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  1. #1
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    Default Quick question before upgrading

    I have purposely hung on before doing the upgrade to paypal express because of problems that invevitably will come up. Could someone please tell me will all those problems be fixed in the download or do I have to update it and then go and hunt out patches and bug fixes on this website?

    I will wait for an answer before updating as I'm petrified of errors!

    Thanks for your time!

    Donna

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Quick question before upgrading

    Anyone help me please?

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Quick question before upgrading

    Are you concerned about errors from PayPal or Zen Cart? If PayPal, you'd have to check out their documentation on the PayPal Express system.

    As for Zen Cart (which I imagine is what you meant), you can avoid pretty much all upgrade errors by following the upgrade instructions in the docs folder of the Zen cart download, docs/2.readme_how_to_upgrade.html. It tells you everything you need to do in order to perform a smooth upgrade, even with lots of customizations.

    You'll need a file comparison tool like WinMerge (free) or Araxis Merge ($$$, but more powerful) to complete the upgrade.
    Frank Koehl
    "Cleverly Disguised as a Responsible Adult"

    frankkoehl.com

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Quick question before upgrading

    Thanks.

    I don't have to use the upgrade though do I? I mean it won't make any difference if I leave things as they are will it?

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Quick question before upgrading

    If you want to use the latest version, and access the new features, then yes you have to upgrade.

    Clearly it sounds to me like you're a first-time upgrader, and getting cold feet. That's normal; upgrading sounds like a big scary process. Just remember that all you're really doing is comparing text. If you're using a largely stock version of Zen (just a few boxed mods), it's usually a snap. Both programs I mentioned make backups of files before applying changes, so you can always revert.

    To me, falling behind is scarier. Depending on what you currently have, 1.3.7 may include critical security fixes. Plus the longer you wait, the further behind in versioning you get, and the harder it will be to make the upgrade later.
    Frank Koehl
    "Cleverly Disguised as a Responsible Adult"

    frankkoehl.com

  6. #6
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    Default Re: Quick question before upgrading

    Frank,

    The other problem I have is that I've been personalising my cart by following instructions in the thread and then found a thread saying that core files shouldn't be changed (english.php ones). Well the thing is they are the ones that were mentioned in the threads and they're the ones I've changed.

    I'm worried about the difference it will make you see. Will I lose all my changes? Do I have to do the template again?

    Yup, you are right, first time upgrader with very cold feet!

    Donna

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Quick question before upgrading

    The team warns against editing core files, because it makes upgrading more difficult, especially if you don't know what you're doing. You need to bring over the new code, eliminate any outdated code, and make sure your own customizations stay in place. Note that merge programs do all of this it's just more files you have to check (beyond your templates).

    I would never consider any of the language files to be "core," because by their nature they are meant to be changed. They of course tie into core files, but it's very easy to spot differences, since they're just a bunch of defines.

    Plus, all the language files in the catalog work with overrides. So if you edited YOUR_ROOT/includes/languages/english.php, just copy that file to YOUR_ROOT/includes/languages/MY_TEMPLATE/english.php.

    This still does not escape the need to upgrade. Moving it to a custom folder will allow you to safely overwrite the original english.php, however now you have to compare that file to the one in your custom folder, adding whatever new defines exist.
    Quote Originally Posted by icklebits
    Yup, you are right, first time upgrader with very cold feet!
    The only way to get over it is to just do it. Remember, you aren't actually upgrading your live site; you upgrade a copy, then test your work locally, or set up a sandbox image of your site to test it. That way you can test without risking your live site, and only push it to the live site once everything is working smoothly. If everything goes to hell, you can wipe it out and start over.
    Frank Koehl
    "Cleverly Disguised as a Responsible Adult"

    frankkoehl.com

  8. #8
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    Default Re: Quick question before upgrading

    Frank is exactly right. If you edited files without creating a custom template, it's not too late. Install 1.3.7 in its own directory with its own database and start recreating your template. You mentioned english.php as an example. If you edited it without saving it to your own template, make a copy of it in the 1.3.7 test site for your custom template and use something like WinMerge to compare the old english.php to the new default one you just copied. You can make the same changes to the new one and save it to your new template. You can do that for each file you changed. It might be difficult, but if you're careful, you can get it done. Think of it this way... it'll make upgrading easier in future.

    To create a very basic custom template (you can build from there), you need:
    includes\languages\YOUR_TEMPLATE\english.php
    includes\languages\english\YOUR_TEMPLATE\index.php
    includes\languages\english\YOUR_TEMPLATE\header.php (to change the logo)
    includes\templates\YOUR_TEMPLATE\template_info.php
    includes\templates\YOUR_TEMPLATE\common\tpl_header.php
    includes\templates\YOUR_TEMPLATE\images\logo.gif
    includes\templates\YOUR_TEMPLATE\css\stylesheet.css

    Any where you see a \classic\ folder, you can create a folder for your custom template.
    Mary Ellen
    I came; I saw; I Zenned
    Taking over the world... one website at a time
    Make sure brain is engaged before putting mouth in gear... or fingers to keyboard.

    Holzheimer
    Fan Odyssey

  9. #9
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    Default Re: Quick question before upgrading

    Argh...that was all too technical for me. Sorry but I'm a bit dense in the old technical department. I will have to read and reread what you have written and go from there.

    When I had my original cart in a "cart" folder I had to copy each and every file over to my main directory individually it took ages. There must be an easier way to do that?

  10. #10
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    Default Re: Quick question before upgrading

    Just do this...
    1. Download and install WinMerge (since it's the free one)
    2. Download latest version of Zen Cart
    3. Download your store from your server
    4. Place both stores in the same folder somewhere on your computer
    5. Highlight both folders, choose "WinMerge" from the context (right-click) menu
    6. Start probing around to see what it does

    Many, many of your concerns will be addressed simply in starting the process. If you're like me,, you'll eventually have one of those "ah-ha!" moments as you begin comparing and merging files.
    Frank Koehl
    "Cleverly Disguised as a Responsible Adult"

    frankkoehl.com

 

 
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