Johnnycopilot:
I am using a custom Template (abagon red), I have made a few other CSS changes and additions; I know what they are. I installed 3 other templates, but I am not using them (a modern Zen, Black Zen, Cold Steel). Here's my question.. is it too late to create these 'custom' folders now,
These templates are your 'custom' folders. No need for you to create anything. (However, please review gjh42's reply, which gives additional information in regards to where the overides are allowable.. or in other words, what folders to create to extend the customisations in ways that your templates don't currently support).
Johnnycopilot:
and will it help me if I do? (as far as I am concerned,, a built-in system 'backup' of exactly what I have now would be fantastic. I can't really see wanting to restore my website before the changes I have made anyway,, if I don't have to.).
Renaming your template folders (hereafter referred to as your CUSTOM folders) will prevent your customisations to the template files being overritten if you re-upload the template files again, so it isn't a bad thing to do. It can even be useful. For example: Assume you come across a template called 'MyTemplateNumber1' which looks quite 'christmassy'. If you rename this template (and its same named folders) to "Xmas", then as xmas draws close you can simply look at your template list and easily identify this template for what it is, rather than the non-descript name of 'MyTemplateNumber1', so within seconds the entire store will get a complete new look for the xmas period, and is just as easily reverted back afterwards.
Another example, useful for developers, is to name thier templates according to the store that they were designed for. Then when another customer comes along and wants a similar design it is a simply matter of copying this template, renaming it for the new customer, and then making any other customer specific changes to this new template.
Johnnycopilot:
On my next Zen Cart install, I am going to do a manual install. That is unless you-guys and girls advise me otherwise.
The only 'safe' install is a manual install. However, on most systems (except goDaddy), the automatic installs work very well and is a quick n easy way to get a site up and running with minimal fuss.
However, I will add that this has been a topic of many discussions, and no one has managed to change another persons opinion over whether it is a good or a bad thing to do. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, so consider it a personal preference based on your own experience(s), (but even this is just my personal opinion).
One thing that we ALL agree on, is NEVER EVER use the automated systems to perform an upgrade. These WILL cause problems.
Finally, as a general rule, those that do manual installs have far less problems doing upgrades than those that use the auto installers. Partly because those that do the manual installs have already become familiar with uploading files, and at least have a vague idea of how zencart functions and interacts with the database, and partly, because the upgrades expect various things to be in certain places with specific naming conventions, and the automatic installers like to do things thier way, which is often in conflict with the manual installations.
Johnnycopilot:
Zen Cart people are really awesome.. I mean that..
This is one of the best things about zencart (other than the software itself). I've developed for a number of different eCommerce stores, and not one has come even close to providing the same kind of support that you find in these forums (and from the Zencart team themselves). Zenners can take pride in this fact. I know I do. :)
Cheers
Rod
