Can I just install 1.3.9e new and then import my 1.38a database?

[printchic]

I would like to know if I can just install a fresh copy of the 1.3.9e store then import my 1.3.8a patch 1 database to it?

I figure it would be easier than trying to upgrade the 1.3.8a store with all the new stuff.

Store Version: 1.3.8a Patch 1

I haven't been able to find an answer to this on the forum which is why I am asking this.

Signed,
Printchic

[DrByte]

Doing only what you said will leave you with a site that looks nothing like your existing site does today.

Following the official upgrade process is safer and more thorough: https://www.zen-cart.com/tutorials/index.php?article=98

[Chaos Factor]

I did exactly what this guy was asking about and then installed my own template. After a few minor problems that were related to the database, it looks exactly like my old site. Have to add the mods and transfer images still. I tried following the directions in the tuts and it nearly drove me battier. (Saw a post on the steps someone did, in the wrong order and the reply clarified the tuts but I had already embarked on this path. So far so good!)

[mjpwall]

I'm concidering the same approach, do everything off line, import database, use my template, add contributions that am currently using and when it looks transfer to live site, is this possible?

[DrByte]

I'm concidering the same approach, do everything off line, import database, use my template, add contributions that am currently using and when it looks transfer to live site, is this possible?

Um ... well ... let's break that down a bit:

do everything offline

Yes, that's a good idea. That's why the official upgrade instructions walk you through doing that.

use my template

As long as you update everything in your custom template to work with the new version, including comparing and merging any changes to template files that may exist in the latest version into your old version's template files.

add contributions that am currently using

As long as you double-check every file in every one of those contributions to make sure they include the changes from the latest version, or adapt to new coding requirements suitable to the new version. In many cases there may be an updated version of the contribution which might make the task easier in some cases.

when it looks

I'm guessing you mean something about confirming that it tests properly offline

transfer to live site

After testing is done, yes, you would repeat the process on the live site, removing the old files, putting up the new files, and upgrading the database.

So ... in short ... you're basically trying to say "I don't like the official upgrade instructions, so I'm gonna do it my own way", but you really still need to follow the same steps as explained in the upgrade instructions, despite that you're trying to take shortcuts that really won't save you in the end.

You've missed a few important things, including the fact that you won't be happy if you do the upgrade offline with last week's database and then copy that database back to your live store today, and thus wipe out the last week's sales data and customers. That, and other things, will make you wish you'd followed the published steps.

What exactly is wrong with the official instructions?