Perhaps a dumb list of questions, but.....

Enter Categories first, then add products to categories...

misty:

Enter Categories first, then add products to categories...

at present there are a ton of categories and products already present - is there a clean way to reset this, or will I have to do this manually?

Thanks for all your help - truly a testament to your character.

Am assuming you opted to install demo cart items, which is great
idea... because those demo catgories/products are going to show you,
at later stage, how to enter attributes for your products...
You may not like this suggestion but will save you lot of time
and trouble...install another zencart, BUT opt NOT to install
demo products.. then work on this new zencart and use
the original as a guide.. this is how I learnt...

that is an excellent idea!!!

Another "dumb" question...... and a rather lengthy one........ can I build this on the same server as my current html site, and wait to upload until it's done without affecting the current site?

Or am I better off building it on my test site and figuring out how to transfer it later?

I just don't want anything to conflict with my current site until this is ready, which is gonna take some time.....

can I build this on the same server as my current html site, and wait to upload until it's done without affecting the current site?Yes, as long as you have your zencart installs in seperate folders, from your main site
i.e. zencart1..yourdomain.com/store then zencart2...yourdomain.com/shop..
as long as your existing site is NOT using
folders, store or shop.. then should be fine...
I use localhost on my computer, when building zencart/s.. saves lots of time
because no ftp involved.. HTH

misty:

Yes, as long as you have your zencart installs in seperate folders, from your main site
i.e. zencart1..yourdomain.com/store then zencart2...yourdomain.com/shop..
as long as your existing site is NOT using
folders, store or shop.. then should be fine...
I use localhost on my computer, when building zencart/s.. saves lots of time
because no ftp involved.. HTH

ok, sounds like a plan.... I will start fresh in the morning and get my server files set up appropriately.

I was thinking about it........ if I do not reference any of those products, I could leave em in there for now, and delete just prior to uploading the new site to the server, without needing two copies.....

I could leave em in there for now, and delete just prior to uploading the new site to the server, without needing two copies.....Yes, possible, but you are going to find it very confusing, when you start
adding your own categories/products..and then attributes..
existing site shows there are quite a few attributes...
More haste, less speed...30 mins work
now installing an extra zencart is going to save you hours of work,
further down the zencart road...just my opinion