What the FRACK?!!! There has got to be a better way!

Ok so I followed the upgrade directions even the winmerge stuff that honestly made absolutely no sense at all. I changed the core files not the binary which said identical and I'm back at this mess! This is exactly what happened a few years ago and everything went haywire.

sammirah:

Ok so I followed the upgrade directions even the winmerge stuff that honestly made absolutely no sense at all. I changed the core files not the binary which said identical and I'm back at this mess! This is exactly what happened a few years ago and everything went haywire.

Remember all of those files that you were copying around? Well, the file STORE/includes/version.php is the file that basically holds your version information. It is possible that you overwrote/merged information from it as you were doing winmerge actions or when you restored old files into your new store... This is a file that should not be manually updated. Some things may be or may have gotten incorrectly updated which could have led to "this mess"...

sammirah:

Ok so I followed the upgrade directions even the winmerge stuff that honestly made absolutely no sense at all.....

My 5 cents:

You obviously have not followed the upgrade directions to a tee - or you would not see 1.3.9h with a database patch level of 1.5.1. As already mentioned by mc12345678, did you upload your new /includes/version.php file? Is the store working ok otherwise?

Secondly, I may suggest you learn a bit more about apps like Winmerge or Beyond Compare, their purpose and how they work.

frank18:

My 5 cents:

You obviously have not followed the upgrade directions to a tee - or you would not see 1.3.9h with a database patch level of 1.5.1. As already mentioned by mc12345678, did you upload your new /includes/version.php file? Is the store working ok otherwise?

Secondly, I may suggest you learn a bit more about apps like Winmerge or Beyond Compare, their purpose and how they work.

I'm a little "cheaper" by adding my 2 cents. :P I would add that it would be of benefit to learn about the difference between core files and the override system. Next would be how PHP works and how to identify why something is appearing such as this result.

For example: The way I figured out where the problem originated was to first look at the filename that was in my browser when viewing the same type of information you posted. Then to open that file in a text editor to find what was providing the information on screen. There found a variable that was in all caps. Variables in all caps are constants defined somewhere, either in the code or in the database. I then used the developer's tool kit from the admin panel to identify where it is used/defined. Version.php had a define in it for that variable. Looking through the file it identifies at the top that the file is not to be manually changed. (Manual change would be equivalent to a merge, sure not typing the change, but equivalent.)

Remembering from previous posts that ZC 1.5.1 was first installed, the database was restored and updated and thenan attempt was made to restore previous modifications, initially by uploading the entire includes folder (note version.php is in that path.) Not sure how that was resolved, but regardless the above has occurred.

So here is what is going on, I have a approximately 4 different test zen cart projects.

1. This is the original files and database which I was able to salvage from my computer and get functioning again after I'd complete deleted both the files from the root and the database in cPanel. I then FTP the files in to a new folder webshop then restored/imported database.
   http://atmospherebooks.com/webshop/index.php?main_page=product_book_info&cPath=40_148_176&products_id=1841

2. This is the fresh v1.5.1 cart I created but I am having issues using the Product Type Book by Moku which is vital to my store and I have tried a number of things but the functionality just doesn't happen, possibly because there is something missing in the modification files that I was able to add to my shop years ago and no longer know what was tweeked. And for the life of me I can't get the author info and book search area which are vital, and extra files to show up in admin.
   http://atmospherebooks.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=down_for_maintenance&zenid=25b6eb4930d3d77409266d345bb75ba8

3. This is the product of #1 above and me attempting to follow the upgrade steps. While I maintain the functionality of my bookstore I realize that so long as it says v1.3.9h regardless of the database being upgraded I will not be able to add a lot of the security features and newer mods and plug ins that I want. :(
   http://atmospherebooks.com/webshop2/index.php?main_page=product_book_info&cPath=512_40_148_176&products_id=1841

I wish there was a way to just know which core files need to be modified so that I can still maintain my functionality. BTW I couldn't get the information about the template override system as the link was not working or the wiki was not functioning properly. So tell me gentleman what can I do to get this to go the way I need it to go...all this technical stuff makes my head hurt. I stopped being able to understand tech with the invention of Sega Genesis which I hated with a passion. I just want to run my business successfully.

sammirah:

So here is what is going on, I have a approximately 4 different test zen cart projects.

1. This is the original files and database which I was able to salvage from my computer and get functioning again after I'd complete deleted both the files from the root and the database in cPanel. I then FTP the files in to a new folder webshop then restored/imported database.
   http://atmospherebooks.com/webshop/index.php?main_page=product_book_info&cPath=40_148_176&products_id=1841

2. This is the fresh v1.5.1 cart I created but I am having issues using the Product Type Book by Moku which is vital to my store and I have tried a number of things but the functionality just doesn't happen, possibly because there is something missing in the modification files that I was able to add to my shop years ago and no longer know what was tweeked. And for the life of me I can't get the author info and book search area which are vital, and extra files to show up in admin.
   http://atmospherebooks.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=down_for_maintenance&zenid=25b6eb4930d3d77409266d345bb75ba8

3. This is the product of #1 above and me attempting to follow the upgrade steps. While I maintain the functionality of my bookstore I realize that so long as it says v1.3.9h regardless of the database being upgraded I will not be able to add a lot of the security features and newer mods and plug ins that I want. :(
   http://atmospherebooks.com/webshop2/index.php?main_page=product_book_info&cPath=512_40_148_176&products_id=1841

I wish there was a way to just know which core files need to be modified so that I can still maintain my functionality. BTW I couldn't get the information about the template override system as the link was not working or the wiki was not functioning properly. So tell me gentleman what can I do to get this to go the way I need it to go...all this technical stuff makes my head hurt. I stopped being able to understand tech with the invention of Sega Genesis which I hated with a passion. I just want to run my business successfully.

So, I haven't followed the links, but knowing that you have that much available... I can think of a few options. The one I would go with is this:

Obtain a fresh copy of the files for the version of ZC that you originally had (1.3.9.h?). Using your "favorite" comparison program, compare that set of files to the ones you had. Look for the differences (what files were created in addition to the default, what changes were made to the default to get what you had.) That at least will compare the "core" information. Next comes templated stuff. There is a "plugin" called Zen Cart Overrides (http://www.zen-cart.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=1393) that shows where overrides come into play and provides some description/discussion about them. With overrides, basically a file is named the same in a sub-directory as it's original file in a directory ahead of it (or to the side). So your template's version of a sidebox may exist in the default template's sidebox area. (It also may not, but that is okay if it is in one and not the other). So, after you have compared the core information and determined what has changed where, you then compare an override folder to the applicable default folder. Any files that have been added are "new" and anything overridden, well it may be the same as the other, or it could have some improvement to it.

All of that information put together would tell you what had changed, and more than likely you will be able to see why it was changed (added something to address orders, or added a window popup utility, etc...) Those things that don't seem to jump out at you, well those could be either security patches that you implemented after the fact or could be the missing link to what you want. Whatever the case, you are more than likely going to need to obtain a newer version of the changes that were made as a part of an install package. So identify the various installation packages that you will need to return to the functionality that you had. Regarding product types, well in my opinion generally speaking that's a bit involved as product types exist throughout the core code. It may be an easy switch (which I thought there was already a document_product default product type, but it may be that after you have incorporated the applicable product_type information you could modify the handler page to address Product Type Book by Moku.

Now regarding that plugin, it appears it was written originally for v1.3.8 of ZC, so in places where it merges with ZC code, you will probably want to identify what was really added (if it wasn't well documented) by using the above compare process, then find similar locations in the newer code to insert the action. Unfortunately, there are probably other changes that would need to be made to bring the code up-to-date with the current PHP version(s). Otherwise, you may also want to look into another plugin that can give you equivalent functionality and you may have to transfer the database data in some way.

As for the 4 (though only three were described) test sites, do they each have their own database, or are they all referencing the same database? (database information listed in includes/configure.php and ADMIN/includes/configure.php of each applicable "store") If they are all the same database reference, then your database has been updated to Version 1.5.1 and it would fully explain why in versions 1 and 3, that you would see the code being the older code and the database being updated to 1.5.1.

Each of them have their own database. 1 & 3 are from the original v.1.3.9h database which is like you stated why I was able to upgrade the database and not the files. 2 & 4 are both new installs of v1.5.1 each with their own database. I there a comparison which shows you side by side which files are similar or different? WinMerge appears as one big jumbled mess that says a lot of left and right which doesn't always make sense. And when doing the comparison on the files that were supposedly different as you are read it through the difference many times there isn't any difference at all.

Following the instructions in How do I rebuild my site usually works fairly well. The biggest key is making sure the new install starts as a shiny clean installation (new files in a different folder / subdomain and a new database).

Most of the widely used 1.3.x modules have been re-written for 1.5.x or included in 1.5.x out of box. So when going from 1.3.x to 1.5.x many people find starting clean (not "merging") and installing 1.5.x compatible replacements for templates and modules (plugins) to be the path of least resistance. There are a number of threads on the topic here in the forums (and this is probably the easiest "do it yourself" route).

You may have a few hurdles to jump over to support books specifically. While I'm not sure of the current status, you might take a look at the Product Type Book module for Zen Cart 1.5.x (BookX). Sounds like it may be a good starting point for handling "books" in Zen Cart 1.5.x :smile:

And if merging files is not your thing (and absolutely needed for some specific business need)... One could find and compensate someone familiar with Zen Cart (and with experience upgrading from 1.3.x to 1.5.x) to help with or perform the upgrade.

sammirah:

Each of them have their own database. 1 & 3 are from the original v.1.3.9h database which is like you stated why I was able to upgrade the database and not the files. 2 & 4 are both new installs of v1.5.1 each with their own database. I there a comparison which shows you side by side which files are similar or different? WinMerge appears as one big jumbled mess that says a lot of left and right which doesn't always make sense. And when doing the comparison on the files that were supposedly different as you are read it through the difference many times there isn't any difference at all.

So, as far as the comparison results, there are different setting for what to compare, for example the file date, the type of formatting such as the carriage return or line feed/ or both, but being a text comparer, if the only difference is that the heading says 1.5.1 instead of 1.3.x, then it is a "change" and will get prompted.

Depending on the comparison, a left means the item is in the group of files listed first or on the left side. Being computer work, you basically have to know what type of result you want, setup the utility to work that way, then just work through it. I agree, though, if you're getting to a point of shutting down becauseure having to play with the code so much, it may be more worth your time (and money) for someone to help you.

This may be my only recourse. As for Bookx its a no go as it totally lacks the functionality I want and have become accustom to and although I realize it is still in the beta test phase what I really wish is someone could take a look at my v4 by p.hailey - originally by Moku and bring it up to Zen Cart v1.5.x compatibility. If I was more technical I would find a way, perhaps even look at the Product Book Type files as they are on my current site and figure out what small piece of syntax (because its usally something so small that is missing) needs to be added to make it do what the hell it does in version 1.3.9h and ealier in v 1.5.x

Perhaps I will find some one to take on that project, as installing a fresh copy and new modifications are simple...and moving non-book products is a breeze with Easy Populate or copying the data files. I recently submitted a copy of the Produtct Book Type - by Moku for review perhaps someone with better zen tech skills will figure it out. In the mean time I will keep fiddling around with my test sites till I get something to work, once my mind is on it I keep trying. Then I might take a break and come back at it again.

sammirah:

This may be my only recourse. As for Bookx its a no go as it totally lacks the functionality I want and have become accustom to and although I realize it is still in the beta test phase what I really wish is someone could take a look at my v4 by p.hailey - originally by Moku and bring it up to Zen Cart v1.5.x compatibility. If I was more technical I would find a way, perhaps even look at the Product Book Type files as they are on my current site and figure out what small piece of syntax (because its usally something so small that is missing) needs to be added to make it do what the hell it does in version 1.3.9h and ealier in v 1.5.x

Perhaps I will find some one to take on that project, as installing a fresh copy and new modifications are simple...and moving non-book products is a breeze with Easy Populate or copying the data files. I recently submitted a copy of the Produtct Book Type - by Moku for review perhaps someone with better zen tech skills will figure it out. In the mean time I will keep fiddling around with my test sites till I get something to work, once my mind is on it I keep trying. Then I might take a break and come back at it again.

Is what you submitted the same thing that you have/had available for download from your site? The one that said version 1.3.8?

Yes it is, I think I was running zen cart v1.3.8 at the time I first found it on the old support site. For whatever reason the extra files for author, subject, ISBN, and search functions are not showing up in the admin in v1.5.1 although what I have not tried yet is to make a sample listing to see if it will just populate itself. I'm gonna test a few options I won't just give up

sammirah:

Yes it is, I think I was running zen cart v1.3.8 at the time I first found it on the old support site. For whatever reason the extra files for author, subject, ISBN, and search functions are not showing up in the admin in v1.5.1 although what I have not tried yet is to make a sample listing to see if it will just populate itself. I'm gonna test a few options I won't just give up

I'm assuming you are referring to options of the menu display (like something under the tools dropdown or a similar menu option.). The "installation" of such menu options has changed from the older version(s). In a sense easier now, but does require a little rework to make them appear.

Yes I think so. For example:

Some info on admin menu additions in v1.5.x:
http://www.zen-cart.com/content.php?309-upgrading-addons-for-compatibility-with-v15x
http://www.zen-cart.com/content.php?327-Adding-a-menu-item-to-the-v1-5-0-admin

I would just like to touch on WinMerge. I have long abandoned WinMerge and swapped to Beyond Compare. I think, it is availble for Windows (I am using Linux machines exclusively).

Beyond Compare appears to do the comparison job much better than WinMerge, many more functionalities and options for what to compare. They offer a 30 day free trial - not based on calendar days but based on the number of days you are actually using the software. If you are using the software only 30 times in a year, that effectively gives you a 1 year trial. After that, you need to buy a license which is unlimited.

You may want to try that instead of WinMerge.

Note that I have no affiliation with the developers of Beyond Compare (Scooter Software).

Frank

gjh42:

Some info on admin menu additions in v1.5.x:
http://www.zen-cart.com/content.php?309-upgrading-addons-for-compatibility-with-v15x
http://www.zen-cart.com/content.php?327-Adding-a-menu-item-to-the-v1-5-0-admin

:hug: I could just kiss you! The information from the 2nd link solved my problems. Its going to take a little time to register all of the extras into the admin, but the beautiful part is that I can just us phpMyAdmin to import the associated database files from my old database and it shows up perfectly.

I am now just working with the v1.5.1 fresh install zen cart although I am still keeping the others test copies for use as I test the new mods.