What is the best option for merge stores?

Hi all,
Aflter all, happy new year for all the community! ;)

Next, i need your help. I have 2 stores runing the version v138a and now, i have to update for the new version v1.5.1, and in this new version, i go to merge the 2 stores, until now, my clients have to register in ths 2 different stores for buy, and i have 2 stores for separated products, etc...etc...etc...

But now, i go merge the stores, for only one with the all products i have.

What is the best for this? I have a fresh new installation, and now? Can i put the DB of costumers information (like login, emails etc) in this new DB? Can you please tell what the steps for do this?

Many, many thanks,
Regards
Sorry my english i'm Portuguese :)

You want to use the multisite module.

I would recommend upgrading your existing database to a working v1.51 install on a testing server.

Test everything to make sure the database upgrade works and there are no errors with any modules you have/had.

Once the old db is working with the new v1.51 on the testing server, install the multisite module and work out any kinks if you find them.

Are you wanting to run two sites from one database or combine two stores into one database?

There's a BIG difference.

There will be no reliable, safe method of combining your two stores' records into one database, without serious expertise in the intricacies of the Zen Cart database. All product and customer records are organized by sequential ids, and if any products or customers from different stores have the same id there will be problems. This is almost certain to be the case, with probably hundreds or thousands of duplicated ids. It may be possible for an expert to alter one of the databases to shift all occurrences of ids up to a range where there is no overlap. This must be done in all of the tables where the ids are linked or referenced; any mistakes will be fatal.

It may be possible to export the products from one store using easy populate or apsona, remove ids, and insert them into the other store as new products, but this will not be able to transfer customer or order records.

gjh42... although your warnings are valid, sometimes the hard way is the way... and at that point experts are worth the $$.

Fear of trying is of no benefit to the community.

Let GsMafia respond to dbltoe first.

Yes, this looks like a case where hiring real expertise will be necessary. I just didn't want anyone to try half-baked methods and screw things up big. From the OP ("for only one with the all products i have"), I can only conclude that there are currently two separate databases which they want to combine into one. This issue would be the same whether they want different storefronts or not. Ajeh could likely do the job, and I expect there are some others here who could manage it.

That's it gjh42,

I have to separate stores, and now, i would like to merge two store in one, but...now i see it's to much complicated than i expect, because the multi ID on the two stores...anyone try this? Or have the best solution for this...because i don't like the ideia to lose all my clientes DB... :) the products, i will insert all again...but the client's... :(

The best course for you will be to find and hire a Zen Cart database expert. Look for Ajeh on the forum; if she doesn't have time to help, maybe she can suggest someone good.

Hi,
Back to this topic because i find the solution for this...if anyone needed...Install Apsona...simple and flexible, you can import all the customers, products, etc.

Regards!