Need help to do an upgrade from 1.5.0 to 1.5.5

I am in the process of upgrading my store from 1.5.0 to 1.5.5 (if I can).

I am following DrByte's instructions to the letter so far, but I have a few starting questions.

.1. I exported my current database (from my current store) and had it imported by my host into my new blank installation of 1.5.5 because it was too large to do myself. However, I am not seeing ANYTHING different in the test install so I am wondering if they did it right, if I exported it correctly (following his instructions) or if it is normal for now to see nothing more than the basic default install.

.2. I got the zip file for the All In One mod (which puts everything on a single page to upload products, description, attributes, images, languages, etc.), and the License Manage file that is mentioned in the instruction document, but although I try to follow all the instructions, to the letter, they are a bit confusing. I am unsure if I am the confused one, or if they are just not spelled out clearly. Here are those instructions.
http://customscriptz.com/wiki/AIO_Product_Page

Can someone tell me if those instructions make sense?
I follow all the directions until it is time to enter the license; when I click the New product to add something, instead of being prompted to enter the license, I get a 404 page.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

With regards to item 1, verify that in your new install that the DB_PREFIX is the same as your existing site. This is located in includes/configure.php and YOUR_SECRET_ADMIN/includes/configure.php.

The next thing would be to login to your database (phpmyadmin) and validate that the new database has at least your old database. Based on the description of the issue, I would expect to see approximately 200 tables identified in that new database. (approximately 100 from the basic clean install and about the same from the copy of the old database).

Then as you are likely aware, once the "connection" is made to the old datatables stored into your new/temp database, you will need to run zc_install to upgrade that data (do not do a full install at that point as it would clear the tables and the import would need to be done again).

Let everyone know what you find out from there as I could go on unnecessarily with other things.

mc12345678:

Then as you are likely aware, once the "connection" is made to the old datatables stored into your new/temp database, you will need to run zc_install to upgrade that data (do not do a full install at that point as it would clear the tables and the import would need to be done again).

I was likely NOT aware. How do I do that?

As to item 2 I'm going to be a little bit of a hutt bead, but it looks like from the referenced page that support is to be obtained from custom scriptz at: http://customscriptz.com/support

That said, the instructions when performed from top to bottom in their entirety look understandable, albeit leaving files on the server that really shouldn't be left.

Basically, the contents of two programs are "merged" together and uploaded. Then particular files on the server are renamed, files in the upload are renamed, and although no "overrides" are reported to be done/needed, those newly renamed files are uploaded to the position that existed before the server files were renamed. Continue doing this process until all "needed" files are in place.

There is no instruction about how to handle/manage doing this for product of different product type (ie if the associated "not overridden" files exist in the purchased package or not).

Lastly though... and here's the biggie, the software indicates that it is compatible with ZC 1.3.8a and above... but does not seem to identify that any differences that have been incorporated into the ZC system have been addressed or incorporated... so there very well could be issues of incompatibility of that software with your operating system... between changes made to php and other aspects to boot.

Also, there is zero discussion of incorporating any system changes/modifications that may need to be incorporated into this script... ie there are other plugins known to modify files/folders that this replaces (oh sorry, no overwrites), I mean moves out of the way...

Maybe he wants to sell his product, but I already have it so that is no concern for me.

I am not 100% sure it is compatible with 1.5.5 as he never replied to my request, so I feel I can at least test it on that test installation.

Ok so if those intructions make sense, I'll just re-re-read and re-re-redo them again.

CaroleAs:

I was likely NOT aware. How do I do that?
It's actually a mute point if you are still seeing the default data that would be expected to be seen following DrByte's upgrade by rebuild instructions found at: http://www.zen-cart.com/entry.php?3-How-do-I-rebuild-my-site-on-the-new-version-instead-of-upgrading

As part of that process, the new "temp" site is installed with default product to be able to address software related items. Then the database "replaced" to address the data portion of the upgrade. Per the instructions/guidance, the zc_install folder of a clean vanilla install is again uploaded to the new/test site and again accessed as was done to install the initial install. Thing is. Now that the store is looking at an old version of data, the installer will recognize this condition (or should) and indicate to you that it is possible to upgrade the database as a selectable option in the zc_install process.

As far as admin credentials during this process, you will need to provide admin profile login that applied to the old site when going through the zc_install process.

Hope that helps a little further. I got distracted while writing this so someone else may have already provided some of this info.

For the DB_PREFIX, go look at the /includes/configure.php on your "live" site and find the DB_PREFIX line there.
In your new "test" site, put the same DB_PREFIX in both the /includes/configure.php and the admin includes configure.php.
Then all your data will "show up" (because it was all imported, as you say by your hosting company).

If you can tolerate ignoring the AIO plugin until the very end, and focus on everything else, you'll make more progress than trying to make that work as your first goal.
While I know you view it as an essential element, it's really very minor in the list of things that need doing.
(Normally there's no product-editing necessary during an upgrade, so you won't "need" it until after you "go live" anyway.)
It's really as simple as putting the right files into place --- no need even to register it, cuz you've already done that, and the confirmation of that is in your database and your files. Once they're all in place it'll "just work". And if it doesn't, I'll help out a bit at the very end.

CaroleAs:

Maybe he wants to sell his product, but I already have it so that is no concern for me.

I am not 100% sure it is compatible with 1.5.5 as he never replied to my request, so I feel I can at least test it on that test installation.

Ok so if those intructions make sense, I'll just re-re-read and re-re-redo them again.

Well, there are two parts to the "getting help from them" thing. One is that the code hasn't been made available to the community and remains a commercial product of his/her own. As such, they should be the one to provide assistance because it is their product and not one made available for all. (not getting into a "debate" about how everyone can purchase it, etc...) also, they have made it commercial so that they benefit from the overall product. Doesn't exactly look good from their perspective if someone else jumps in with the "answer" (which may not be one) when they may know the answer if asked... hard to explain, anyways, the other part being that support should continue to be provided by the individual(s) that developed/made available the software and others shouldn't have to support it. This forum being open to ZC support, the thought seems to be that it is for the support of those things that would benefit all not just the few that do or have purchased something.

CaroleAs:

Maybe he wants to sell his product, but I already have it so that is no concern for me.

I am not 100% sure it is compatible with 1.5.5 as he never replied to my request, so I feel I can at least test it on that test installation.

Ok so if those intructions make sense, I'll just re-re-read and re-re-redo them again.

mc12345678:

Well, there are two parts to the "getting help from them" thing. One is that the code hasn't been made available to the community and remains a commercial product of his/her own. As such, they should be the one to provide assistance because it is their product and not one made available for all. (not getting into a "debate" about how everyone can purchase it, etc...) also, they have made it commercial so that they benefit from the overall product. Doesn't exactly look good from their perspective if someone else jumps in with the "answer" (which may not be one) when they may know the answer if asked... hard to explain, anyways, the other part being that support should continue to be provided by the individual(s) that developed/made available the software and others shouldn't have to support it. This forum being open to ZC support, the thought seems to be that it is for the support of those things that would benefit all not just the few that do or have purchased something.Don't count on the mod author. Seems to have disappeared from what I can tell.
I've seen the files for the mod Carole is talking about. They should work fine in v1.5.5 (caveat: they're encrypted, so no guarantees, but they're based on files that haven't changed dramatically in years, so I don't envision any problem). We can drop them in at the end of the upgrade.

CaroleAs:

.2. I got the zip file for the All In One mod (which puts everything on a single page to upload products, description, attributes, images, languages, etc.), and the License Manage file that is mentioned in the instruction document, but although I try to follow all the instructions, to the letter, they are a bit confusing. I am unsure if I am the confused one, or if they are just not spelled out clearly. Here are those instructions.
http://customscriptz.com/wiki/AIO_Product_Page
I am currently developing a similar product page, it will be available on GitHub in a few days. And also be presented here as a download.
at first only the default collect info fields will be added, but I am planning on adding functionality for additional images (borrowing code from image handler), attributes, and more if desired.
It is using bootstrap, and ajax to update some information on the page.

Wow, Design75 ... that looks great! I look forward to seeing the final product.

Thanks for the help so far. I have checked with the host (who did the DB import) and they confirmed that there was an inconsistent DB prefix (they didn't say who made the mistake) but they fixed it and now, i do see "something" different so it is a bit more familiar. That part is addressed.

As for that particular mod, DrByte, i was just about to switch gears too, and put it aside, so you just confirmed my thought. And Design75, you might end up meeting my need! I'll keep an eye on that for sure!

Doesn't exactly look good from their perspective if someone else jumps in with the "answer"
Well, i am not praising them in here either! :)

@lat9 and @CaroleAs, thanks. Preliminary testing is finished, and the basic Zen Cart info is processed correctly. Metatags are also included.

Is there any info you want included in the tabs?

Design75:

@lat9 and @CaroleAs, thanks. Preliminary testing is finished, and the basic Zen Cart info is processed correctly. Metatags are also included.

Is there any info you want included in the tabs?

This might just be my own wishlist but in the previous you showed, the description was only in text format. Is it going to be "formatted" with any editor? that would make it even more visual for users.

CaroleAs:

Thanks for the help so far. I have checked with the host (who did the DB import) and they confirmed that there was an inconsistent DB prefix (they didn't say who made the mistake) but they fixed it and now, i do see "something" different so it is a bit more familiar. That part is addressed.

As for that particular mod, DrByte, i was just about to switch gears too, and put it aside, so you just confirmed my thought. And Design75, you might end up meeting my need! I'll keep an eye on that for sure!

Well, i am not praising them in here either! :)
Eeks. Inconsistent and then "fixed" the "tables"? While the template may look odd at the moment if you haven't restored that portion of the software, you should be seeing the same data where expected if they did things right. Ideally, modifying the DB_PREFIX in the includes/configure.php and admin/includes/configure.php was all that was necessary so that the table names in the software would be generated to match the "inconsistent" name. Additionally, you can expect some issues during the production upgrade if you don't work through how to manipulate the setup and reference the database and correct table set...

Use this opportunity to practice and become familiar before trying to do this on your live site.

As to the previous, yeah I was perhaps speaking a bit more generally, but it sounds like others have become familiar with the status and thankfully have reached out in one way or another to continue support. :) That aspect could have been covered in one more paragraph. :P

Design75:

@lat9 and @CaroleAs, thanks. Preliminary testing is finished, and the basic Zen Cart info is processed correctly. Metatags are also included.

Is there any info you want included in the tabs?

Perhaps an additional tab instead of info on one? What about "history" or reporting type information? Views, purchases, etc.?

Use this opportunity to practice and become familiar before trying to do this on your live site.
And that is EXACTLY what i am doing. I would rather learn with you guys on a "test site" for sure!

And yes, now i see the categories, product descriptions, reviews. Obviously, the images and the download files are not there, and that is ok.

Now, before i go further, i used to have another "test" site that was a clone of my old one. I had issues with Google found it and directed some customers to it. It had all the images but no download, so some visitors WERE making a purchase, but obviously never got anything in return. How can i prevent this test site from showing up in Google?

CaroleAs:

And that is EXACTLY what i am doing. I would rather learn with you guys on a "test site" for sure!

And yes, now i see the categories, product descriptions, reviews. Obviously, the images and the download files are not there, and that is ok.

Now, before i go further, i used to have another "test" site that was a clone of my old one. I had issues with Google found it and directed some customers to it. It had all the images but no download, so some visitors WERE making a purchase, but obviously never got anything in return. How can i prevent this test site from showing up in Google?
There are a number of ways, they can be used alone or in combination.

1. Place site in maintenance mode with your ip being in the allowed list (configuration->maintenance), this doesn't stop "seeing" that a page exists, but really reduces the available information for others to see.
2. Can ensure that meta tags are set to noindex, nofollow for all pages: includes/templates/YOUR_TEMPLATE/common/html_header.php

Find a line that starts similar to:

if (defined('ROBOTS_PAGES_TO_SKIP') 

And before defined make it look like:

if ([b]true || [/b]defined('ROBOTS_PAGES_TO_SKIP') 

By adding the bolded text
3. Could add a secondary credential to the directory requiring a username/password to be provided to access content on the page.
4. Could disable options along the purchase path such as shipping, payment, etc... or modify them to only work with specific information (that you know needs to be there).
5. Could try to use robots.txt, but if done improperly could put your functional existing site in purgatory and it is a little of a soft notification.
6. Etc.... :)

It certainly isn't good for business if customers are directed to that location and as well you may find that you are in direct competition with yourself as far as ranking goes. So yes, you want to do something to let the "good" guys know that this is not a site with which to be concerned.

Okay to stop going of topic, go to https://github.com/Zen4All-nl/Zen-Cart-Collect-Product-Info-Tabs for additional communication on the product tabs. (no files yet, but you can open an issue to make your wishes know to me :smile:).

@CaroleAs, do you have a fixed IP address? If so, you could add a PHP file to your store's /includes/functions/extra_functions directory that redirects back to your main site if the access isn't made by you.

How is your test site set up? Is it a directory off of the main site, e.g. accessed as https://www.yoursite.com/testsite?