Finally upgrading oscommerce

[xecutech]

I have a client who is using oscommerce v1.42 and I suggested that he upgrade to the new version. Since I suggested this, now he wants me to upgrade it for him, but he has 2000 products and I am confused about upgrading this!

 

I downloaded the new version, but it said I had to upgrade the 1.42 to a newer version before finally upgrading to the newest version. Am I reading this correctly? I am assuming there is not an easier way to do this.

 

My second dilema is that I am comfortable upgrading the php code, but have never done anything with the databases, and the installation instructions do not explain this very well.

 

I am not charging this guy, but it is starting to look like alot of work... maybe i should charge him!:)

 

Either way, I am confused and do not want to break his current site or lose his data. Can someone please point me to a thread, or help me understand this better before I go to make changes to his site? Feel free to pm me or just reply to this thread.

 

Is this as hard as I am making it on myself?

[♥Vger]

There is no osCommerce v1.42.

 

You're probably referring to CRE Loaded, which is not osCommerce and we don't provide support for CRE Loaded on these forums. You'll need to use the CRE Loaded Forums.

 

Vger

[xecutech]

There is no osCommerce v1.42.

 

You're probably referring to CRE Loaded, which is not osCommerce and we don't provide support for CRE Loaded on these forums. You'll need to use the CRE Loaded Forums.

 

Vger

 

I have never use cre. It is oscommerce and when i checked the header.php page it shows v1.42. Is there a specific place to look to get the exact version I am using? I can assure you it is not cre loaded.

 

Edit: I just found that I have version 2.2 MS2 (060817) if that helps?

[Guest]

Tom,

 

You could install RC2a by creating new database and modifying the new installation contributions to match his current stores configuration. Then, back up his old database in phpadmin (or whatever you have to use with SQL databases) and import the old database into the new store database.

 

I have done this in the past, BUT......have found that sometimes it works well, and sometimes it is working hell !

 

Chris

 

ps. This IS a lot of work, a fee for this is something to consider.

[♥Vger]

That was a file version you were referring to and not the version of osCommerce - but you've found out now which version you are using.

 

To update you need to download the osCommerce 2.2 RC2a version from downloads at www.oscommerce.com, and inside it you'll find a file which tells you how to update the osCommerce files manually.

 

Please note that these updates only cover the default osCommerce installation, and will not cover any add-ons that have been installed. Tp update those you'll need to check the contributions section to see if upgrades are available.

 

Vger

[xecutech]

Tom,

 

You could install RC2a by creating new database and modifying the new installation contributions to match his current stores configuration. Then, back up his old database in phpadmin (or whatever you have to use with SQL databases) and import the old database into the new store database.

 

I have done this in the past, BUT......have found that sometimes it works well, and sometimes it is working hell !

 

Chris

 

ps. This IS a lot of work, a fee for this is something to consider.

 

One other thing I may need to consider is php/mysql versions? Do i need to make sure I am using a specific version first?

[xecutech]

That was a file version you were referring to and not the version of osCommerce - but you've found out now which version you are using.

 

To update you need to download the osCommerce 2.2 RC2a version from downloads at www.oscommerce.com, and inside it you'll find a file which tells you how to update the osCommerce files manually.

 

Please note that these updates only cover the default osCommerce installation, and will not cover any add-ons that have been installed. Tp update those you'll need to check the contributions section to see if upgrades are available.

 

Vger

 

Do I go straight to the update to rc2a or do i have to go to rc1 first? I know this seems like I am an idiot, or haven't searched through the forums, but i have. There are soooo many threads and they stray off and it was getting too confusing. I figured someone by now would have pointed to a main thread for this, or a sticky for it. I appreciate the help and this is helping me get a better understanding before I dive into this.

[Guest]

When you look at the customers SQL version 4.01 or 5.0, I have found it MUCH easier to create the new database with the matching SQL version.

 

Also, as Vger has pointed out, you can update the previous version of OSC to RC2a by following the upgrade instructions included in the download. Personally, I think that is more work than creating a new installation, but some people prefer it.

 

 

 

Chris

[xecutech]

When you look at the customers SQL version 4.01 or 5.0, I have found it MUCH easier to create the new database with the matching SQL version.

 

Also, as Vger has pointed out, you can update the previous version of OSC to RC2a by following the upgrade instructions included in the download. Personally, I think that is more work than creating a new installation, but some people prefer it.

 

 

 

Chris

 

I just checked and they have php 5.2.5 and mysql 4.0.27, so am I good to go there?

[xecutech]

Ok, I just read through the installation instructions for a fresh install and found that the version I am using is fine.

I am considering a solution, but would like some feedback on these steps first if you don't mind:

 

1) Install fresh install in a directory.

2) Attempt to copy database items and customers to new install database.

3) Redesign to look like current site and test it out.

4) If everything works and looks right, then move the new shop where the old one is.

 

This way I can eliminate downtime and issues right? Is there an easy/better way to do this?

[Guest]

Tom,

 

Again, if you planning to create a NEW database and OSC install, then you would create a new 4.0 database. Back up their current database. Install OSC RC2a and then import their current database into the new database.

 

Ofcourse, you are going to have to create a NEW folder for the new installation as installing into the current folder will ask that your over-write the current store. When you are done, you will need to use a redirect to point to the new store.

 

 

 

Chris

 

You plan is a good one. Good Luck

[xecutech]

Tom,

 

Again, if you planning to create a NEW database and OSC install, then you would create a new 4.0 database. Back up their current database. Install OSC RC2a and then import their current database into the new database.

 

Ofcourse, you are going to have to create a NEW folder for the new installation as installing into the current folder will ask that your over-write the current store. When you are done, you will need to use a redirect to point to the new store.

 

 

 

Chris

 

You plan is a good one. Good Luck

 

I didn't think the old database was compatable with the new version, thats what kept me from trying this originally.

It is starting to sound easier than i thought it was going to be. They have alot of products and pictures, but I don't think they have any contributions installed. If they do, they wont' miss those and I can always add them back if needed.

 

My biggest fear is getting stuck halfway through this and having 2 messed up osc sites! :)

[Guest]

Tom,

 

I think you mis-read my previous post. Create a NEW 4.0 database. Install a new store using RC2a and point it to the NEW 4.0 database. Once this is done, import a copy of the current database into the new installation. This should work, providing the tables in the old database match the new database.

 

The only foreseeable problem is if the old store has had contributions added that have altered the database tables. If this is the case, then I would suggest installing the same contributions on the new store before trying to import the database.

 

 

Chris