Recovering My Site- NEED HELP

Hi everyone.. Been a bit since I've posted- but am very very tired and need help and or advice...

I had problems in my website- when running 1.3.9f with my downloads. Actually- it was due to the fact that my host had me on a windows server..

So- Host suggested I move to Linux/apache server- and 6 days later- and 5-6 new fresh installs- both manually and by host- and after finally figuring out how to get my old database updated and connected using sql search etc.. ( this is long story short)--- I am finally to the point where I can log into and use my admin- and all products and those settings are there!! I also have a website up- but it's UGLY- and all my customizations are GONE...

I've searched endlessly- both on the forums and google- and perhaps I am just not typing in what I want to know correctly..

My Question is this....

Can I copy ( upload ) my whole entire Includes folder from my backed up version ( from 1.3.9f) to my new version of zen- so that I can get all of my custom modules- my custom css- etc. etc.. etc..- so I can get my site looking and functioning like it was before???

I just need guidance- as I REALLY don't want anything else to get screwed up!! I've had about 13 hours of sleep in 6 days- and things are starting to just not make sense- but my site is still not up to par...

Any help??? Will donate some coffee to zen if I can get guidance.... I can't lose what I've done so far... Again- some more!! lol....

:frusty:

Thanks!!
niki

Okay--- I went ahead and uploaded these folders and files!!!

Includes/includes

Languages/english
and english.php

Templates- the whole folder- classic- custom- defaullt- and everything in the Templates folder

Modules/Sideboxes
Modules- all the misc. files underneath that

Everything worked- BUT--- I know have a few other issues...

if you all could take a look....

www dot justforkeeps dot net

The customer can log in- but it takes them to a blank page. So- if you hit the back button- to go back to most recent page- it will take you there- and show you actually did get logged in!!!

And I've got some wierd things showing in my header or under my little link bar under the logo.. I have to figure those out....

Big thing- what folder or file in this move would have screwed up how the login and redirect process works???

And any other help on what you see???

Thanks!!!

Okay- still having issues.. I deleted the Includes/includes- because it's not one of the folders that came with 1.3.9 h....

And I am still getting blank pages for a lot of things... It's actually logging me in- and then I tried add to cart- and it added the item to the cart- but gave me a blank page when I added it.. I back spaced twice- and it showed- that I did have stuff in cart...

I'm missing an important file (s) somewhere- and can't figure out how to get these to play together....

Anyone???

Thanks bunches.. I'm still digging and trying to find it myself and in forum- but Im' going in circles...

Adding to this.. Seems to be odd and end blank pages with the cart too.. And adding things...

Soo- probelems are in login, logoff, add to cart, delete from cart- etc.. So far these are problems/ blank pages I am finding...

Guess it's rough adding two versions together without knowing ALL the files... Help!!! I'm "THIS" close- afer 6 days of being fully functional again!!! At least my site- that is.. Me- I'm POOPED....

Sounds like you've shot yourself in the foot as all you really need is previous database and a default version of 1.3.9h. Getting your database into mysql format should have been the biggest hurdle. That is no easy job and should have been done by someone who knows how to switch the databasse, from Windows sql to Linux mysql. And if you have a custom Template then you should have those files separate and should be able to upload them without errors.

At this point, it sounds like you don't know if the problems are created from the database or from files. You can delete your current files and upload the default files as that would narrow any problems down to the database. Just use the Classic Template until you know your database is correct, then upload only your custom Template files.

Look in the docs folder of your pristine, unmodified local copy of 1.3.9h. In it you'll see a bunch of changelog files. Open the ones for 1.3.9g and 1.3.9h. Those will show you the files that changed between 1.3.9f and g, and between g and h. I suspect you have written over one or more of those changed files with versions from 1.3.9f. Presumably, that would not be a good thing to do.

Another possible source of problems seems to be the FTP process. I've never experienced it, but many others here have reported having one or more files not get uploaded correctly during the FTP of the new files to the site.

A better way to do this would have been to have the full working copy of 1.3.9h installed and checked over and confirmed to be in working order. Then you go back and get your mods and reinstall them one at a time, and your template files and redo them too. Sounds labourious, but compared to 6 days of the horror you've described, it would have been a lot easier. :-)

Rob

rstevenson:

Look in the docs folder of your pristine, unmodified local copy of 1.3.9h. In it you'll see a bunch of changelog files. Open the ones for 1.3.9g and 1.3.9h. Those will show you the files that changed between 1.3.9f and g, and between g and h. I suspect you have written over one or more of those changed files with versions from 1.3.9f. Presumably, that would not be a good thing to do.

Another possible source of problems seems to be the FTP process. I've never experienced it, but many others here have reported having one or more files not get uploaded correctly during the FTP of the new files to the site.

A better way to do this would have been to have the full working copy of 1.3.9h installed and checked over and confirmed to be in working order. Then you go back and get your mods and reinstall them one at a time, and your template files and redo them too. Sounds labourious, but compared to 6 days of the horror you've described, it would have been a lot easier. :-)

Rob

Okay--- Let me back up a bit- and re-explain a few things...

I didn't shoot self in foot- but I am almost bald..

The biggest part of is over- I just need help figuring out which files are causing these blank pages...

I DID a brand new fresh install of version 1.3.9 h- and it was working 100% until I started customizing it back to what it looked like before the big move to the new server....

The database was horrid- but again - that is NOT one of my issues right now.. My database is working fine....

I wrote up above what folders and files I copied to my NEW FRESH BRANDY DANDY NEW shopping cart system- and it is somewhere in these files and folders where the issues of the blank pages are....

Database is fine- the install of version h is fine- and all that jazz... I just have to figure out what customizations went wrong...

Thankfully- I did back up my fresh install- after I got everything "functional"- and working 100%- so now I am just trying to figure out what parts went wrong in uploading my "custom folders".....

Was hoping someone would look at this...

Nothing went wrong in the install- just to reiterate.. First thing this morning- I had an ugly- but functional zen cart with a connected database- and I have no problems logging in and using my admin....

ANybody???

Well, I thought I understood you to say that you uploaded a bunch of 1.3.9f files over the new 1.3.9h files. And yes, I just checked, you did say that. And I think some of those files you uploaded wrote over some of the 1.3.9h files. And that's likely not a good thing.

Only you know for sure exactly what files you uploaded, and only you can check that list against the changelogs to see which ones were inadvertantly over-written.

Rob

FAQ on troubleshooting causes of blank pages: https://www.zen-cart.com/tutorials/index.php?article=82

rstevenson:

Well, I thought I understood you to say that you uploaded a bunch of 1.3.9f files over the new 1.3.9h files. And yes, I just checked, you did say that. And I think some of those files you uploaded wrote over some of the 1.3.9h files. And that's likely not a good thing.

Only you know for sure exactly what files you uploaded, and only you can check that list against the changelogs to see which ones were inadvertantly over-written.

Rob

Yes- Rob-- Sorry- I looked back through- and it's a little confusing...

The files I uploaded over the top of the 1.3.9h are these:

Includes/Modules

Includes/Templates/classic
Includes/Templates/custom
Includes/Templates/default folders

That's all I put in there..

I tried putting in the languages english- and english php- but ended up taking that one right back out...

I just wanted my "customized" folders and files uploaded into the new version- which was a fresh- clean install.

Soooo- I'm still stuck trying to figure out which of the folders/files I uploaded that are causing these blank page errors- even though it's still doing the things it's supposed to do ( like it actually does log you in- and it adds stuff to the cart- it logs you out- but when you perform these actions- it first gives you a blank page. Going back two pages gets you to a good screen...

Thanks Rob.. I'm trying to make as much sense as possible.. I've gotten this catastrope this far- and just have a Little ways to go!!!

DrByte:

FAQ on troubleshooting causes of blank pages: https://www.zen-cart.com/tutorials/index.php?article=82

Dr. Byte--- I have looked at probably 500 pages of articles- and actually read that blank page post you just gave me.. BUT- I will look again!!!

:) Thank you.....

Kaniki:

The files I uploaded over the top of the 1.3.9h are these:

Includes/Modules

Includes/Templates/classic
Includes/Templates/custom
Includes/Templates/default folders

That's all I put in there..

That might have been enough. From the 1.3.9g changelog, I see these...

includes/modules/checkout_process.php
includes/modules/pages/advanced_search/header_php.php
includes/modules/pages/advanced_search_result/header_php.php
includes/modules/pages/contact_us/header_php.php
includes/modules/payment/authorizenet.php
includes/modules/payment/authorizenet_aim.php
includes/modules/payment/authorizenet_echeck.php
includes/modules/payment/linkpoint_api.php
includes/modules/payment/paypal/paypal_curl.php
includes/modules/payment/paypal/paypal_functions.php
includes/modules/payment/paypal/tpl_ec_button.php
includes/modules/payment/paypaldp.php
includes/modules/payment/paypalwpp.php

... and from the 1.3.9h changelog, these...

includes/modules/pages/account_password/header_php.php
includes/modules/pages/checkout_shipping/header_php.php
includes/modules/pages/shopping_cart/header_php.php
includes/modules/payment/paypal/paypal_curl.php
includes/modules/payment/authorizenet_aim.php
includes/modules/payment/linkpoint_api.php
includes/modules/payment/paypaldp.php
includes/modules/payment/paypalwpp.php

That means that your 1.3.9f Includes/Modules upload put back older versions of those files. I've no idea what exactly was changed in those for 1.3.9g and h, but it may be the cause of your problem.

Also, be sure to follow the Doc's link. That may be the simplest way out of your problem at this point.

Rob

rstevenson:

That might have been enough. From the 1.3.9g changelog, I see these...

includes/modules/checkout_process.php
includes/modules/pages/advanced_search/header_php.php
includes/modules/pages/advanced_search_result/header_php.php
includes/modules/pages/contact_us/header_php.php
includes/modules/payment/authorizenet.php
includes/modules/payment/authorizenet_aim.php
includes/modules/payment/authorizenet_echeck.php
includes/modules/payment/linkpoint_api.php
includes/modules/payment/paypal/paypal_curl.php
includes/modules/payment/paypal/paypal_functions.php
includes/modules/payment/paypal/tpl_ec_button.php
includes/modules/payment/paypaldp.php
includes/modules/payment/paypalwpp.php

... and from the 1.3.9h changelog, these...

includes/modules/pages/account_password/header_php.php
includes/modules/pages/checkout_shipping/header_php.php
includes/modules/pages/shopping_cart/header_php.php
includes/modules/payment/paypal/paypal_curl.php
includes/modules/payment/authorizenet_aim.php
includes/modules/payment/linkpoint_api.php
includes/modules/payment/paypaldp.php
includes/modules/payment/paypalwpp.php

That means that your 1.3.9f Includes/Modules upload put back older versions of those files. I've no idea what exactly was changed in those for 1.3.9g and h, but it may be the cause of your problem.

Also, be sure to follow the Doc's link. That may be the simplest way out of your problem at this point.

Rob

I've had a bad feeling that is is the Modules folder that is causing the problem...

i was hoping it wouldn't have been- but looks like I'll have to dig through these- and see which ones are bad...

I think I'll delete the Modules folder that I uploaded from my 1.3.9f backup- and re-upload the 1.3.9h version of the folder- and then go back through the older backed up one- to find my "customized" modules and add ons- for the sidebar etc. etc....

Geeze Louise!!!

I'm guessing that the Modules folder is the one responisible for all actions including logging in- redirecting- etc...

Oh- yes- and I do have the error bug installed- but my cache shows me nothing like what you just posted... I'll look at Dr. Bytes link again too!!

Here we go!!

Thank you for helping me.....

Okay- I just cannot win!!!

I deleted the modules and actually the whole includes folder...

THEN_ I lost everything.. ended up uploading almost my whole backup- from the last good working version ( new install )- and I got my store back- with the ugly- non customized template...

BUT- Now- I cannot log into my admin at all...

I keep going in circles- and am tired of uninstalling everything.. I was sooooo close!!!

Still at it- if anyone has suggestions..

Oh- yes- so I deleted the admin folders and files- and re uploaded those too!!! Then - ran fix cache key utility- and it said it finished it...

Still no admin- and no customized store!!

Still need help!!

I'd suggest using a file comparison tool like Beyond Compare and do a side by side comparison of your Backup and a fresh 1.39h install. Compare the files in each directory and carry any custom modifications YOU have made over to the new install but DO NOT modify core files that have been upgraded, leave them as they are in 1.39h.

For example, any custom text you have added, add that to the files in the 1.39h, anything that you see a change in between the new and old that you did to customize your site. Then rather than working piecemeal on one folder at a time upload the whole 1.39h set and start from there.

Then clear your web browser's cache and start reinstalling any mods you have, you'll be surprised how quickly this will work and will certainly be less frustrating

ted:

I'd suggest using a file comparison tool like Beyond Compare and do a side by side comparison of your Backup and a fresh 1.39h install. Compare the files in each directory and carry any custom modifications YOU have made over to the new install but DO NOT modify core files that have been upgraded, leave them as they are in 1.39h.

For example, any custom text you have added, add that to the files in the 1.39h, anything that you see a change in between the new and old that you did to customize your site. Then rather than working piecemeal on one folder at a time upload the whole 1.39h set and start from there.

Then clear your web browser's cache and start reinstalling any mods you have, you'll be surprised how quickly this will work and will certainly be less frustrating

Hi Ted.. I have been through Zen Hell this week.. I'm on day 8???? of this "move".. It all started with my host moving me from a windows server to a linux server. And apparently my site that I backed up did not agree with Linux rules ( mistakes in my editing or I don't know what? )-- or I could just have missed a step- ten thousand times....

I've done fresh installs oh- about 15 times- and this last time- I finally did it manually ( 5 times or more ) - following directions in the threads and forums. I have read EVERYTHING.. ( I think)...

Right now- I have both my store- and my admin visible- and almost functioning.. I am having problems though... The Link to my "Graphic Arts" goes to a blank page- BUT- in the browser address bar- it is actually on the page- it's just showing up blank...

Also- I am getting that same blank page- but on the right page effect- when trying to do these things ( so far )

• add to cart or remove item from car
  -sign in or log off
  -go to "graphics art" page

And- I haven't gotten past this part yet- to see if anything else works- like creating an account- or my email- or my checkout process!!

I did the manual install this last time- with version 1.3.9 f because that is what was recommended- as that is where my backup came from...

Now- I have just downloaded a copy of this "half functioning- but visible " site to my local directory- so that I can use winmerge- and compare every single file and folder in my site root...

The cache errors are giving me wierd messages- referring to things already loaded from "here" and something about headers not being able to load. Also- referring to two of my add on custom modules- the absolute links modules- ( i did two ).. But- when I removed them from all 3 folders- that is when it then gave me a blank page to the "graphic arts" link in my site. So- I reloaded them- and still all these issues with blank pages- even though they are showing in addy bar...

If you have any other ideas on what to do- or what files in particular would mess all this up- it may save me some time scouring these folders and files to see what is either duplicated- or missing- without losing everything I've done!!!

I've done this for 8 days straight- and either I have an admin with bare functionality -or a store- or vice versa!!! What a mess...

My admin- is now working 100% and I go into this with utmost caution!!! If I lose this site again- I'll just smash something....

Well- back to comparing files- folders and looking with very tired eyes to see if I can find the culprit (s)...

Thanks!!

Also check your overrides in your custom folders and make sure they are updated because they could be conflicting with the new install......

ted:

Also check your overrides in your custom folders and make sure they are updated because they could be conflicting with the new install......

Don't mean to sound "stupid" - but I am a little brain fried- with only 4 hours of sleep a night- and working all day on this- and "home life" stuff.. lol...

BUT- in my custom folders- which over rides??? The ones that I did customize from the default- don't "seem" to be the issue- but I guess when I do a file compare- I'll see????

Oh- boy!!!

I just found a folder in my includes folder- and it is named "includes"... Holy hanna.. I'm thinking- it might? have something to do with some of this!!

Thanks bunches.... Still looking..

My ftp program is running full bore- downloading this "half functioning" copy of site and cart- so I can have winmerge look at each folder individually- and help....

Kaniki:

Don't mean to sound "stupid" - but I am a little brain fried- with only 4 hours of sleep a night- and working all day on this- and "home life" stuff.. lol...

BUT- in my custom folders- which over rides??? The ones that I did customize from the default- don't "seem" to be the issue- but I guess when I do a file compare- I'll see????

Oh- boy!!!

I just found a folder in my includes folder- and it is named "includes"... Holy hanna.. I'm thinking- it might? have something to do with some of this!!

Thanks bunches.... Still looking..

My ftp program is running full bore- downloading this "half functioning" copy of site and cart- so I can have winmerge look at each folder individually- and help....

That extra "includes" folder- inside of includes- has languages- modules and templates in it... Guess I need to look at these 3 more- because they would contain any customized modules I've installed.... Yikes.. Will look at that first I guess- and make sure I have everything I need.....

Database is fine- the install of version h is fine- and all that jazz... I just have to figure out what customizations went wrong...
Suggest adding one custom module/template at a time...
then make sure all still working before moving on to the next.
Have just upgraded site from 1.38a to 139h using this method.