Just a tweak here...

Sometimes, for odd and obscure reasons, the automated installation of SwissCMS may not perform as expected.

Below is a list of scenarios and possible solutions.

Installation errors
SQL Syntax errors
Global Config problems
Homepage not appearing
Images not appearing
Gallery errors
Missing page elements
Pop-ups not opening
Making Flash W3C valid

Cannot install/errors when installing

File Permissions
The most common problem is incorrect file permissions.  Make sure that you have write access to your includes folder (CHMOD 755) and that your global_config.php is also writable.

Incorrect Paths
When setting up and installing SwissCMS for the first time, you will be prompted to enter different kinds of path - local server paths and URLs.  These must be differentiated and used correctly.

A local server path might look something like:
/var/www/homepages/mysiteroot/

Whereas an absolute URL will look like:
http://www.mydomainname.com/content/

And a relative URL might look like:
../content/Image/my_picture.jpg

When installing SwissCMS for the first time, suggestions for the correct path will be displayed beside the input field in bold red text.

Database Problems
SwissCMS is powered by a MySQL database.  When installing for the first time, you will be prompted for your database connection details.  This is common practice when setting up PHP applications and many will be familiar with the process if they've ever used such software as WordPress or phpBB-style forums.

If you do not know your MySQL database settings, please contact your administrator or ISP and they should be able to assist you further.

Server Errors
SwissCMS does not demand much in the way of environmental requirements, but the following are essential for the sytem to function:

• PHP 4 or later
• MySQL 4 or later (with the ability to create new tables)
  

You will also need to have the following to install SwissCMS:

• FTP access to your webspace/server
• The ability to create Apache .ht files

If you server does not support these technologies, then we're afraid SwissCMS will not work for you and you'll be wasting your time trying.  Please ensure that your server meets these minimum requirements before purchasing a license as we do not offer refunds.

SQL errors when saving or updating pages

Every server is set up with a different configuration and would be impossible for us to test SwissCMS in every scenario.  However, there are a few common factors that may affect core functionality.

You have an error in your SQL syntax. Check the manual that corresponds to your MySQL server version for the right syntax to use near...

This error may occur when your server has something called 'Magic Quotes' turned off and you're trying to save a page that contains an apostrophe or a single quote. This error, when encountered, will affect many different areas of SwissCMS. This has been tested but an unusual server configuration may still be triggering this error. Check with your administrator.  If a solution still cannot be found, please contact us and we'll be glad to assist you further.

Global configuration file is not being saved

Th gloval configuration file is responsible for storing the key variables for your SwissCMS system.  If it's broken, nothing will work.

If you're experiencing problems saving or updating the file, this is most likely a file permission error.  Please check that your global_config.php file has write permissions (CHMOD 755).  If things go pear-shaped, you may need to edit this file manually.  Again, please contact us for the correct settings to use if you're experiencing difficulties.
 

No home page appearing

This is by far the most common problem and it's easily fixed.  When SwissCMS is installed, your new home page becomes...

http://yourdomainname.com/index.php

However, if you visit...

http://yourdomainname.com

You may still see your old home page if you had one previously set up.

If you already have a page called 'index.html' or 'default.html' this may be taking preference over your new index.php page.  Try visiting the page directly instead of just the top-level domain.   If this solves your issue, rename your old index file and try again.

Images not appearing

Paths
This is most likely due to incorrect file paths in the global configuration file. Enter the administration area and review your settings - suggestions for working paths are highlighted in red.

Page name changed
If you have changed a page's name and it uses a static page image, then the image must be renamed too - to match the page title. To help you, the required name will always be displayed when a page is being edited.

Permissions
Make sure that you have write permissions (777) on your content folder and all folders within it.

Browser settings
Many modern browsers allow users to block images on web-pages unless specific permission has been given to the target website.  Make sure that your browser allows all content from your SwissCMS URL (location).

Gallery errors

Although the gallery plugin is extremely lightweight, it is somewhat delicate and relies on a few key rules to operate correctly:

• Images must only contain letters, numbers and underscores (_), any other character in the file name will cause nasty errors
• Your server must allow f* commands such as fopen, fclose and sockets
• Images must be JPEG format only
• File suffixes must be lowercase, e.g., mypicture.jpg, not mypicture.JPG or mypicture.JPEG - .jpg only.
  

Missing objects or page elements

No toolbar in edit mode
Make sure that your browser has javascript enabled.  This is an essential requirement for SwissCMS to function correctly.

Preview/other function not working or appearing
See above.

No main menu or news ticker
This is most likely due to not having the required Adobe Flash plug-in installed.  Visit http://www.adobe.com to install (free).

Pages or windows not opening

This can be caused by a variety of reasons - mainly browser-based.  Try these following solutions:

• If you have disabled your browser cache, try enabling it again
  
• Make sure your browser has javascript capabilities
• Make sure your browser is not blocking javascript
• Check that your firewall is not blocking pop-up windows
• Are you on a public sector network/workstation? This scenario is riddled with pitfalls and not recommended due to strict content filters
• If all else fails, try updating your browser

Making Flash content W3C compliant

To make your embedded Flash content W3C valid, you must employ a system called SWFObject - a small javascript workaround which solves many cross-browser Flash issues.  SWFObject uses div layers which are replaced at runtime, via javascript, with your Flash content.

It is used like so:

Original Embed Method:

<embed width="320" height="240" menu="true" loop="true" play="true" src="/content/Flash/myMovie.swf" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed>

SWFObject Method:

This is the div...

<div id="myFlash">
<strong>You need to either install or upgrade your Flash Player</strong>
</div>

...and this is the javascript

<script type="text/javascript">
// <![CDATA[      
var so = new SWFObject("/content/Flash/myMovie.swf", "myMovie", "320", "240", "8");
so.addParam("menu", "false");
so.addVariable("myVariable", "Hello World");
so.write("myFlash");
// ]]>
</script>

Further information about SWFObject can be found here.

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For any issues not addressed here, please contact us via the contact page. All support will be billed at the relevant stated rates.