Check and Change File Permissions in CS-Cart

What are file permissions?

Every file and folder on a server has permissions. They are rules that say who may read it, change it, or run it. They are like locks on doors. If the locks are too tight, CS-Cart cannot save images or cache files. If they are too loose, strangers could change your files.

Permissions are shown as a number such as 644 or 755. Each digit stands for one group: the owner, the group and everyone else.

• 644 means the owner can read and write. Others can only read. This is common for files.
• 755 means the owner can read, write and open. Others can read and open. This is common for folders.

CS-Cart must be able to write to some folders. These are design, images and var. Some setups need them more open than 755. Check the CS-Cart installer or admin messages for what it asks. Never use 777 unless you have no other choice.

Check permissions in File Manager

1. Log in to the client area and open your hosting control panel.
2. Open File Manager.
3. Go to the folder where CS-Cart is installed.
4. Look at the Permissions column. If you do not see it, click Settings and turn it on.
5. Look for the folders design, images and var, and the file config.local.php.

Change permissions

1. Right-click the file or folder.
2. Choose Change Permissions.
3. Tick the boxes, or type the number. For a folder use 755. For a file use 644.
4. Click Change Permissions to save.

Change many at once (SSH)

If you have SSH access, you can fix everything in one go. Go to your CS-Cart folder first. Then run:

find . -type d -exec chmod 755 {} \;
find . -type f -exec chmod 644 {} \;

The first line sets all folders to 755. The second sets all files to 644.

Some hosting setups need different numbers. If CS-Cart still shows a permission message, ask Hostvento support.

Quick recap

• Permissions are locks that control who can read or change a file.
• Use 755 for folders and 644 for files as a normal start.
• CS-Cart must write to design, images and var.
• Change them in File Manager, and back up first.