Cannot delete the zc_install directory

Hello,

I ran into a problem during my install and figured this would be the best place to get an answer. This is my first time using/installing Zen Cart so I’m new to working with it. My problem is, for the last step of the installation you need to remove the zc_install directory from the server. When I try to delete it (using ftp software) it does not allow me due to user permissions. I called my hosting provider and they said they would change the permissions back for me. It took a few hours which was fine but since it’s my first time I’ve uninstalled and reinstalled ZC a few times and every time I do I need to contact them to change the permissions back. I think what is going on is when I install ZC using the web-based install script, the server is installing ZC, and therefore taking over administrative permissions during the install. So when ZC is finished installing the “server” has all the administrative permissions. My question is, has anyone heard of this happening? Is there anything I can do to avoid it like maybe some kind of “manual” installation of ZC? Any input would be appreciated.

Thank you,
Ping

No need to remove zc_install folder.. just rename it
when required i.e. zc_install_DISABLE and then
if required again, rename it back to zc_install
HTH :smile:

When I rename it and view the website, it still has the red error message above the site telling me to delete the directory. I've even tried to rename it then delete it in FTP and won’t let me due to permissions. But if renamed I still have the warning on the site.

I also need to be able to delete the directory as well as all the others for every reinstall because for some reason if I don’t delete the existing files and just upload over them, a new install doesn’t work. An install over existing files only allows me as far as System Setup step then returns a error message on the next page. I need to completely wipe all files and upload new files for the install to work.

Thank you,
Ping

Sorry to hear my tip does not work for you.. never had problem
you describe.. am assuming you are refreshing browser after
renaming zc_install...also sounds like your webhosting servers
are configured differently to my own, as do not have to request
support for changing file/folder permissions.

Yes I am refreshing browser and I have multiple computers with all sort of browsers installed for testing purposes and tried them as well so it’s not a caching issue. I host with a company that has a clustered-solution from RackSpace; I actually just got off the phone with them and they told me it wasn’t a permissions issue that each directory contained an .htaccess file that wouldn’t let me delete the directories using ftp software. It’s weird too because I’m unable to view these files on the server with my FTP software and usually I am able to. I’m still unsure why this is happening but did have similar problems with Joomla. With Joomla if I install a template from the admin area or I won’t be able cannot access the directory via FTP, I need to upload the template manually to the same directory that the admin installer would, then login to the admin and select the template as it was already installed. Is the web based installer the only way to install Zen Cart?

The Zen Cart installer does two things:
a. builds the configure.php files to suit your server
b. loads your database with fresh data (and customizes it based on store-setup selections chosen during installation).

The zc_install folder is not needed after this is done.

The .htaccess file in the zc_install folder is only needed if your host has mod_security activated. You could try just skipping it from the upload. You may run into some 500-Internal-Error conditions if mod_security is active but the .htaccess isn't uploaded.

The problems you're having are strictly hosting-related problems related to filesystem security measures they've implemented (which are not commonly-used measures).
Some FTP programs allow you to "see" hidden files such as .htaccess by either specifying the filename directly or by choosing a special preference in your FTP program to see them. Perhaps using that method you might be able to remove or edit the .htaccess files whose presence is causing you trouble.
Even more ideal would be a control panel file manager tool provided by your hosting company, with which you could rename/remove/edit those files.
Surely they should have some better solutions to assist customers who need to use standard methods of managing files ...

Hi DrByte, it was my FTP software not having “see” hidden files turned on. I am now able to see the .htaccess files as well as delete the directories. Thanks for your help Misty and DrByte.

ping zing:

Hi DrByte, it was my FTP software not having “see” hidden files turned on. I am now able to see the .htaccess files as well as delete the directories. Thanks for your help Misty and DrByte.
No problem...good to hear simple solution rectified issues...

Haha...yes thank god. I was able to reinstall without any issues. I also bought a template from Monster Templates but I'm sure no one wants to hear about that...

Thanks again
Ping

I also bought a template from Monster Templates but I'm sure no one wants to hear about that...Oh No...you are going to be experiencing a lot of
:lamo:
Either contact template monster to rectify..quote url of the long existing thread
here at zencart forums... or post in commercial forums for help in rectifying..
or put it down to bad experience/choice