Set Up and Configure osCommerce

What is osCommerce?

osCommerce is a free program for running an online shop. You install it on your hosting. Then you add products and take orders. Right after installing, a few quick jobs make the store safe and correct.

Step 1: Remove the install folder

The install folder can let a stranger reinstall your shop. Remove it now.

1. Log in to the client area and open your hosting control panel.
2. Open File Manager and go to your osCommerce folder.
3. Right-click the folder named install and choose Delete.

Step 2: Protect the config files

Two files hold your database details: includes/configure.php and admin/includes/configure.php.

1. Right-click each file and choose Change Permissions.
2. Set them to 444. That means read only, so nobody can change them by mistake.

Step 3: Protect the admin folder

1. Rename the admin folder to something only you know, such as myshop-admin.
2. Open includes/configure.php. If it is read only, change its permission back to 644 first.
3. Inside the file, find the path lines for admin if present and update them. Open admin/includes/configure.php and update the folder name there too.
4. Set both files back to 444.

Also, think about adding a password to the admin folder with the Directory Privacy tool in your control panel.

Step 4: Set your store details

1. Open your admin page in the browser and log in.
2. In the left menu, click Configuration, then My Store.
3. Edit these items by clicking each one and then Edit: Store Name, Store Owner, E-Mail Address, Country and Zone.
4. Click Update after each change.

Step 5: Set up payments and shipping

1. Click Modules, then Payment.
2. Choose a payment method, click Install, then Edit to enter its details.
3. Do the same under Modules, then Shipping.

Quick recap

• Delete the install folder.
• Make the two configure.php files read only.
• Rename and protect the admin folder.
• Set your store details under Configuration, My Store.
• Set up payment and shipping modules, then test.