Custom Default_Template

I am new, I have done some reading in the forums; but don't want to go to far into changes, there are to many different posts and solutions for me to select the right fix.

I followed the instructions for creating CUSTOM templates to the "T",
I have created the folder, copied the directory structure over from Default_Template and also the Deualt.PHP file required.
I have gone to tools and selected my CUSTOM template,

My issue is , that I have lost all the boxes and links etc.., when I turn them on using Box Controller, the still don't show up on my On-Line Store,

Example, I go into the Box Controller and Go to "Manufactuer", I turn the left/right to On vs Off, and when I go to my store the square box does not appear and none of the manufacturers are listed,

I need to understand how to fix this,
I was also wondering if there is a good source for templates that I can use to download and install a template that is better than the default.

Thank you in advance

*Note I installed a template from that I downloaded "Bask_Black", and followed the instructions to load it, and it suffers from the same problem, the admin panel changes dont seem to get picked up by the template, and none of my products show up in it.

Did you go to Layout Boxes Controller and click on 'Reset' after selecting your custom template ?

I found the issue, for all newbies, when you don't have any inventory on the products, you see nothing in your box layouts,
You have no manufacturers; because you have no products in stock, same for all your other boxes, Sorry I thought someone might learn from my new experiences.

I am still looking for better templates, if anyone knows a good source