Sessions, Page Title says oscMax v2.0, rewards system, template documentation 2.0/1.7

[felisanator]

Hi there.

I'm really having a tough time working with the "documentation" for oscmax. I've followed all of the links and there just is no one place to go to for information. Even some of the threads that address my issues are closed, so I can't inquire further...so I apologize, yes you've seen these requests before, but what I've seen either I can't follow or need more info...
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Sessions installation error. I was able to find ONE configure.php file, but not the other that is mentioned in regards to fixing the following error, which still appears on my site:

Warning: The sessions directory does not exist: . Sessions will not work until this directory is created.

I was able to change the blank sessions code to now read 'mysql' on that one configure.php file, but the error is still there and I don't know where the "other" configure.php file is located.
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Every page in the shop is reading "osCMax v.20" such as "Conditions of Use : osCMax v2.0" How in the work do I get rid of the "osCMax v.20"??? I edited the english/index.php to read correctly, but this "osCMax v.20" is still showing up.
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The rewards and points system. The first thing it reads is:

"The changes should be made by experienced users only, since I cannot take any responsibility whatsoever.
Also, there might already be changes in place, or you have a slightly
different checkout, or whatever and they probably have to be merged with this contribution.
Also, it is much better to run a diff, find the changes and edit them manually
"

Can anyone confirm if this actually works and if the install is really that scaary?
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I've already spent a week working on this site with oscmax, and haven't really done anything but freak out and click "submit" or "upload via FTP" with one eye closed!

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Is there a definitive guide for changing the look and feel of the store built with oscmax v2.0? I saw the thread that pointed to another thread that was for oscmax 1.7. Ironically, it is a vicious circle, as the user who needed the same information as I for oscmax 2.0, was referred back to the original thread pointing back to the 1.7 thread, and once in the 1.7 thread was told to go to the 2.0 thread, which of course, pointed to the 1.7 thread!

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I'm really trying for this to work and minimize the amount of redundant questions, but like I said, there are limited streamlined options for super noobs like me.

Thanks in advance!

[michael_s]

Sessions issue: you are on the right track. There are 2 configure.php files /catalog/includes/configure.php and /catalog/admin/includes/configure.php

Tip: use a good search program or windows built in search to find the locations of files you are looking for. I find it is common sense to use the search feature built into just about every computer on the planet. How do you think I found the files so I could help everyone?

BTS Template primer:
bts_docs [osCMax and osCommerce documentation]
Changing the look and style of a site is easy though. You just have to edit 2 files in your template:

stylesheet.css
main_page.tpl.php


Page title bar:
changing_the_titlebar [osCMax and osCommerce documentation]

and

custom_meta_tags [osCMax and osCommerce documentation]

Rewards & Points:
That is a standard disclaimer, as most people don't know what they are doing at first and make several huge mistakes:

1. They work on their live site instead of a development site
2. They do not make any backups of the original files
3. They do not keep track of any changes they have made

No mod is scary, some take longer than others. Some require more coding/logic skill than others. I have never added the points-rewards module, but just use good practices like backups, working only on a development site and tracking all changes and you should be fine.

[felisanator]

Do I do the following...

1. They work on their live site instead of a development site

CHECK!

2. They do not make any backups of the original files

CHECK!

3. They do not keep track of any changes they have made

CHECK!


Michael -- thanks for the common sense refresher... I guess I needed that!

I've never learned how to do the localhost thingie on my machine. And, yes, I do have Dreamweaver (Version 4 UltraDev) does that count? I have just used it to check my hand-coding. Never for what it was built for.... So I'll try to:
1. make a backup of the database I've been working with
2. Make a backup of the current installation
3. Copy the backups to build a 2nd installation of oscMax with the mods I want to use.
4. Backup my backup
5. Install one mod at a time
6. Document the changes/mods
7. Test
8. Debug
9. Repeat steps 4-9 until completed
Right? Did I leave anything out?

[michael_s]

You could also set up a second shop on your hosting account and work on that.

As for setting up a local web server, it is easier than you might think. Check out apache friends - very easy apache, mysql, php and perl installation without hassles

Install xampp and away you go, blissfully coding to your hearts content without ever risking your live site!