New install - how should I install a template - can't find any instructions

[SPH]

Yes, that sounds right but your file structure does not look correct. English is under Languages; it is not a separate folder outside of languages.

Here is the packet's file structure on my computer:

includes
_extra_configures
_languages
_modules
_templates

So only four folders under includes/

I don't use filezilla (although intended to check it out one day) but on my two ftp systems I have includes/ on my computer lined up with includes/ on my remote server and click on includes on my computer side to highlight it and then hit arrow button to copy it across to my host. It sends the includes and subfolders across in proper order.

But this is what you want:

includes/extra_configures
includes/languages/english (I'm showing where english folder goes)
includes/modules
includes/templates

Yes, I've looked at alot of opensource carts and tested Cubecart years ago when looking at Zencart. There are several nice carts out now, including Prestashop, Opencart, CS-Cart (free community edition). But in most cases, I've found that Zencart does things a little better than these other carts. For example, Zencart's Easy Populate function, IMO, is superior and easier to use than the equavilents in these other Carts. I also think image management (Image Handler) better, and if you're in to SEO URL rewriting, the CEON Zencart mod I think beats the others with their built-in rewriters hands-down. And the base Zencart does come with alot of function.

And I've yet to find an opensource cart with a better selection of FREE templates.

Hope you get this template installation figured out with your ftp, as it's kind of fun trying out new templates. You might want to eventually pop-up another zencart solely for testing templates and mods and such.

What templates did you think might work?

[SPH]

Also remember that once your template files are properly loaded and in your admin, that after selecting the template you go to Layout Boxes Controller to set the data base for that template.

And here is a good time to get one of the data base plugins that allow backing up straight from your admin. We use DrByte's DB plugin which allows back-up and restore right from zencart's admin.

Perhaps it was the same with Cubecart and others, but you should get in the habit of backing up your data base before every major site work. I backup before installing a new template and before every Easy Populate upload, etc.

[SPH]

If I see a "regular guru" on these postings (...SPH,....) I pay attention to their comments.

Thanks, Schoolboy! But I don't belong in their class. But you do and it is I who follow you closely!

[schoolboy]

Thanks, Schoolboy! But I don't belong in their class. But you do and it is I who follow you closely!

Don't under-estimate the value you add to this forum...

[Pookiehair]

Can I ask a similar question here please?
I already have my website up & running in the ZC 1.3h version in the root folder (public_html) of my site. I dont want to disturb or change anything on my original site.
I have uploaded the ZC 1.5 version into public_html/test-area
I want to install a couple of templates to play around with in the 1.5 version test-area.
My question is this: Do I install the new templates includes folder contents to
public_html/includes
or
public_html/test-area/includes

Many thanks for any help.

[stevesh]

public_html/test-area/includes, assuming the two sites are completely separate.

[Pookiehair]

public_html/test-area/includes, assuming the two sites are completely separate.

Great. Many thanks for your speedy reply.