Help I Cant Install Loosing Sleep

I'm new(obviously) I'm trying to load Zen Cart to my pc.Win XP PRO to try it.
I've downloaded and loaded Zen Cart, Xampp,Apache,WinMySQLAdmin1.4
I've read all the postings..It seems to be straight forward.I know I must be missing something? Please help:dontgetit

where did you put the ZC directories in the xampp directory tree? They should be in the htdocs folder in there own directory named what ever you want. then they should be accessable through the browser (http://localhost/Whateveryounamedthe directory)

When I do an instalation I do it in stages.

1. Confirm your HTTP server is working correctly
2. install PHP and confirm that is working with a simple script.
3. Install MySQL and create a Database
4. Install Zencart and confirm.

For the install and configuration I always set the permissions on all files, folders and Databases to Everyone - Full control (CHMOD 777) and after everything is working lock things down

I have an excellent tutorial - (I need to find it) on how to install and set up all these apps

Looking for it now

Found it - Read this, it works for me

www.paddyhenderson.com/tutorial.htm

I didnt write it and take no credit or responsibility for it

I took the weekend off to rest my brain and play with the kids. I'm even more lost and feeling totally dumb. My files have files. I dont get how Apache,MySql,PHP and Zen work together. I dont know what to open and what is what. I feel like erasing and starting all over again. I feel like I am so close but missing the key to unlock the puzzle. What do you need from me to help you help me.:sleepy:

Hey Fred...

If you're not averse to spending a few bucks (up to $100) then why not use a remote host? There are several that have the right configurations for zencart, that will let you host for a year.

One that springs to mind is lunarpages.com (and this is NOT a punt, just a suggestion). There are lots of hosts offering appropriate server setups for under $10/month.

I went this route a couple of years ago and the investment was well worth it. I learned zencart, php, and mysql sufficiently to start some serious webshops (I now look after 10 webshops for various clients - ALL on zencart.

In this way you focus on what's important - setting up a shop that generates income (unless your goal is to become a programmer, in which case carry on with your current route). Let the host fret about whether the php version is compatible with the Apache version and whether that's all compatible with MySQL and whatever else. YOU focus on configuring zencart as a SHOP OWNER, not a propellor-head.

Choosing a host that is well-configured for zencart will see you have your first shop up and running in a couple of hours (even less of you can FTP the core files over broadband).

Choose a host that's on UNIX, has C-Panel for backend admin, allows several databases to be set up at no extra cost, and has PhPMYAdmin.

If you want to learn about Zencart and not have to constantly fret over finicky programming on the server, then host your test shop somewhere.

Fred,

Here something simple for you. I was new to it as well but only took a couple of hours to figure out.

Don't know anything about xammp. I recommend Indigoperl for the server. It has everything you need except the MySQL Server.

The only other thing you have to do to Indingoperl is copy in 4.4.6 PHP into which I have and can email to you.

Need to make sure you have a MySQL Server PHPMANAGER like EMS 2005 it great and straight forward.

If you need help email me I will be glad to help ya.

Careful here... you must install a version of XAMMP that zencart can run on!!!

See Goh Koon Hoek's book on this one