Advise and Wisdom needed on Zen update

[Jami]

When PW updated their mySQL a friends Zen Cart 1.2.6 went down. I read something here that Zen 'must' be updated to work with the new mySQL version. Then, with the little free time I have, I investigated what up dating to Zen 1.3.7 would take -Oy it's a total do over!

So I come looking for any ideas or suggestions on how to move ahead.... I had no idea when I recommended Zen that updating it would not be automated in some way... What a mess.

I would like to just pay someone else with seasoned experience in updating from 1.2.6 to 1.3.7 to do the work.... but short of that, how can I make this process less painful? Are there any tips, tricks, helps, etc.

I'd like to hear from others that have made this leap and can show me the way....

Thanks in advance

[YvetteKuhns]

Backup your Zen database. Uninstall Zen Cart and make a fresh install of the latest version. You need to create a new database. The software will (re)create the database tables. You can import your database backup into the new database.

I just did this on another host, so it isn't so bad. Of course, I had to move all of the custom folders since I customized the shopping cart. You probably customized the cart, too. You can simply copy the files into your custom folders and edit them.

Remember to use username.powwebmysql.com instead of localhost.

[Jami]

Thanks Yvette, Why and how do I uninstall my old cart? The instructions are conflicting - most say to backup DB and then create a new DB and install the new cart with its new DB and look around before moving your current stuff over. Just now while I was starting the new install it asked: Ready to Install? (This will wipe any existing data. You are NOT in Upgrade mode!!!) There is an upgrade mode????? I have searched and searched but I am only finding the same basic instructions, except for the uninstall part, as you give here.

New - well I installed 1.3.7 and ran into troubles, which I researched and found one answer said to go back to the zen_install, so I copied that dir and its files back to the server and ran it again, only this time it found the old zen and asked if I want to update. I remembered your uninstall info and can't help but wonder if I should go ahead. But it looks like your not around so I'll just have to guess my way through this for now....

Thanks

[YvetteKuhns]

Older versions did not have an upgrade mode. The newer versions do. If you can upgrade without uninstalling, that is great. If you log into the Zen Admin, there is an upgrade mode in the upper right corner. Of course, if your up to date, it tells you "Your version of Zen Cart™ appears to be current.".

See MySQL upgrade killed Zen 1.2.6 (http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showthread.php?p=437510) for more info.