A few tips for new BANS users during the installation phase
This is Erik, one of the guest bloggers. Many of you have probably already installed your BANS stores. For those of you who haven’t (or who are having trouble) I just wanted to offer you a few tips based on what I learned during the install process recently.
1. If you run into problems during the install process, don’t get discouraged. When I first installed BANS maybe a week and a half ago, I ran into MANY problems that prevented me from even using the admin panel! But after several hours of frustration (which hopefully doesn’t happen to you), I got things working and now my BANS stores are problem-free (although still in their very early stages).
2. Follow the user manual EXACTLY. Many people (myself included) who are good at using computers but don’t know that much about HTML or website building are eager to just get that store up and running as soon as possible. Resist that temptation and instead, just take your time. One of the problems I had was that I neglected to follow what seemed like an insignificant step: choosing a “security code” and “session name” that are at least 7 characters long with at least one alphabetical letter. Instead of “E1111111111″ for example, I just typed in “1″. And the result? I couldn’t even access ANY of the categories in the admin panel. I kept getting taken back to the login screen. After checking the BANS forum, the only advice I could find was to edit the code of a file that was on my website–NOT something I have ever done and not something I felt I should have to do just to get a not-inexpensive product working. So instead, I just deleted all the store files from my hosting account, deleted the MySQL database I had created, and started over, this time being VERY careful to follow instructions. It’s not like I lost anything–I hadn’t been able to create a store yet. The point is that when you’re first starting out with BANS, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. And don’t be afraid to start from scratch if you need to.
3. I highly recommend using a PC to install your store rather than an Apple. I installed my first store using an Apple, and the result was that a particular file, called .htaccess, wasn’t properly uploaded. I ended up with a store FULL of “404 Not Found” pages. Not a fun way to start your BANS experience. But after reinstalling with a PC instead, there were no problems. Note: there is a way to install the store using an Apple, but I’m not exactly sure how. I do know there are some websites out there that explain how to do it. It’s probably easier to just use a PC for the install process, if you can.
4. Installing additional domains and stores on your hosting account is NOT as difficult as it might seem. All you need to do is create an “addon domain” in your Hostgator control panel (which automatically creates a folder for your new domain) and also create a new MySQL database (being sure to create a username and giving that username access to the MySQL database). Then, you can upload your BANS files to the folder for the new domain (it will have the name of your new domain) just as did for your first store–except this time you choose the new MySQL database you just created (don’t worry, BANS will ask you for it during the install process).
Previously Published Articles You May Like to Read:
- Installation and Base WordPress Configuration
- Build a Niche Store Installation
- Build a Niche Store Search Capture MOD Installation Video
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I'm Erik from Los Angeles. I spent the past several years in college and law school, and a couple months ago I was admitted to practice law here in California. Right now I've got some free time (as I'm in a process of job-hunting) and I want to take the opportunity to build some BANS stores. I have no prior experience with BANS, web-design, or HTML. My other interests include guitar-playing and creative writing.
Erik,
Good post! I was one of those “html challenged” people….I had a seriously hard time getting my first, second AND third store up! Basically because I didn’t take the time to pay attention to details in the manual! Now, I can get my store going pretty easily…and even when I experience a problem, I can fix it without any help!
When in doubt, use the BANS forum! 99.9% of problems are/have been discussed there!
My tip relates to the CHMOD step. I found I could not get past the login, I couldn’t access any of the links – security etc – on the left side. I could go to “view site” but that was all. Turned out that I had CHMOD the cont folder, but I had not OPENED the folder and CHMOD the files inside. Once I had done that, it worked fine.
Installing with a Mac is no problem at all if you’re aware that files with a ‘dot’ infront of their name are normally invisible on the Mac OS. I’ve only every had this situation when dealing with ‘.htaccess’ files. It’s a bit nerve-wracking for newbs at first but easy to deal with if you use an FTP program like ‘Transmit ‘ (www.panic.com) which can be set to ‘show invisible files’ on your computer or your web server so you can edit and/or upload them. Or there are several free Mac utilities that switch file invisibilty to order.
A couple tips on this. I hold the record for the longest thread string for a install on the forum.
When you create a new (2nd) MySQL data base DO NOT create a new user name. Simply create the database and add the same user name every time. When I 1st started I tried using different user name for each database. It is not necessary. Makes life much easier using the same one. Another tip for the Admin area-Security Code and Session Name use your 3 initials followed by your date of birth. Easy to remember. Enter it like *** (initials) then year 1974 then backwards 1974***. You will only use this again if your site has issues in the future. One more thing I do when I upload my files from FTP to host is I do them 1 at a time. Every time I try and highlight them all at one time and click upload like Mark did in the movie some thing go’s wrong. So I right click on the US Store file on my CPU (left side in Cuteftp) scroll down to open. The file opens with all the BANS files, then I drag and drop them one at a time into the store/site/file folder. Anyone having trouble don’t be afraid to ask on the forum or here. Most times when folks first get BANS they are anchise and miss a couple things. 7+ months and I still ask for help with installs. I usually forget a file. I’m using a PC w/IE7
I followed Marks advise on installing addon domains.
In the video and through email i added the domain, He suggested creating a Bans_raw folder and copying the eg.US store into it.
When you opened up the file manager for the new domain, you delete
the new domain name directory, and change the name of the US store to the name of your new addon.
The problem I have, is i believe i missed something. When I went to open the newdomain/admin, all I got were lines of test an d info about mysql.
Help!!
Len
Hi i need some help on installing a site at present im trying to finish install but when i put domain in address bar all i get his Index Of / and says i dont have access to this server help!!
eric wrote:
choosing a “security code” and “session name” that are at least 7 characters long with at least one alphabetical letter. Instead of “E1111111111″ for example, I just typed in “1″.
I am not sure where he is talking about but my Manuel v2.0 in cPanel says:
Enter a new username (7 characters max) and password and click on the ‘Add User’ button.
Its maximum not minimum.
Richard,
The security code and session name are not the same as the username and password at all. What we’re talking about here is installing your BANS store using the BANS manual. During the installation (I believe this is before you choose a name/password for your store) you will be asked for a security code/session name which I believe must be at least 7 characters minimum (not maximum). See below:
“You will be taken to a new screen like the one below where you will need to enter your database
information. Along with your database information you will also need to enter a ‘Session Name’
and ‘Security Code’ which should be at least 7 characters in length with at least 1 number.”
This is from the BANS manual, page 14.
Erik
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