Paypal IPN and Express not working properly on GoDaddy. why?

I have 1.3.8 version of Zencart, have created my store and very happy with it.

I have created a credit card option and that appears to work fine however I have been having problems with Paypal working.

There are 2 issues:-

1. Paypal IPN

This was the first one I installed. I could go through the checkout process and then be taken to paypal - my payment would be successful however paypal wouldn't return back to my store and I got 500 - Internal server error.
There is a problem with the resource you are looking for, and it cannot be displayed.

I then read that it could be the allow_url_include has to be ON ON but checking my Server info via tools in Zencart it is OFF OFF. I am with GODADDY.

I emailed Go Daddy and they have replied it not their problem but I can't see how I can change the settings - Do I need to do this

Paypal is taking the money and we are getting the alert to say money has been received but it isn't going back to checkout success and the order doesn't appear in the Paypal IPN section of Zencart.

2. Paypal Express

I then removed Paypal IPN and installed Paypal express following the instruction from Zencart online.

The difference here was that I never got to Paypal I got this message

An error occurred when we tried to contact the payment processor. Please try again, select an alternate payment method, or contact the store owner for assistance. () - (7) couldn't connect to host

I am guessing but really that's all I am doing is there is some issue with the connection between paypal and Godaddy/zencart but what and how do I resolve it?

Thanks I have been loving designing my zencart store and the book was a godsend - this is just the final thing before I can really be live!!

emmcee:

I am with GODADDY.That's your first big problem.
You'll find lots of discussion around here confirming that GD is highly inferior when it comes to providing hosting for an advanced system like Zen Cart.

emmcee:

I then read that it could be the allow_url_include has to be ONThat's a typo. It does not need to be on.
emmcee:

I emailed Go Daddy and they have replied it not their problemThat's not the last time you'll hear that from them.

emmcee:

Paypal is taking the money and we are getting the alert to say money has been received but it isn't going back to checkout success and the order doesn't appear in the Paypal IPN section of Zencart.You can make a tiny change to stop the problems with GoDaddy's oddball hosting:
http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showpost.php?p=612520&postcount=25

emmcee:

An error occurred when we tried to contact the payment processor. Please try again, select an alternate payment method, or contact the store owner for assistance. () - (7) couldn't connect to hostTurning off the CURL proxy will probably solve that problem for you too.

I don't know you but I could kiss you!!

Both of your solutions worked so I am going to go with Paypal IPN for now.

Thank you so much for your quick and accurate response.

:clap::clap::clap:

You'll find that Express Checkout is a more modern and more reliable means of accepting payment via PayPal.
The IPN approach is older technology and somewhat less easy to rely upon.

Ok thanks for that advice too :-)

It is just great to know we have both as an option.