Base template to use for creating my own customized template?

Hi,

I have downloaded and installed latest Zencart 1.3.7 in remote server. Now comes to the template customization. I have read in Forum that it is the template default should be the base template for creating own customized template. However, by default installation, it is the "Classic Contemporary Green" shown as shopfront upon intallation, that is pretty ok since I do want the centered layout instead of 100% width. However now it is the issue, if i follow the instruction of using template default as base template, when I made a copy of template default and give a new template and place under the /templates folder just like classic template and template_default, when i go to admin, switch to that new template, it appears a 100% width template, and less pleasing layout structure compare to that of the "Classic Contemporary Green".

So my questions is, how would i be able to create a customized layout using "Classic Contemporary Green" template as base template (is it against rules??)? I did experiment making a copy of classic template and all other folders with a "classic" folder name and give them a new template folder name. But when i swith to that new template in admin, i do not see same layout like "Classic Contemporary Green", instead, a centered layout without categories navigation, neither sidebox contents. Pretty weired.

Can anyone point me to the correct direction?

Thanks!

Liya

This is what it looks like after using classic as base template:

http://www.demoods.com/template%20based%20on%20classic.jpg

-Liya

As the settings for a template are contained in the DB, and the new one that you have created is not yet listed there. You have one more step to perform -

admin > tools > layout boxes controller > reset