Clean install in sub-directory and move

I've some issues with my old installation... a couple of modules don't work perfectly. What I thought I might do (and have started to do) is reinstall the new version of ZC into a sub-directory (protected) and tehn re-apply various modules and templates/changes to this. Can anyone give a step-by-step because at some point I need to transfer over my db of shop products - that seems like fun! Many thanks.

https://www.zen-cart.com/tutorials/index.php?article=100

and

https://www.zen-cart.com/tutorials/index.php?article=122

Thanks I've had a look through these but not sure they quite cover it because it doesn't take into account a fresh install with a new version. I mean, why would I want to overwrite my new pristine update ZC1.3.9a with old files from 1.3.8a?
Having installed my new version in a new directory surely I add the modules I want - checking carefully the files and update the database with any SQL patches, template changes etc. Then when I have the the thing up and running I upload the DB from my old installation to my new one. Then I move the directory according to the tutorial. Or am I missing something?

It's up to you how you go about updating zencart.

Either by upgrading or a by a clean install.

Ultimately, you would be importing your database to the new zencart and your style sheets files regardless.

I can't say what is the best way yet as it's in early stages.

You may be better off importing the database the style sheets then add the mods 1 by 1 testing them as you go.

That will work fine, did this myself.

1. Clean install (by copying the files rather than using zc_install).
2. Create a new database and import (phpmyadmin) a backup of the old database.
3. Rename admin.
4. Copy original configure.php files (both) to new installation.
5. Edit configure.php (both) to reflect sub-directory changes and new database name.
6. Type your new installation url to zc_install.
7. Upgrade database.
8. Rename zc_install (once working just delete this).
9. Install mods (doing backups after each one).
10. Once everything is good, upload your site (being sure to edit your configure files again).

Thx. What's the significance of copying files over and manually editing config files etc as opposed to using the ZC install?

As you already have a store and a database there is no need to use zc_install except to upgrade the new database you created.

OK so despite being prompted at the install I've already been a bit silly because I created a new database WITHOUT the same prefix as my last one e.g. all db entries prefixed fws_. What can I do to salvage the situation?

Just re-edit your configure files with the name of the database you want to upgrade (a copy of the old database).. type url to your store with zc_install and this time select "database upgrade" option only. Note: if you don't see the upgrade database option it probably means you haven't edited your configure files with the right database name, username or password.

Sorry, I'm confused. I need to run parallel systems (and databases) until I am sure this is working. So I want to overwrite the new DB with a copy of the old one but I want to eliminate the prefix. Is there a way to do that?

I have a new idea: having set up the new ZC installation into a sub-directory, what if I now delete the original files in the root and simply copy over all the new files except the two 'configure' which I will copy over too. Then type new installation url to zc_install which should upgrage the DB. Will that work?

I think all you need to do is this (providing I understand your original plan correctly):

Your new zc files are all inside a subdirectory you created, so that is fine, no need to create another one.

What I would do with regards to your database is to:

1. Using phpmyadmin, select your current working zc database (zc version 1.38) and export it (leaving default options of structure and data checked), select save to file and check gzipped. Save to your hard drive somewhere.

2. Still using phpmyadmin, go to home and create a new database using a new name for it. Then import the gzipped file you downloaded.

To update the database using the new zc files inside your sub-directory:

Note: this is based upon having uploaded all the files contained inside zen-cart-v1.3.9b-full-fileset-04302010.

1. You will have no configure files, so you need to edit and upload the ones from your working installation. The edits are straight forward, add the testing sub directory name in all the paths, I think there are 7 places in the admin config file and 4 places in the includes config file. Edit your database name to the new one you created in phpmyadmin.
2. Rename your admin folder to same name as you defined in your config file.
3. Run zc_install.

If you don't see the option to upgrade database, then re-check your config file edits.