker
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