Side Boxes Help complete Newbie

[Guest]

Hi, I would like to know how to create a new side box to promote items/products and I'm really confused about how I go about creating and placing a side box under the one that is already there?

I have searched the forum for answers but alot of the results end with someone discovering how to do it and not letting others know?!

The bit I am talking about is az_promo_left.gif

Can someone please shed some light on how I go about this please... I'm not really html code savvy, so simple terms would be highly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

[jonny66]

Caveat: Whatever I write here, if it sounds rude, it's my mistake and offence shouldn't be taken!

 

The problem is, you're just not going to get anywhere without being *somewhat* code savvy. Creating your own box isn't a simple task, and (without being unkind, I hope) the fact you're referring to a gif tells us you're already struggling.

 

The layout of (for example) the main index page is created in a sort of layer fashion. The index page defines where (amongst other things) the header, footer, right and left boxes and main content should be. It does this by referring to another file. There will be a file that defines each of these elements - header.php, footer.php and so on.

 

These files in turn call on yet more files . . . the one that lays out the right hand boxes will just say *which* boxes to include. The content of the boxes are defined by yet more files - each box is created by a separate file.

 

Add to this the complication (or simplification if you like) of all the styles and fonts being specified in yet another file (stylesheet.css), and you have a reasonably complex setup to get your head around.

 

Moving boxes around, taking them out altogether etc isn't so hard, once you have worked out how they got there in the first place. Creating a new one with 'custom' content is a whole other ball game. You'll be needing html, css, php and sql for that baby. Unless you're just talking about putting an existing box in a different place or something, it's a job for a grownup programmer!

[Guest]

Thanks for the reply, if you take a look at www . topbuzza . com/ shop you will see the 'gif' I'm talking about. (Below information).

The one with the safe, discreet and secure text within it. How do I go about creating one underneath that one?

[Guest]

Just to let you know the URL is now just www . topbuzza . com

[bning]

:lol: hehe nice site. What's your returns policy like ! hehe

 

Find a file under includes/ called column left. Your advert should be listed as one of the requires. To create a new one at the bottom place the following code :

 

if ( ($banner = tep_banner_exists('dynamic', '148x110') and $HTTPS !='on') ) {

require(DIR_WS_BOXES . 'column_banner.php');

}

 

Now the replace the '148x110' bit with the dimesions of your advert. Now create a file under includes/boxes called 'column_banner.php'.

 

Put this code in it :

 

<tr>

<td>

<?php

 

$thisarray = array(tep_display_banner('dynamic', '148x110'));

$linkstring = $thisarray[0];

 

$linkstring = str_replace("_blank", "_self", $linkstring);

 

echo $linkstring;

 

?>

</td>

</tr>

 

Now again replace the '148x110' bit with the dimensions of your advert.

 

Now go into the admin section of your shop. Go to 'Tools' then 'Banner Manager' and add a new banner. Give it a title, a url for when its clicked, then enter a new banner group of the dimensions of your advert (has to match the bit you put in the code). Browse to the image you want to upload and amend the schedule (what dates you want to show it for). Click insert.

 

Now this should work. Its a mod of a contribution I found. If it doesn't let me know.

[chipshot]

if it'a a new box you want and not a banner look here: http://www.oscommerce.info/docs/english/e_...move_boxes.html

[jonny66]

Just to let you know the URL is now just www . topbuzza . com

 

How about you mark that link NSFW? :rolleyes:

[Guest]

I think there is some confusion in what I am trying to do here.

1.

If you click on the link you can see a image with Safe, Secure and Discreet and a Cardboard Box and the word Shhh within it. How do I go about adding a second image below that and so forth for little adverts as to what is going on etc.

 

2.

Jonny66, could you explain what the entry above means? NSFW?

[Guest]

The link has now been adapted and apologies if anyone got in trouble!!!!!!

I'm only new to all this please bear with me...!!!!!

[♥geoffreywalton]

Paddy

 

Half an hour surfing round the knowledge base could help you no end.

 

http://www.oscommerce.info/