Using GoDaddy - How do I install Zen Cart?

Well I just PMed GDSupport and will keep you all posted if there is a reply.

I selected godaddy as a host simply based on recommendations from other forums. I did not want to learn HTML code and their Website Tonight seemed to be the thing for me. Only about 10 days into it and it does have its drawbacks/limitations.

I need to install some sort of shopping cart and I was considering just using the buttons that PayPal offers, and just copy/paste the HTML code into the WebPages, but have hit a road block as I want to modify the (only) button (add to cart) that I see offered on Paypal site.

Then Zen Cart was recommended, after downloading v 1.3.8, and unzipping it, I cannot even find the .exe file to do the install.

So I will report back when I receive the PM from GDSupport.

Your comments are welcomed.

It's a web application for doesn't have a .exe file. Instead you load the files (unzipped) into you web hosting space and simply go there in a browser.

Zen Cart will detect that it is not yet installed and take you through a step-by-step installation process.

Thanks for the quick reply....I'm trying to plug away at this but its slow going. Is there a link that you can pass on (for dummies) that will explain how to do what you are describing?

If it's still not too late to get out of GoDaddy, maybe you can get the money back. GoDadday and Zencart don't play nice with each other.

yellow1912:

If it's still not too late to get out of GoDaddy, maybe you can get the money back. GoDadday and Zencart don't play nice with each other.

I agree...

... but in order to use and customize Zencart, you do need a reasonable knowledge of website management, including basic html, how content-driven (database) sites work, ftp, and CSS.

It may be that paypal buttons are OK for you right now. If you are set on Zencart, then a reliable host is essential. GoDaddy is arguably the most unreliable host for Zencart.

Why does everyone slam GoDaddy?

I find their customer service to be great (24hr phone support is amazing) and their price is unbeatable.

I am brand new to Zen Cart and had no problem installing it on my GoDaddy account in 15 mins.

GoNinja:

Why does everyone slam GoDaddy?

I find their customer service to be great (24hr phone support is amazing) and their price is unbeatable.

I am brand new to Zen Cart and had no problem installing it on my GoDaddy account in 15 mins.

Their servers are reputed to be heavily overloaded, and their server configurations are very unfriendly for zc use.

Have you started trading on your site yet? Wait until you get frustrating messages from customers experiencing problems!

I've had to move a client off them before since it wasn't just Zen Cart that had problems with their setup, our database management tool simply couldn't access the database 95% of the time.

You'll also find problems reported with GoDaddy and Paypal and Zen Cart needed special GoDaddy code at one point to cope.

You'll also find a chat from earlier today in the Zen Cart 2.0 discussion thread to the effect that GoDaddy servers still default to the now obsolete php4 and don't provide a full range of features for php5 which will be required for Zen Cart 2.0.

When I looked GoDaddy had over 3700 websites on the same ip address that I was on. It took hours to back my site since the server moved at glacial speed. FTP timed out. Tools sucked. It was only after I left that I found out what a REAL host was all about.

Do yourself a favor and find another host. GoDaddy may be a great registrar but they aren't a good host.

kuroi:

You'll also find a chat from earlier today in the Zen Cart 2.0 discussion thread

That's a thread I'd like to read but can't find it. Have a link? Things have been so hush-hush about 2.0 I hope I don't need a security clearance to read it (though if needed I had a clearance years ago while in the army - does that count?)

denliv:

That's a thread I'd like to read but can't find it. Have a link? Things have been so hush-hush about 2.0 I hope I don't need a security clearance to read it (though if needed I had a clearance years ago while in the army - does that count?)
Simply follow the link in the announcement: http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showthread.php?t=116018

GoNinja:

Why does everyone slam GoDaddy?

I find their customer service to be great (24hr phone support is amazing) and their price is unbeatable.

I am brand new to Zen Cart and had no problem installing it on my GoDaddy account in 15 mins.

This is how they hook you... Too many people consider "price" to be the most important aspect of hosting.

But there is a HUGE difference between PRICE and COST.

GoDaddy hosting PRICE may be cheap, but the COST can be massive.

If you are serious about e-commerce, and want to give YOUR customers good, reliable service, then don't go within 100 trillion miles of GoDaddy hosting.

DrByte:

Simply follow the link in the announcement: http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showthread.php?t=116018

Thanks DrByte. I had clicked on that link before but wasn't logged in and got the impression it was to send a private request or something.
Dennis

pdxdoug:

When I looked GoDaddy had over 3700 websites on the same ip address that I was on. It took hours to back my site since the server moved at glacial speed. FTP timed out. Tools sucked. It was only after I left that I found out what a REAL host was all about.

Do yourself a favor and find another host. GoDaddy may be a great registrar but they aren't a good host.

As a new builder of my website...what is you REAL host?

I would like a real non headache event while building it. Must accept some sort of check out cart.

This is GDSupports response to the PMed question I asked them:

Hi Captmike,

In order to use ZenCart you will need to have a hosting account. WebSite Tonight is a web builder with hosting built in, but will not support the Zen Cart application.

Our support team can point you in the right direction by helping you determine what plan to choose and how to FTP the files. They can be reached 24/7 at 480-505-8877 or [email protected].

Please let me know if you need any further assistance.

Sincerely,

Alicia R.
Go Daddy Hosting
Go Daddy Hosting Blog

And what do you all think of BlueHost?

captmike:

And what do you all think of BlueHost?

I've designed a site for someone there & it's pretty good. My one caveat is that if you plan to use a shared SSL certificate (which they offer) it won't work. They had to buy a private certificate which also requires a private IP address, which will be a bit extra - this from the following link:
"However the private SSL features will require your website to be hosted on a dedicated IP, which will cost an extra $30 annually."
http://www.reviewbluehost.com/bluehost-features/secure-server-and-ssl-certificate-at-bluehost/

If you want a really reliable host, I recommend Camelot Hosting. They are zencart gurus - a fact that you will cherish if you ever have a problem (which is extremely unlikely on their side.)

Thanks for all the reply's so far and the PM's, I will get back to you.

Just an update....**GDSupport sent me this **"Website Tonight is separate from hosting. You will not be able to move it over to hosting because it is a stand alone tool. If you would like, I can do is have one of our support team members give you a call tomorrow and walk explain your options more thoroughly. Let me know a good time and number where you can be reached"

I responded "That would be fine, they can call me at xxx-xxx-xxxx
between 9:30 am and noon (12:00) PST."

Well, As your might have guesed it.....no phone call recieved.

As I believe in giving a last chance, I will, but then I will be moving on.

UPDATE. Well, I received a phone call from godaddy support....the problem with that was, it was not at the above prescribed time, and actually 5+ hours after the time mentioned above and of course I was not home to sit in front of the computer and explain what I want done.

It was agreed with the rep who did call, that I would get a phone call tomorrow, 1/10/09 at 9AM PST to address this issue.

I will let you know if godaddy upholds this appointment.