Testing a new design

[mj2003]

Is there any easy method to test a new design? I have catalog, and it is running live and taking orders. I'd like to spend some time redesigning the site and getting some feedback. How though can I do this while still supporting the existing one? Can I just tweak a directory setting or something, and then set it back to download orders?

Any suggestions welcome!

Matthew

[cdicken]

To do this, go to 'Advanced | Network Setup' and export your live network settings (keep these safe). Then ...

1) Change the CGI script ID number to something different.

2) Change the Catalog URL from http://your.URL/acatalog/ to http://your.URL/test/acatalog/

3) Change the Web Site URL from http://your.URL/ to http://your.URL/test/

4) Change the 'Path from CGI-BIN to acatalog directory' from '../(path name)/acatalog' to
'../(path name)/test/acatalog'

5) Select 'Hide on Web Site' on all your sections other than one.

6) Go to 'Web | Refresh Website'.

This will upload the new version (in a cut-down format) and allow you to test it without affecting the live store (although you won't be able to download orders during the test).

If it all works you can revert to the live settings, un-hide the sections and then do 'Web | Refresh Website' again.

[mj2003]

Many thanks - that will do nicely.

Matthew