Can I use the domain of a pre-existing website for a PS build?

[Urbanfarmer]

Hello again......I've given up on Xampp: 3 downloads and still issues I can't figure out. So I want to go with a host and domain.

 

First, I will be working on the site for many weeks, so I don't want it live.

 

These are newbie-to-tech questions, so please bear with me.

 

Second, I have an existing website on an existing domain. I want to use this same domain for the new, PS replacement site when it's ready. What do I do in the meantime? It would seem to me that they can't both be on the same domain (one live, one being built).

 

Do I have to buy another domain for the PS build, and then migrate to the existing domain when ready to replace?

 

Thanks.........

[vekia]

you don't have to buy additional domain.

you can for example create /test/ subdirectory where you can use test shop

 

other idea: create subdomain test.yourdomain.com - most of webhosting control panels allow to create subdomains

[indus]

Hi

 

To answer your second question, like vekia said, you do this in a subdirectory, for example www.yoursite.com/testfolder. Basically just upload the contents of the website to this subfolder and do your testing from there. Also, make sure you make a copy of your database for testing purposes for your test site. You then point your test site to this cloned database from the folder config/settings.inc.php

Edited October 21, 2013 by indus (see edit history)

[Urbanfarmer]

Thanks for the advice. I see in my control panel the ability to add subdomains as both of you say. So it appears the steps are:

 

1. Create subdomain: example (store.mydomain.com)
2. Get FTP
3. Get host
4. Download PS to my computer
5. Transfer files from my computer to host using FTP
6. Use text editor to modify CSS

Do I have this correct?

[vekia]

that's correct

just follow these steps and everything will be fine

[benjamin utterback]

Just going to chime in to remind you to backup your current store before you install another software on a sub directory. even if your host does a backup its a good idea to manually do this as well. 

 

Are you looking to replace your current site with the PrestaShop site after you build it?

[Urbanfarmer]

Are you looking to replace your current site with the PrestaShop site after you build it?

 

Yes.

 

When you say backup manually, exactly how? Save the site to disc, on my computer, remote hard drive?

[benjamin utterback]

Manually backup your database and your files from your Cpanel or FTP

 

 

This is how you would do it with a PrestaShop site, it's pretty standard and doesn't only relate to PrestaShop.

 

 How to Manually Back Up your PrestaShop Database and Files