1. Download Zen Cart

Download the most recent “.zip” version of the ZenCart 1.5 series from this download page onto your own computer, then extract the files.

This creates a folder on your computer that has a name beginning with “zen-cart”.

2. Rename the configuration files and upload

Locate the following two files:

includes/dist-configure.php
admin/includes/dist-configure.php

Rename both of these to configure.php. Then upload the contents of your zen-cart folder to our servers using FTP. You can place the files at the top of your Web site, or in a subfolder. The location depends on where you want to install Zen Cart. The remaining instructions assume you have uploaded the files to the top of your Web site.

3. Create a MySQL database

Zen Cart uses a MySQL database to store its data. We recommend creating a new database specifically for Zen Cart, rather than using an existing one. To create the database on our servers, follow our instructions explaining how to create a MySQL database.

There’s no specific format you need to follow when naming the database. The rest of these instructions will assume that your database is called “zcexample” — if you use a different name, use that name instead of “zcexample” when following the instructions below.

4. Start the installation script

Go to http://www.example.com/zc_install/index.php to start the installation. Click Continue, accept the license, and click Continue again.

5. System Settings

Zen Cart will inspect the system settings. You can ignore any warnings on this page and simply click Install.

6. Database Settings

Enter your database details as follows:

• Database Type: (leave this set to “MySQL”)
• Database Host: localhost
• Database Username: zcexample
• Database Password: (the password you chose when creating the MySQL database)
• Database Name: zcexample

The “OPTIONAL Settings” section does not need editing.

Click Save Database Settings to continue.

7. Server and SSL Settings

The Server settings should automatically be entered for you. The SSL settings depend on whether you already have an active SSL certificate. If so, you should choose to enable SSL. If not, don’t do so yet.

Click Save System Settings to continue.

8. Store setup

Enter the details for your store. Make sure you pick the correct country and state since Zen Cart has different settings based on your local tax rules.

Click Save Store Settings to continue.

9. Administrator Account Setup

Enter the username and password details you want to use to manage Zen Cart, then click Save Admin Settings to continue.

10. Finishing up

There are two things that need doing before you can start configuring your site. First of all, you need to delete the “zc_install” directory using FTP Publishing or the command line.

Then you need to change the permissions on the following configure.php file to mode 444:

includes/configure.php

You can do this by running the chmod command from a shell or telnet connection:

chmod 444 configure.php

We can do this for you if you have trouble; just contact us.