Set Up Backlight for New Look to Existing Bluehost-hosted Website

rod barbee · 2018-02-08 03:02:10

TBC wrote:

The concept of different templates is one that I have been using since the 90s, so that is easy, and I ahve started along that pat
Meanwhile, I am researching sending Backlight's theme to my WordPress.org test site.

Not much to it, really. It's covered in the docs: http://backlight.theturninggate.net/doc … #wordpress

The main thing is that you'll need to put the url to the WordPress installation in the Backlight Setting under WordPress. If the installation is in the root of the site, then a forward slash (/) should be enough.

TBC · 2018-02-08 04:36:49

Yes, at least I thought I did. In Matthew's YouTube, the Contact link showed a standard form, but mine shows the error message.

I had already gone into Designer > Pages > Contact and edited the page, adding some text. After your message, I returned and indicated I wanted to insert a default contact form, then saved it again, but still, I get that error message. I even did a CTRL-R to refresh the page.

Eventually, I will set up a contact form using one of those plugins you recommended, but for now, I just want the basics. I can fiddle later.

Thanks,

Margo

Last edited by TBC (2018-02-08 04:38:31)

rod barbee · 2018-02-08 06:08:15

First question: are you now basing your site on Backlight rather than WordPress? And using the Pages module to create the site pages?

If not, then you shouldn't expect anything to show up when you click About and Contact. And you shouldn't be using the Contact forms.

If you're using WordPress as the base of your site then Backlight's pages won't work because they require the Backlight index.php and .htaccess files in the root of the site. If you're using WordPress, then you'll have WordPress's index.php.

Matt explains the set up options in this page of the WordPress add-on docs: http://backlight.theturninggate.net/doc … ress_setup

If using WordPress as the base of your site, the way to design is to either publish and album and use that for reference, or create a WordPress theme, install it, switch to it in the WordPress dashboard, and use it as a reference.

As to the Contact and About links. If you're using WordPress for your site, you'll need to edit your Backlight Menu Set and include the url to those pages (after you create them in WordPres) and any other navigation items want.

So what is your site structure?

TBC · 2018-02-08 06:28:41

Yes, so far as I know, I am working entirely from within Backlight.

Yes, to using the Pages module.

And I believe I did set up Backlight according to the initial instructions and those iterated in your link.

The only think I can think of is that I may have mistakenly access the contact section from within WordPress in the beginning. If that is the case, clearly I need to check that, and if I did goof, undo it, but how?

I want to stick to Backlight with plug ins as appropriate. Easier all around.

Once again, thanks,

Margo

rod barbee · 2018-02-08 06:52:49

Ok. Then any WordPress installation you have is in a sub-folder, correct?

Then assuming you've created a Contact page and an About page:

Take a look at your menu set. What is the setting for Link to: for Contact and About? It should be Page. And in the next field, the appropriate page should be chosen.

As Daniel mentioned earlier, it would be a lot easier helping out if your site was online. Otherwise we spend a lot of time just guessing.

TBC · 2018-02-08 07:24:50

Per your suggestion, since I cannot have this go live until it is all set, I am working through DesktopServer that is working fine for me, but it means it is not live. I could give the admin stats, but that is not sensible in a public forum.

I'll see if I can decipher how to add screen shots from your notes above.

Until tomorrow.

As always, thanks,

Margo

rod barbee · 2018-02-08 08:28:44

Per your suggestion, since I cannot have this go live until it is all set, I am working through DesktopServer

I suggested Desktop Server because it makes transferring a development WordPress site to an online server very easy. It does all the database and url reference changes automatically.
For a strict Backlight development site, I find it easier to simply create it in a subdomain or subfolder. (For several reasons, sub-domains make more sense, at least to me.)
The advantage of this is that getting help is a whole lot easier. We can see what you're doing with the site and log into Backlight as Guest Updaters.
And while it may technically be "live", there's no real way for anyone to know about it.
And it's really easy to move your site to the live server when you're ready.

screen shots are pretty easy.
Take the screen shot. Save it. Upload it to a folder on your website. Place the url between IMG tags in your post:

[img]http://yoursite.com/screen-caps/photo.jpg[/img]

TBC · 2018-02-09 01:48:21

I tried to move the backlight to my webserver and totally botched things up. I will probably have to uninstall everything, and start from scratch. I have my templates saved. Please bear with me.

If, through DeaktopServer, I want to put my Backlight-built site into a sub-folder called WP-BCPA in my live URL so that it can be viewed, how do I make sure I do that correctly? I had just copied the backlight and galleries parts over, and clearly, that was not the way to do it! I have not yet deleted them and will wait to hear back. Right now, DesktopServer is not behaving, so I am looking up how to completely uninstall it and start back from scratch.

Thanks,

Margo

Last edited by TBC (2018-02-09 01:57:45)

rod barbee · 2018-02-09 02:54:00

Did you know you can export your templates and then import them into a new installation?
Just click on the name of the template in the Templates List. You'll see the option to export.

To import, hover over Design > Templates. In the sub-menu you'll see Import Template:

You could simply start from scratch on the server and import your templates if you wish. You'd have to recreate any albums you've created.

If, through Deaktop Server, I want to put my Backlight-built site into a sub-folder called WP-BCPA in my live URL so that it can be viewed, how do I make sure I do that correctly? I

This is what I would do:

Using FTP, upload the backlight/ and galleries/ folders plus the index.php and .htaccess files (that are currently on your hard drive for the Desktop Server site) directly to your sub-folder on the server.
Don't even involve Desktop Server.

Once those files and folders have been uploaded, log into Backlight at yoursite.com/WP-BCPA/backlight) and make the needed changes in Settings to Company and Site URL.

In Lightroom, go to Publisher settings for the Publisher instance that's controlling your site and update the API url.

If you've used Backlight's uploader to upload images for use for things such as mastheads and favicons, you may need to upload those again.

Since you're not using WordPress for the basis of the site, I wouldn't bother moving any WordPress installation you have in Desktop Server. I'd just create another installation in the test site. But do this only for design testing and don't bother populating it with posts.
Once you go live in your main domain, you can simply export the Backlight WordPress theme and use it, or just continue using your current theme.

When you're happy with the site and want to move it to the main site, that's when the fun begins. You'll need to remove all the old stuff first.
Then, if you want, you can just move, via FTP, the backlight/ and galleries/ folders along with the index.php and .htaccess files.

But my suggestion would be to leave your development site where it is, just for future testing purposes. If you do that, then just download those files and folders to your computer and then upload them to the main site. But keeping a test site intact is up to you. I've found it invaluable for testing so I don't mess up my live site.

TBC · 2018-02-09 03:35:04

Thank you, Rod. It all makes sense, so I shall henceforth ignore DesktopServer and deal strictly with Backlight.

And yes, I had already found the import/export feature for templates.

Onward and forward, I hope.

Margo

TBC · 2018-02-09 04:31:03

Hmmm, cannot access my information. Through Backlight, I logged in, or tried to, getting this screen...

This is what I got before when I was trying to transfer stuff over to the website in a subfolder. I am sure it is one tiny thing, at least I hope so.

Thanks,

TBC/Margo

rod barbee · 2018-02-09 06:23:38

You’re on Bluehost, right?
See if this helps: http://backlight.theturninggate.net/doc … ule_errors

Or it could be that certain modules aren’t enabled. What version of php is your site running?
I think the requirements state 5.2.6 or newer, but I don’t know if that’s still valid. Ben would know.
Anyway, take a look. My Bluehost sites are running php 5.6.32

SQLite and PDO modules should be enabled

TBC · 2018-02-09 06:28:15

Yes, I am. Our IT person who put us on Bluehost should be able to deal with this; of course, he is on vacation, but his assistant should be able to help. I know he keeps us up to date with latest versions of Bluehost.

Thanks again! Glad it was not me this time.

Enjoy your weekend when and if you get to it.

Margo

TBC · 2018-02-10 02:43:02

Just heard from my Bluehost person with the following:

... but a quick look at your source page and right away I notice the stylesheets are pointing to .../blacklight directory, which you do not have setup under your TESTSITE. You can't just move a site over unless you have the exact same subdirectories and links setup at the new location or they are renamed to show the new backlight file locations and modules.

Of course, the weekend is coming, and he is in transit back home.

Is this something I can tweak? And if so, how?

I assume that first one should now read:

Thanks,

TBC/Margo

Last edited by TBC (2018-02-10 03:04:50)

Daniel Leu · 2018-02-10 04:04:46

Did you do a new install or copied the files over from your local server? If later, I would restart with a new install.

TBC · 2018-02-10 04:12:37

In other words, remove everything, including test sites, (keeping galleries, of course, and templates) and start from scratch with backlight being put (from scratch) into my TESTSITE subfolder of our website.

I thought I had, but there must have been some holdover.

Thanks, and take care,

TBC

rod barbee · 2018-02-10 04:35:46

this line:

<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" media="all" href="http://www.bcphotoadventures.com.dev.cc/backlight/publisher

shows that the css is located in your .dev/cc site, presumably from the Desktop Server installation.
After you moved the files, did you log into Backlight and make the necessary changes to Company and Site URL?

As Daniel says, it may just be easier to delete everything in the test site folder and start from scratch, uploading the Backlight files fresh from your TTG Backlight download. As long as you've exported your templates, all you'd need to do is import them to the new site and start creating your pages and republishing your albums. (which you'll need to do if you do a fresh install)

TBC · 2018-02-10 05:24:24

Same error message, I believe, but at least I can upload images.

When I try adding templates, I cannot save them!

And while we are at it, where are those templates saved? I would like to retrieve the ones I had done before, since saved them in a different location.

Back to Square One!

Thanks,

Margo

TBC · 2018-02-10 05:41:33

I have even deleted the old folder created by Desktop Server, and with it, the templates, but I can recreate those a lot more easily now, so no drama.

Next step will be to run CCleaner and make sure there are no residual registry items, then reboot and see where I am.

Meanwhile, thanks again to both of you. I feel Murphy is an uninvited guest that eventually we will banish!

Margo

Last edited by TBC (2018-02-10 05:42:11)

rod barbee · 2018-02-10 05:48:49

And while we are at it, where are those templates saved? I would like to retrieve the ones I had done before, since saved them in a different location.

They're saved to wherever you chose to save them when you exported them.

As to the error, have you had a chance to look at this: http://backlight.theturninggate.net/doc … ule_errors

If that doesn't do it, or your not comfortable with looking at your c-panel, then I'd suggest sending Ben an email referencing this topic and including Backlight admin credentials.
http://community.theturninggate.net/profile.php?id=101

TBC · 2018-02-10 06:27:58

Thank you, I did check out that link when you first posted it, but I don't know how to access my BlueHost panel, and this would be the week that my server guy was away.

I shall have to be patient and await his return to the office over the weekend. Meanwhile, I will pass along the information to him.

Thanks for all your patience and help.

TBC/Margo

rod barbee · 2018-02-10 07:09:04

Ben may also be of help. He may be able to look at that error and tell you exactly what it means. This would help your server guy know what he needs to do.

TBC · 2018-02-10 07:50:58

I was thinking the same thing, Rod. Excellent suggestion! Now, pardon my ignorance, but who is this "Ben" for whom I read references?

Take care,

TBC

rod barbee · 2018-02-10 08:03:56

Ben, along with Matt, are the TTG developers. They are TTG.

TBC · 2018-02-10 23:09:50

My server guru is back home.

Everything, by the way, works perfectly on our fine-art site (of course, it would!)

He wrote:

however your stylesheets are not pointing to the directory /TESTSERVER/backlight. Currently it's pointing to the root directory of your site.

That makes sense to me in view of the success with the fine-art site.

Where are my stylesheets, as correcting the directory path is not an issue if I can just find it!

Many thanks,

TBC/Margo

Last edited by TBC (2018-02-10 23:12:56)

Community @ The Turning Gate

#26 2018-02-08 03:02:10

Re: Set Up Backlight for New Look to Existing Bluehost-hosted Website

#27 2018-02-08 04:36:49

Re: Set Up Backlight for New Look to Existing Bluehost-hosted Website

#28 2018-02-08 06:08:15

Re: Set Up Backlight for New Look to Existing Bluehost-hosted Website

#29 2018-02-08 06:28:41

Re: Set Up Backlight for New Look to Existing Bluehost-hosted Website

#30 2018-02-08 06:52:49

Re: Set Up Backlight for New Look to Existing Bluehost-hosted Website

#31 2018-02-08 07:24:50

Re: Set Up Backlight for New Look to Existing Bluehost-hosted Website

#32 2018-02-08 08:28:44

Re: Set Up Backlight for New Look to Existing Bluehost-hosted Website

#33 2018-02-09 01:48:21

Re: Set Up Backlight for New Look to Existing Bluehost-hosted Website

#34 2018-02-09 02:54:00

Re: Set Up Backlight for New Look to Existing Bluehost-hosted Website

#35 2018-02-09 03:35:04

Re: Set Up Backlight for New Look to Existing Bluehost-hosted Website

#36 2018-02-09 04:31:03

Re: Set Up Backlight for New Look to Existing Bluehost-hosted Website

#37 2018-02-09 06:23:38

Re: Set Up Backlight for New Look to Existing Bluehost-hosted Website

#38 2018-02-09 06:28:15

Re: Set Up Backlight for New Look to Existing Bluehost-hosted Website

#39 2018-02-10 02:43:02

Re: Set Up Backlight for New Look to Existing Bluehost-hosted Website

#40 2018-02-10 04:04:46

Re: Set Up Backlight for New Look to Existing Bluehost-hosted Website

#41 2018-02-10 04:12:37

Re: Set Up Backlight for New Look to Existing Bluehost-hosted Website

#42 2018-02-10 04:35:46

Re: Set Up Backlight for New Look to Existing Bluehost-hosted Website

#43 2018-02-10 05:24:24

Re: Set Up Backlight for New Look to Existing Bluehost-hosted Website

#44 2018-02-10 05:41:33

Re: Set Up Backlight for New Look to Existing Bluehost-hosted Website

#45 2018-02-10 05:48:49

Re: Set Up Backlight for New Look to Existing Bluehost-hosted Website

#46 2018-02-10 06:27:58

Re: Set Up Backlight for New Look to Existing Bluehost-hosted Website

#47 2018-02-10 07:09:04

Re: Set Up Backlight for New Look to Existing Bluehost-hosted Website

#48 2018-02-10 07:50:58

Re: Set Up Backlight for New Look to Existing Bluehost-hosted Website

#49 2018-02-10 08:03:56

Re: Set Up Backlight for New Look to Existing Bluehost-hosted Website

#50 2018-02-10 23:09:50

Re: Set Up Backlight for New Look to Existing Bluehost-hosted Website

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