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Want to Add More Custom Pages into Zen Cart?

Do you need to add more pages to Zen-cart to customise for your own use?
E-Z pages are useful but take up space in your database so instead I prefer to simply add new pages that would have the url as page_4, page_5 etc. Using this method it is also easy to create titles and descriptions for them.

I am using page_6 as an example but you can use any name you wish, this may be wiser to do so for SEO purposes.

It is easy using the Define Pages Generator mod for Zen Cart.
Unlike most mods this is not a php script that you upload to the server. Instead it is a simple programme that creates all the pages you need which you then upload. If you supply your template name it even creates the correct directory structure to drag and drop the files in to an ftp client.

At the moment I wish to create an additional links page that will be page_6. All it takes is 3 simple steps:

  1. Create a temporary directory to store the new the files in (I just use c:/temp on my computer).
  2. Run the define pages programme and tell it to create page_6, give a template name and put the files in c:/temp.
  3. Look in C:/temp you will see an includes folder. Simply upload these to your host’s includes folder.
Using Define Pages Generator for Zen Cart

Using Define Pages Generator for Zen Cart

Your zen-cart will now have an additional page for you to customize. Now all you need do is give it a title and description.

Simply edit the file on your server:
/includes/languages/english/YOUR TEMPLATE/page_6.php and fill in whatever text you wish for both the navbar (which appears  on the top bar of your web browser and the navigation crumb on Zen Cart) and the header (the title of the new page).

The actual page content is found at /includes/languages/english/html_includes/YOUR TEMPLATE/define_page_6.php where you can either edit the page directly using html and upload a new file or make the define_page_6.php file writeable and use the zencart editor from admin.tools.define pages editor.

Don’t forget to link to it so people and search engines will know the new page exists. Easy :)

A problem with the Nintendo Wii and Super Smash Bros Brawl?

Nnintendo WiiHaving disc read errors with your Wii and Super Smash Bros Brawl? Is your Wii telling you to turn off the power and refer to the manual?

There is a known problem with some Nintendo Wii’s reading the Super Smash Bros Brawl disc. There is probably nothing wrong with the the disc – the problem lies with the console. It has only come to light now as this is the first dual layer DVD game which means the DVD drive in the Wii has to work harder to read all the information. Unfortunately some consoles, mine included, do not have the DVD lens set up to be exact enough for reading so much information, instead they struggle then give up.

It appears a strange error as some of the game will play. The intro, first game and all the menu systems worked but the game did not load past a certain point. This makes it seem like a disc error, but fortunately, before returning the disc to the shop, I checked the internet for known problems and this is one of them.

For those in the UK, Nintendo will repair the problem free of charge, this includes collection and delivery. Simply log a repair at the Nintendo UK service centre and they will do all the rest.

After logging a problem by entering all your details (don’t forget to register and send the game also as they will check the disc too) all you need to is pack up the console and disc and wait for a letter with a parcelforce pre-paid label. Mine took about 3 days to arrive. Take the parcel to the post office, obtain proof of posting and Nintendo will analyse, repair and return it to you free of charge. You will also receive a number and PIN when logging the information so you can keep track of how your Wii is doing.

My Wii was returned in about 16 days, half of that time included waiting for the pre-paid label and delivery/despatch with a bank holiday also included. Not particularly quick yet straightforward and did not cost me anything.

All things considered, a good service from Nintendo.

One point to note: when playing Super Smash Bros Brawl for the first time the Wii screen remained black for about 20 seconds then an error message appeared telling me to eject the disc and turn off the power. I did this and restarted it – it worked fine and I have been enjoying the game since.

While waiting why not play the classic game Defend Your Castle. Online for free.

Play Defend Your Castle