Script tutorials

[ecchi]

Addenda to my last post:

I just downloaded the free version of the script to try it for you. I did not get very far (see point 2 for the reason) but trying it did tell me three things:

1) Don't worry too much about my comment "I'd never set any folder to 777" because this appears to be only while you set it up, afterwards it tells you to reset directory permissions to a more common (and safer) setting. However, for God's sake don't forget to reset it when they say so, if you leave it at 777 the site will probably still work, but your domain will be open for hackers!.

2) When you get a new FTP client (FTP software), don't just check it allows you to change permissions, make sure it allows you to do this to DIRECTORIES (FOLDERS). I'm using my old XP box at the moment, which only has a very old free FTP client on it, and trying to run your script I found out that it only allows me to change permissions on files and not on directories (folders), that will be no good to you. You need one that allows you to change the permissions on directories (folders).

3) When you do finally get the permissions thing worked out, I think you are home and dry. I could not create a site, because I cannot change permissions on directories on this computer, and I don't have time to fire up my Vista box at the moment, but I got as far as starting the set up, and it looks like a really easy script to use, probably great for beginners.

[tadpole]

Thanks very much for your reply.

I will take your advice about the FTP and Go Daddy, whom have never been helpful when it comes to support. I started using them on the advice of a webmaster when I first thought of trying Adult! Thanks for the tip!

I have tried installing the script, and have not got it working, so will make the changes you suggest and try again.


Thanks for your time and knowledge, appreciated.

[tadpole]

Hi ecchi

I have changed my hosting provider, found out how to change permissions on my FTP.

The script I was trying out, I do not need - I was using it to practise with as it is supposed to be simple.

I have a fetish site, and after reading the "something different "(your sig) I want to use your script in perl.

Perl and SSI are enabled on my new hosting. The path to perl is the same as you used. I have triple checked and re done everything and it is not appearing on my page, so a few questions :

1. I have set the executable permissions on the script. Must I also set the permissions on CGI?

2. I made a new page for this script to run on (blush - I use Front Page 2002!) Do I insert the code for call to SSI in the body?

3. When I save the script to a text file, what encoding should I use? I have windows vista and my choices are ANSI, unicode, unicode big endian and UTF-8.

4. In your script, where I put in my own ID code, I take it I put in the full URL with my code in it?

I have checked your reasons as to why the script is not working, and feel my error may be caused by one of the above.

Thanks

[ecchi]

Originally Posted by tadpole

1. I have set the executable permissions on the script. Must I also set the permissions on CGI?

By "CGI" I take it you mean the directory(folder)? If so, it should automatically have been set to allow execution of scripts. However if you have already tried changing it (eg to try the other script), you may have to change it back.

Originally Posted by tadpole

2. Do I insert the code for call to SSI in the body?

Yes, the SSI is basically a command that says "put the stuff here" so put it on the page exactly where you want the blog to appear.

Originally Posted by tadpole

blush - I use Front Page 2002!

That could be your problem. The opening and closing angle brackets define the fact that the text between them is code. So when your server sees them it executes that code and deletes the text. However software like Front Page usually assume you don't want this to happen, so they replace the angle brackets with a special code that simply tells the browser to display an angle bracket and ignore the fact that it contains code. I have not used Front Page, but most programs like that have a setting to include code as code, rather than bugger with it. It may be a menu setting, or it may be a button that allows you to insert a line of code into the text. If anyone else reading this uses Front Page, perhaps they could post a reply telling you exactly what the Front Page commands are to make it do this.

Originally Posted by tadpole

3. When I save the script to a text file, what encoding should I use? I have windows vista and my choices are ANSI, unicode, unicode big endian and UTF-8.

You really want "plain text". I don't think it matters, but I'd go for ANSI.

Originally Posted by tadpole

4. In your script, where I put in my own ID code, I take it I put in the full URL with my code in it?

No, just the ID. For example my ID is ecchi, so I'd use:

$a1id = "ecchi";

[tadpole]

Hi

I have not used Front Page, but most programs like that have a setting to include code as code, rather than bugger with it.

I do have a setting to insert code without it being tampered with by Front Page. Thats what I used


Thanks for your reply. You cleared up a few things for me. I eventually contacted my hosting provider with a screen shot, and got this reply :

It appears that the rule was not listed in the .htaccess file to enable the SSI. We have added the file for you. The URL does resolve to a black page, However, the file that is being referenced does not exist. Please review your scripting of the testing.shtml file.

The rule they added to .htaccess is : addhandler x-httpd-php5-cgi .shtml

When I pull up my testing.shtml page it is blank.


I have read and re read your instructions, and cannot see what I have missed. I will give it a break today, and try again from scratch tomorrow.

[ecchi]

Try uploading the following as your testing.shtml page:

<html><head><title>Test</title>
</head>
<body>
<!--#include virtual="cgi-bin/readblog.cgi"-->
</body></html>

That should just give you a page with the blog on it.
If you get a message "an error has occurred executing this directive" or similar, the problem is with the script file.
If you get a blank page, take a look at the source code in your browser (on IE, simply select "source" from the "view" menu") and let me know what you get.