Help needed to get up and running

[darkvale]

Im new to php myqsl etc. would someone be able to help me get up and running i have my web hosting setup already which i did sometime ago, thanks

 

[moonpies]

Hi darkvale,

 

I have PrestaShop installed on my xampp test server and had no problems at all.  If you are using xampp then I can help.  If something I am not familiar with, then perhaps someone else can help.

 

If you could tell us what kind of setup you have and what the problem is exactly, I'm sure someone can help you.  Just give us a bit more info on what you need.

[darkvale]

this is the error i get when i run

 

I have a hosting packing online, im just placing the files onto the ftp i have no other programs or setups in place.

im am an ultra noob, i downloaded php5 and mysql 5 im on vista and they wont run.  I am quite good on pc;s i jsut dont understand what i need to do to get the thing going, if someone could say, 1, make sure you have done x,y,z i think ill be fine, i have looked at the help section and read the  manual but its the bit before all that im not getting right, i am on  a standalone pc with no server or test servers in place, i just plan to work live with it for now.

 

i can not find the php.ini file, im gusssing somehting is not pointing to the correct place i have placed the prestashop directory in my htdocs and thats about it so far. Or i have not turned things on with my hosting company like mysql etc, im a bit confused with it all.

 

this is the error i get

when i run the after the prestashop/install

 

 

Parse error: parse error, unexpected T_STRING, expecting T_OLD_FUNCTION or T_FUNCTION or T_VAR or '}' in e:domainspmegacytes.co.ukuserhtdocsprestashopinstallclassesLanguagesManager.php on line 7

[moonpies]

Okay, I understand you are trying to upload via ftp to a hosting service (dreamhost or whatever)?  Does your host meet the requirements? 

 

Linux, Unix, or Windows

Apache Web server

PHP 5.0 or later

MySQL 5.0 or later

 

"i downloaded php5 and mysql 5 im on vista and they wont run"

 

Um, these won't run on vista unless you have a server installed on your desktop. 

 

If you want to run a testing server on your windows desk top, you can easily set up a test server in a couple of minutes for free with Apache Friends xampp:  http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp-windows.html

 

It might be a good way to familiarize yourself with php before going live.  Just a suggestion. 

 

I can walk you through it if you want to try it out on a test server first. 

 

Hey, if anybody wants the "moonpies guide to installing xampp and prestashop for dummies"  I'll be glad to post it.  It's super simple and only takes a few steps, all done in a few minutes.

[moonpies]

Oh, one more thing:  It will be easier for people to help you if you give the name of your hosting service.  Someone posted a fix the other day for installing on Dreamhost, for example.  Others using the same host or familiar with it may be able to advise you of the particular quirks of installing on your host.

[darkvale]

wow thanks so much for your help, i will call them now and check that out. I am with fasthost btw.

 

thanks

[moonpies]

You are welcome.  Glad I could help. 

[darkvale]

Ok one issue was i had a windows hosting package and not a linux one, they support all the stuff i need, please could you email me that help for the xampp to darkvale at blueyonder.co.uk

 

thanks

 

 

[darkvale]

Yay thats me dont need the guide now i worked it all out no probs

 

Thanks very much

 

I look forward to sharing my thoughts and possible bugs :-)

 

thanks

[moonpies]

Hi darkvale,

 

Glad it all worked out for you!  The specs state windows is okay, but there may be issues on your particular host.  One of the  PrestaShop team can probably address that (and anything else!) far better than I.

 

Even though you don't need it anymore, I will go ahead and post the guide here in case it might be of help to other php newbies:

 

Moonpies' Guide to Installing XAMPP and PrestaShop for Dummies by a Dummy:

 

*Note:  this is for a test server on your windows desktop that completely simulates a real-world web server.  (You can install it on a Mac, but I don't know dip about Mac.)  It is for testing only, not a production setup!  In other words, you must not use it to actually host a website!!! xampp is basically an Apache server, php, MySQL, a database server and a bunch of stuff all rolled into one.  It lets you build databases and dynamic web pages and view them on your own computer.  (If you are learning php, it is great to have for tutorials, too.  There are lots of free php tutorials on the web.)

 

Now, to install xampp and then PrestaShop so you can test drive PrestaShop before going live:

 

1. Download and install xampp:  Go to ApacheFriends and download the installer version under the basic package.  This is super easy and even noobs and dummies like me can do it. 

 

Get it here:  http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp-windows.html#641

 

The installer works like any other windows installer:

Double click the .exe file you downloaded.  A window will open asking you which language you would like to use.  Choose your language and click ok.  The Setup Wizard window will appear and guide you through the installation step by step.  You will want to install it on your main drive.  For example C: or C:progam files or D:program files or whatever is appropriate to your setup.  (I have mine on C: but not in program files just because I like it that way.) 

 

Unless you are a web developer and want to use xampp all the time, you probably do not want to install it as a service (this means xampp will start every time you boot your 'puter).  You can always change it to a service in the control panel later on, if you wish.  Better to just choose to have the shortcut icon on your desktop so you manually turn your servers on and off.

 

2.  Once you've installed, open your xampp control panel.  This is where you control your servers.  Turn on your Apache server by clicking "start".  You should then see a green bar with "running" in it.  Next, turn on MySQL by clicking "start".  Again, you should see the green bar with "running".    You may now close the control panel by clicking the x at upper right.

 

3.  Open your web browser and type http://localhost/ in the address bar.  You will be asked to choose your language.  Choose your language.  Now you get a page I call the "command center"  with a welcome message.  Click on "status" in the orange panel at the left to make sure everything is working fine.  Don't those green "activated" bars look great?  (You won't be needing the SMTP and FTP services for our purposes, so leave them red and "deactivated.")

 

4.  Create your database:  Under "tools" click phpmyadmin.    This is where you create your database and lots of other stuff.  Type the name you want to use for your database in the box ("mysite" or whatever) and click create.  You now have your MySql database!  Isn't this exciting? 

 

5.  Create a user: Next, you need to create a user (that's you, dear).  Go to phpmyadmin (same page you used to create the database) where you will see a link called "privileges" near the bottom.  Click that link.  You will see see a link for "create new user" on this page.  Click that link.  Type in the name you want to use for your username.  Choose localhost for your host.  Set your password.  Leave "none" checked for databases.  (Yeah, I know, what about that database you just created.  Be patient.  We will do that bit next.) Click "go." 

 

You will be taken to a page where you will see a section called "database specific privileges".  Choose the database you just created for your shop, "mysite" or whatever you named it.  For the purposes of installing PrestaShop, you will need Global Privileges.  So go ahead and choose "select all."  (Don't you feel important with all those privileges?)  After installing PrestaShop, you may want to go back and restrict privileges to those in the "data" box so you don't inadvertently goof something up.  Click "go". 

 

6.  Check GD library functionality:  When I installed xampp, GD Library functionality was already turned on, but you may want to check to make sure before installing PrestaShop.  Turn off your servers in the xampp control panel.  Open your main xampp file folder.  Next open the php folder.  Double click on the php5.ini file.  Check to make sure extension=php_gd2.dll does not have quotation marks around it.  If it does ("extension=php_gd2.dll"), then remove the quotation marks. 

 

7.  Open folder xampphtdocs and create a new folder called "mysite" or whatever you want to name it.

 

You are done with the xampp setup and ready to install PrestaShop!

 

8.  Download PrestaShop to your desktop or wherever is convenient.  Unzip the file.  Open the Prestashop folder.  Move all of the contents of the folder (but not the folder itself) to the folder you just created on your computer: xampp/htdocs/mysite.  Again, I am just using "mysite" as an example.  You may have named it something else. 

 

9.  Restart your servers from the xampp control panel.  Open your browser and type http://localhost/mysite into the address bar.  In my experience, this started the installer automatically.  If this doesn't happen, add /install to the address (http://localhost/mysite/install).

 

10. On the first page, choose your language.  On the second page, the system and permissions should be okay if you followed the instructions so far and gave yourself all those dandy privileges.  On the third page, enter localhost for the host, choose mySQL for database, enter your database name (mysite or whatever), enter the username you gave yourself, and enter your password. You don't need any help with the fourth page.  Now you should be at page five -- ta-da!  Congratulations!  You are up and running in ten easy steps!

 

To enter your back office, you must delete your prestashop installer and you must rename your admin folder. 

 

You may access your shop at any time by typing "http://localhost/mysite" (or whatever you named it) and access your back office by typing "http://localhost/mysite/admin123 (or whatever you named your database and your adminfolder).

 

Have fun!

 

****Note:  These instructions are just for playing around with PrestaShop or for taking it for a test drive.  You do not want to create your whole database here or anything.  You can add a few products just to test it out, of course, but don't build your store's actual database on your test server.  You can try out themes you have created with it, and make changes to application files.  But do not mess around with your store's actual database on your test server. 

 

****Another note:  Yes, I am really a dummy.  I'm just learning, too.  If I have goofed somewhere in these instructions or there is a better way, or anyone has any corrections or additions, please add them!  I just learned to do all this a few weeks ago by doing dreamweaver/php tutorials.  I've been doing the design/dreamweaver stuff for a few years, but php is pretty new to me.

 

One of the wonderful things about the open source community is we help each other learn. 

[Peter Wilson]

Thanks for this great information, moonpies.  If you don't mind, I'll be adding it to the new Documentation Wiki as part of the new PrestaShop Website that will debut with the release of v1.0.

[moonpies]

I'm most honored.  (blush)  Sure, feel free to use it.  May I clean it up and check it for accuracy first?  I took this from an email I wrote to a friend, so it's a little sloppy.  And some things may change by the time v1.0 comes out, too.  Also, I hope others more experienced than I may corrections and comments to add.

[petera]

Just to add a little more to this area. I have set up several Apache/PHP/mysql  to run on my desktop for evaluation ovarious blogs, cms, shop sites. I run windows xp and found VERTRIGO wamp a useful tool to achieve what moonpies has done. I did find VERTRIGO was installed without any problems but I did have some problems with xamp. Not detracting from the great effort by moonpies but if someone is having problems with xamp they may like to try VERTRIGO. Latest version is PHP 5 etc.

 

Also thanks to all the people who respond to cries for help. Your efforts and patience with us learners is greatly appreciated.

 

Cheers Peter A

[moonpies]

This is very helpful, petera.  Thank you!  I've never heard of VERTRIGO, so I've learned something new from you.  I can't wait to check it out. 

 

I use XP, too.  I haven't had any problems so far with xampp.  I was totally unsuccessful at installing the other shopping cart that is now in beta, which is okay by me because I like PrestaShop better.  I didn't think it was so much a problem with xampp, but with me (a newbie and dummy about these things) and/or with the cart (which is a total witch to install even if you are not a newbie).    But maybe it was partly xampp.  Hmm.

 

I would love to hear what problems you had, if you have time to help me out.  And thank you again for you helpful input!

 

 

[petera]

Hi moonpies,When I was trying to install xamp i kept getting errors with the install. It may have had a lot to do with my lack of knowledge around some of the configuration parameters needed for setup. At the time i was evaluating small CMS systems to build a website with and on the forum someone mentioned VERTRIGO so I googled it downloaded from their site and had it running within 10 minutes.

 

I downloaded the latest version when I started looking at prestashop and have had a fully functional site running on my laptop. Learnt quite a bit about config etc but am still no expert. I now have a hosted site I am populating with products. The install of that only needed the GD library (I think thats what it is called) to be activated on the server and voila. Hope to have it fully populated in the next couple of weeks. Taking good quality product photos is the challenge now.  I can pm you the url if you are interested.

 

Had to do a couple of minor hacks to improve things a little and in the process have a better idea of what does what

[darkvale]

Very nice guide indeed, could you do a similar one for getting the live verision working with it, im really having issues getting the live verison passed step 3, i dont understand it or where to point it, do i put something in the htdocs on the server  i placed the prestashop directory in so i can run the install no probs but step 3 is the issue

 

thanks

[Tyler]

Hi all

 

I downloaded and tried the Appserv and Xampp, first worked whit Appserv and I was very good. I have installed Xampp, but I have not tried yet.

 

The Vertigo I don`t know.

 

In Appserv i installed Prestashop and works very fast to create new products. We also tried the osCommerce 3, Dolphin, Magento (not work), CRE Loaded (not work).

 

The Appserv seems to me pretty easy to use, if someone wants to use and I need help can send me a private message.

 

PD: Sorry for my english

[moonpies]

petera:  Congratulations!  It sounds like you are humming right along with your shop!  Yes, I would love to see it!  Were you using the installer version of xampp?  I'm asking in the interest of help to others, not because I am nosey LOL.  Oh, and thanks again for the info on Vertrigo! 

 

darkvale:  As I said, I am a dummy!  :-[  I assume that there must be something off on step three for you because you are entering something that isn't there (did you set up a database?) or a conflict of some sort.  I think the best thing for you to do is start a new topic stating your problem with step three on the "installation, configuration and upgrade" section of this forum (it is right below the general section) to get the attention of the PrestaShop team.  As you have probably noticed, they are diligent in checking the forums for questions and very helpful.  I would help you out if I could, truly I would, but you see, I have not gone live myelf yet!

 

Tyler:  No need to apologize for your English -- you do extremely well!  I have been meaning to look into Appserv, too.  Thank you for reminding me!  I could not get magento to install, either, no matter how hard I tried. And yes, I did everything on the list(s!) to get it work.  That's okay... after that failure I found PrestaShop and like it better.  Loads so much faster, too.  (Not to knock M -- they are great folks and it is quite an ambitious project.) It sounds like you are doing great with your Appserv!  I look forward to seeing your shop --  I hope you will share it with us when you have it up and open for business.

 

All:  I really appreciate all the help and information people are sharing here!  This is wonderful!  Thank you!  There is also something called WOS (Webserver on a Stick) that looks pretty cool.  I haven't tried it out yet, but plan to.  You can check it out here:  http://www.chsoftware.net/en/useware/wos/wos.htm

[Bijou]

I have the exact same error...

 

  Quote

Parse error: syntax error, unexpected T_STRING, expecting T_OLD_FUNCTION or T_FUNCTION or T_VAR or '}' in /home/----------/public_html/----------/shopping/install/classes/LanguagesManager.php on line 7

 

when I try to run the install... on my host - HostMonster.

 

I tried the different little code bits in  the .htaccess but no go, though I think that must be close to the answer, because once, when I initially tried the Godaddy code that was recommended, I got a somewhat scrambled version of the red installer screen, but icons were missing and it was not possible to continue.

 

What can I do?

 

Bij

[moonpies]

Bijoux,  I have no idea how to help you, but I would suggest posting your question as a new topic in the "installation, configuration and upgrade" section of this forum (it is right below the general section) to call attention to your specific problem.  That way, the PrestaShop team is more likely to respond and/or another forum member who has successfully installed on MonsterHost.  You might also want to ask MonsterHost for help.

[Peter Wilson]

Hi Bijoux,

 

Please check out this sticky post, "Parse error unexpected T_STATIC, expecting T_OLD_FUNCTION or T_FUNCTION or T_VAR".

 

[Caecilia]

Tried to create database but don't know what I do my php admin become "Access Denied" mention like below :


Welcome to phpMyAdmin 2.11.8.1

phpMyAdmin tried to connect to the MySQL server, and the server rejected the connection. You should check the host, username and password in your configuration and make sure that they correspond to the information given by the administrator of the MySQL server.
Error

MySQL said: Documentation
Cannot connect: invalid settings.

Can someone help me? What should I do, thanks a lot...

[cupandacu]

Hi All,

I have fiddled around with PS on my localhost using WAMP. It has been great! I am at a stage where I want to transfer my site to go 'live'.
I already have a site up and running on my host but it has been done in oscommerce by someone else.
I have used PS to update the store to look more sleek and want it up and running now

I have 2 questions:

1. For my existing live site, if simply download everything from my host and back it up on my computer, delete everything on the server, then I upload it all again, will the existing site work correctly?(So that if things dont work well I can revert back to the old site)

2. How do I get my new site that is running locally atm, up and running. I want to use the existing domain name. What is the correct procedure?

Look forward to your replies