0 Install Error: Could not connect to the Database in: [DROP TABLE IF EXISTS upgrade_

Help!!
I'm getting the following error, over and over and over again when installing on my local machine (pc) windows xp.

0 Install Error: Could not connect to the Database
in:
[DROP TABLE IF EXISTS upgrade_exceptions;]

I am using the latest version of Xampp, latest version of zencart, all services are running fine, but when I try to get past the first stage of the zencart install (database setup) I continue to get this error.

I've double-checked and triple-checked the name of the database, that the user has permissions assigned, etc...

I am stumped!

Any help would be most appreciated!

terrancesmith98:

I'm getting the following error, over and over and over again when installing on my local machine (pc) windows xp.I don't mean to be trite ... but ... maybe the local PC isn't properly configured then.

Local PCs are not made to be webservers, and many people have problems doing that, for that reason.

terrancesmith98:

0 Install Error: Could not connect to the Database
in:
[DROP TABLE IF EXISTS upgrade_exceptions;]The message means exactly what it says: Could not connect to the Database.

That could be a result of many things, including but not limited to:

• wrong servername specified -- usually "localhost" is most appropriate
• database engine isn't running
• database engine is running on a non-standard port (normally 3306)
• database engine is configured in a way the clashes with something else on the PC and thus fails to work correctly
• firewall services might be blocking database connection attempts
• database doesn't exist
• user doesn't exist
• user doesn't have permissions to the database
• the windows user account doesn't have permission to run the database properly
• etc

terrancesmith98:

I am using the latest version of XamppI've heard that the latest has been known to have problems for some people. I don't use xampp so I can't speak to which version is most appropriate. The version mentioned in the eStart Your Web Store With Zen Cart book is known to work fine on XP and Vista, although it's a little older.

I found a post from Goh Koon Hoek that suggested I use the version of XAMPP outlined in his book and I tried this with the same error. Then I decided to try the version of zencart that he uses in the book and everything worked fine. Now, of course, I'll have to upgrade my database eventually before I go live. Is there a fix out there anyway for someone looking to install zencart on a local windows machine on the latest version of zencart?

Thanks for all your replies.

terrancesmith98:

I found a post from Goh Koon Hoek that **suggested I use the version of XAMPP outlined in his book and I tried this **with the same error. Then I decided to try the version of zencart that he uses in the book and everything worked fine.Great.
terrancesmith98:

Is there a fix out there anyway for someone looking to install zencart on a local windows machine on the latest version of zencart?
Um ... the latest version (presently) is v1.3.8a. My last recollection was that the book also used that version.
So ... I don't understand your question.

To determine if its a "connection problem" with your local database or some other problem causing your upgrade problems, install the latest Zen Cart 1.3.8a into a separate folder (e.g. "shop") besides the current one but using a separate database (e.g. "zencartshop").

If the new install works fine, you will need to re-check your upgrade steps to see if you've missed out something.

Alternatively, you can go right ahead and work on the v1.3.8a store to save time if you have done minimal configurations for the v1.3.7.1 store.

If it's a database connection problem either during upgrade or the new install, then:

• check that the database you are connecting is indeed up and running via xampp's port checking utility available via Windows Start > apachefriends > xampp > port checking.
• use phpmyadmin to check that your database really exists.
• check that your database connection settings in both config.php files are correct and matches the database you are trying to connect to.
• check that your anti-virus/firewall are not blocking your connection.

DrByte:

Great.

Um ... the latest version (presently) is v1.3.8a. My last recollection was that the book also used that version.
So ... I don't understand your question.

1.3.8 didn't exist when the book came out. It uses 1.3.7 (pg.46).
Thanks

canopy:

To determine if its a "connection problem" with your local database or some other problem causing your upgrade problems, install the latest Zen Cart 1.3.8a into a separate folder (e.g. "shop") besides the current one but using a separate database (e.g. "zencartshop").

If the new install works fine, you will need to re-check your upgrade steps to see if you've missed out something.

Alternatively, you can go right ahead and work on the v1.3.8a store to save time if you have done minimal configurations for the v1.3.7.1 store.

If it's a database connection problem either during upgrade or the new install, then:

• check that the database you are connecting is indeed up and running via xampp's port checking utility available via Windows Start > apachefriends > xampp > port checking.

• use phpmyadmin to check that your database really exists.

• check that your database connection settings in both config.php files are correct and matches the database you are trying to connect to.

• check that your anti-virus/firewall are not blocking your connection.

Thanks. I'll definitely give this a try.
Thanks again for your reply.

terrancesmith98:

1.3.8 didn't exist when the book came out. It uses 1.3.7 (pg.46).
Thanks
Ah, yes.

And there's the addendum which includes applicable updates relevant to v1.3.8a: http://www.cucumbermedia.com/store/index.php?main_page=page&id=2&chapter=2

DrByte:

Ah, yes.

And there's the addendum which includes applicable updates relevant to v1.3.8a: http://www.cucumbermedia.com/store/index.php?main_page=page&id=2&chapter=2

Thanks. That is exactly what I was looking for. That is MOST helpful.