I am running .asp pages and using the longer code method to display flash banners on my site.

I have noticed a considerable decrease in the loading of my index page when I have a banner called.  When I remove the banner, all is fine.

Any suggestions?

Dave

Hallo,

Can I change the number of the access levels?

I want to have about 20 levels...

Also.. if you want to customize each person's experience individually it really does not make sense to use groups or access levels for that purpose alone.

I mean, why bother making a group or access level for every user and worrying about keeping track of it all when you can just access the available session info about the user to create dynamic pages specific to that user.

http://support.cjwsoft.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=198& ; ; ; ;PN=1

That is why that information is there.


You can of course use some combination of the two technologies as well should you have groups of users that you want to have a slightly different experience.

MySQL Database Setup

Use of MySQL is 100% unsupported as you can see from the site.
http://www.aspbanner.com/mysql.htm

Even still I recently had an encouter with an extremely Jerky person (read the thread above for more on that) and because of him I am adding this tutorial showing one way to set things up on a windows server using the official MySQL tools available.

Let me just say as well that there are 100's of 3rd party tools to work with MySQL databases and many ways to create the database and apply the database creation script. In the past it had to be done via the command line, but now there are a lot of visual tools you can do it with. Furthermore all hosting companies set MySQL up differently and give you access to varius interfaces to manage it which are all different, and that is primarily why I do not support it. How the hell could I support all those different interfaces many of which are totally custom?

The fact is 99% of the people that purchased ASPBanner to use with MySQL have done so without issue and love how it runs. Regardless here is how I set up a working MySQL database on a windows server proving it does indeed run with a MySQL database.

1st of all if you are setting up the server you need to download some things from http://www.mysql.com/ 
(btw: you local developers can install this on XP Pro as well if you like.)

For this article we are going to download the current non beta windows version of MySQL which is 5.0. ALso known as the Windows Essentials (x86) download. It's about 17 meg.

Because ASPBanner uses the MyODBC drivers (now called Connector/ODBC) to connect to the MySQL database you need to download those as well. (Our site flat out says this is required for MySQL use)

So I download those from here. http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/connector/odbc/3.51.html
Version 3.51 has been the current version for a couple years now.
You want the windows driver install which is about 2 meg.

The two downloads should look like this.



Now, on the webserver you run the version 5 setup (mysql-essential-5.0.19-win32.msi) I will guide you through it step by setp.



Hit Next



I am going to choose typical for the sake of this article.

Hit Next



Hit Next



Wait for a bit



I skipped this part.



Choose to configure the MySQL Now

Hit Finish

Hit Next

I am going to choose Detailed Configuration



Since I am on a development machine for this install I am going to choose Developer Machine. For a Real Server choose one of the server options.



For this article I am going to choose Multifunctional Database: You may want to pick one of the other options. That is up to you. ASPBanner will work under any of the scenarios.



I am going to leave the location at its default

Hit Next



Since this is a development machine these options are fine.

Hit Next



These options are fine as well.

Hit Next



Standard is fine for my development machine.

Hit Next



I am going to choose both of these options. The 1st one is Important and should be enabled on a real server so MySQL always runs. The 2nd is not so important.

Hit Next



Set the "root" password and do not forget it. You will need it to manage your MySQL server. I do not advise creating an anonymous account unless it is a development server and you just do not care. Whether you enable root access from remote machines or not is up to you so do some research on that. For this articles needs I am not choosing it.

Hit Next



Hit Execute and wait



If all goes well you will see this. (I actually got an error message about not being able to connect... I went to to Administrative tools/services and restarted the MySQL service and hit retry which cured that... it probably only did this to me since I have installed this before.. new installs probably will not have any trouble)

Hit Finish

Your done.. You just installed the MySQL Server (TIP: its usally a good idea to reboot and make sure the MySQL servce is running by default)

Now, moving on..

Lets install the MyODBC drivers.. (now called Connector/ODBC)

This one is a bit of a no-brainer so I am not going to go into detail.
Just run (mysql-connector-odbc-3.51.12-win32.msi) and run through all the defaults until it is done.. Choose typical when that comes up.

Your done setting up MyODBC on the server. If its not your server I guess you don't need to worry about installing all of this as its your hosts job to do that.

Just as an FYI, I found the problem.  FP2003 has an "Optimize" feature that removes so called not needed spaces and comments from the pages.  It also completely screws up .ASP code.

I turned off the optimization feature and all the pages I was having problems with worked.  However, I would still recommend not using it too!

I am having problems accessing the admin site at the following URL:

http://www.drsweisberg.com/password_admin/default.asp

It brings up the login page, but when I enter the admin/test, it times out.  The DB is the copy with no password and it resides in a directory on the same server hosting the site but it is not in a folder viewable by web users.  This is how the dataconn_inc.asp is set:

<%
'*** Below are the only two settings you need to edit in this file
 
ConnectionString = "DSN=drweisberg;Driver={Microsoft Access Driver (*.mdb)}"
DatabaseType = "MSACCESS"
%>

The ODBC is setup and the IUSR has read/write/modify permissions.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

its part of how the skins load.. regardless you got bigger problems here..

I am beginning to wonder if you unzipped the download correctly because I see things in folders they should not be in...

you should have ended up with a bunch of folders and files...

It you just ended up with a ton of files in one directory you did not unzip the zip file correctly... if so check your zip program settings.. I mean that error is because it is looking for a file in the skins folder that isn't there and it should be there

better yet, unzip the downloaded zip file using windows xp built in unzipping features which will do it correctly...

ok, well if you want to test on your own....  in the ipn.asp file for the subscription folder you will see this area of code used for testing

' Un-comment this section and give this directory proper permissions to enable logging to a text file
' Very helpful for troubleshooting
'   Set ObjMyFile = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
'   LogFileName = ("paypal.txt")
'   'Open Text File.. If doesn't exist create it and append to it .. If exists just append to it
'   Set WriteMyData = ObjMyFile.OpenTextFile(Server.MapPath("paypal.txt"),8,True)
'   RowHeaderString =  ""
'   RowHeaderString =  RowHeaderString & OrderID & vbTab
'   RowHeaderString =  RowHeaderString & Custom & vbTab
'   RowHeaderString =  RowHeaderString & User_ID & vbTab
'   RowHeaderString =  RowHeaderString & subscr_id & vbTab
'   RowHeaderString =  RowHeaderString & txn_type & vbTab
'   RowHeaderString =  RowHeaderString & subscr_date & vbTab
'   RowHeaderString =  RowHeaderString & Access_level & vbTab
'   RowHeaderString =  RowHeaderString & Groups
'   WriteMyData.WriteLine(RowHeaderString)
'   WriteMyData.Close

now that folder will need modify permissions for the text file to be written to but this is a good way to test if the ipn.asp page ever gets hit by paypal.

ITS REAL IMPORTANT THAT THE TEST FILE CAN BE WRITTEN TO OR DOING THIS WILL JUST CAUSE MORE ISSUES

To ensure the text file can be written to and permissions are correct for that folder you can make a new .asp in there and run this to see if the text file writing works

   Set ObjMyFile = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
   LogFileName = ("paypal.txt")
   'Open Text File.. If doesn't exist create it and append to it .. If exists just append to it
   Set WriteMyData = ObjMyFile.OpenTextFile(Server.MapPath("paypal.txt"),8,True)
   WriteMyData.WriteLine("the file was written to")
   WriteMyData.Close

Now, you can even change the location of the text file to place that does have permissions if you like.

This is what I would do if I was in there... then I would make some test payments using 1 cent and another paypal account (your allowed 2)

and see what happens

it is always possible the subscription code may have a bug in it. The last time I tested I only tested the single payment folder which worked perfectly. If I have time in the next couple days I am going to test the subscription stuff again. If there is something wrong I can cure it quickly.

The two routines share a lot of code in common.

I have been working on this. 2Checkout is like the most confusing and worst payment processing company on the planet. There are things about that page I just don not understand as many times as I read through it.

Doesn't seem like this stuff is mandatory just yet. (I asked)

I should have something soon.

Understood.... can you point me to a place where there are other methods of calling banners?  Do you mean not use Flash?  I am new to this and will need some pushing over the cliff!

Thanks

Dave

I'll give it a shot within the next day or so. I'm busy with a few other things right now.  You're right about just saving a copy before I start. It can't really hurt anything.

Thanks Chris. I'll let you know how it turns out.

-john

Has any one used the aspmail function to send emails from within your site? If so what did you use as the AspMail_Host string in the connections database?

thank you

Good Morning, any suggestions on how to best "fake out the system" -- I would like to try to keep this clean so I can see the real errors?

My thought was to try to just move those .gif files to the directory that it thinks it should be in -- do you have any better suggestions? Or reasons why I really wouldnt want to do that?

What other information do you have ?

Details are very important.

Info on situations where it works... like OS, browser version.. etc etc

Info on situations where it does not work... same stuff

size of the PDF files ?

server info ?

Maybe protect a page and offer a PDF file so myself and some of the forum users can try it and report back what happens.

Also, Many people zip up PDF files when letting people download them as browsers can act pretty odd at times with them. Perhaps that is an option.

I have activated both activity and log files. The directories exist on my server and don't give any errors.

When I check the activity tab, some times there are a number of items in it.  Other times, there is only my login info.  From what I can see, it is supposed to show the last 50 items of activity at all times.  Am I missing something?

Also, when I click on the log file tab, there is no file or information to see.  Is there something I need to do beyond activating it in the settings area and making sure the directory has write permissions?

Thanks.

It's probably something I could do for you as a custom project if you are interesting in paying to have that work done, but it is probably not something that will be added to this version of aspbanner as it is in my opinion a feature more suited for a more expensive software package.

It is also difficult to get ASP code to do things on it's own. Scheduling something to run on the server or some other clever scenario is necessary and that usually means it would be unique to each persons setup.

http://www.cjwsoft.com/custom_work.asp

More Info on Simple File Sharing

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp/filesharing.h tm

http://www.theeldergeek.com/quick_guide_to_simple_file_shari ng.htm

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;3040 40

Does emailing work under the simplest scenario ? (directly from the users screen)

Thats the way to test it..

All that error means is whatever reason the settings you have chosen are not working. It could be the server. It could be what you chosen. (and yes I realize your pop info from outlook should probably work with the settings you chose)

Whenever I do installs I often have to try 3-5 different emailing scenarios before I come across one that works.

Each time making some changes and sending out test emails from the users screen until I get somewhere. Often time getting a working example of how your Hosting Company wants you to send email from ASP is the info to get your hands on. (what method and settings)

In this case they may have blocked the usee of a remote server and want you to use some other settings for sending email from asp. A lot of times they put that info in their help system.

If I were you I would start by trying the other two CDOSYS options for starters, and then try the remote server option again but using "localhost" as the server, if none of those work consult your host for example code and settings to send email from asp. If you still have no luck I can help for sure.

Realize too when testing the emails may take a bit to arrive. A delay of sorts. Best to type in a quick note about which method you are trying in the email text. That way when you finally get one delivered you'll know which method worked.

Thanks.

Nick

If you code support for it yes, the application comes with no paypal code or support built in.

If you think it will help you, you are welcome to a copy of the classic asp version which supports paypal subscriptions. Perhaps looking at the code would help you.

Hello,

I do not really understand what you mean?
There are no country and city lists in ASPClassifieds.

if that account isnt there thats normal because if it doesn't have any permissions for that folder so it wouldnt be listed

you simply dig into the menus a liitle deaper and find it then add it.

its a text file   you just edit it with notepad..  if ya mess it up ya put an original copy back in

no biggie either way

jump in there..

I just showed ya exactly what to change.. its a no brainer man
This is simple source code. It's meant to be edited and hacked.

The only reason I warn you is so you can't blame me later on if it effects something

I am just trying to help

If ya dont like that solution why not just use periods for the first name field.. or a dash or something... then nobody will really see it

or maybe store the company name in the first_name field

seems like clever things to try without changing the code..

good luck...

Hi

I would like to ensure the the user uses a UK style postcode not a clue how to ensure this as I am new to asp. Any ideas?

regards

John

ASPProtect v7.x runs on Microsoft IIS servers only.
That means Windows XP Pro, Windows 2000 server and Windows 2003 server. The web server must have ASP support enabled and support Data Connections. 99% of them do as it's a pretty normal thing, but you should ask and make sure your hosting plan supports it.


Before you even start please read this thread and do what it says.
If any errors show up it is important you see the real error instead of a useless HTTP 500 internal server error.
http://support.cjwsoft.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11& PN=1

Once doing that make sure to use Internet Explorer as you follow along with these directions.

Now, unzip your installation zip file that you downloaded from CJWSoft.
Use a program like winzip and be sure you have it set up to unzip the directories as well. You can also use windows xp's built in folder compression tools to unzip the archive.

When you unzip the application you should have all of the following folders and files. (more or less, it depends on the version)

Now, you can copy all of these files into the root of your website or if you like you can make a folder called "aspprotect" and put all of these folders and files in that folder. Either way it really does not matter.

Now, contact your web hosting company and instruct them that you need permissions set on the data folder that you copied into your website. This folder and all of its child folders need modify permissions set on it for the anonymous webserver account. It is very important that they set the permissions correctly and on all the child folders as well.

Here are some threads on exactly how these permissions are set.
If you run your own server or are developing locally you can do this yourself. If not most likely you need to put in a request to your hosting company as you CAN NOT set these permissions via Frontpage or FTP.

Windows 2003 Server and permissions
http://support.cjwsoft.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=136& ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;PN=1

Windows XP Pro and permissions
http://support.cjwsoft.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=56& PN=1

Once permissions are set.. run this page via your web browser

http://www.mysite.com/data/setup_info.asp

Replacing the part in blue with your website info.

When this page is run it will report back a screen like so:



Now, take the connection string info it shows you.
Edit the "dataconn_inc.asp" file in the root of the ASPProtect system and use that data connection information. It should be valid for the server.

If you are using MSSQL server instead of Access please see the SQL database creation directions as you will need to create the MSSQL database and use a special connection string for that.
http://support.cjwsoft.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=160& ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;PN=1

Now, take the CookieEncryptionKey and PasswordEncryptionKey info that it gives you and enter it into the "config_inc.asp" file in the root of the ASPProtect system. These will be the unique keys that your encryption will be based off of.

Ok...

The files have been copied to your website, the permissions are set on the data folder, and the database connection is ready.

Now.. run this page

http://www.mysite.com/password_admin/get_me_in.asp

Replacing the part in blue with your website info.

This is a special page we use to get into the system for the 1st time.

If you get a nasty error when you run that page similar to this.

Error Type:
Active Server Pages, ASP 0131 (0x80004005)
The Include file '../dataconn_inc.asp' cannot contain '..' to indicate the parent directory.

Then parent paths are disabled on the webserver and you need to do an extra step to deal with that. Follow this link.
http://support.cjwsoft.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=162& ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;PN=1&TPN=1

If you get any other variery of "80004005" error then there is a problem with your data connection.
http://support.cjwsoft.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=27& PN=1

Those errors are usualy related to database folder permissions or an imcorrect physical path to the database file specified though they can mean a lot of things.


Once you get the page running you will see a login prompt and one form field

You will need to paste the "PasswordEncryptionKey" value that you used in the "config_inc.asp" file in the form field and hit enter.

If all goes well you will see the admin area of ASPProtect.

Now that you are in the system you need to create an admin account.

Click on "ADD NEW USER".. fill out the info and add a user.
You really only need to fill out (first name,last name,email,username,and password)

Now save that user.

You should see a new user listed in the admin area. Click on Edit user to the left of the new account. On the edit screen check the "admin" checkbox and save the user.

You just created an Admin account.

Now click on the "log off" button on the top menu and click yes to log off.

Now close the browser. Then run this URL

http://www.mysite.com/password_admin/default.asp

Replacing the part in blue with your website info.

You should now be able to in to the admin area of the system using the new admin account you created.

You are now ready to go to the settings page so click on the settings tab in the menu. There are a lot of options and paths that need to be set on this page. Every setting is described in detail on this page. You need to go through the page and set things up properly. Anytime the page asks for a path to a url or file the page will auto generate what should be the path to use. (expected path) If your server has parent paths disabled a few of those auto generated paths will not show up. If that is the case run this url from your server and it should tell you the paths to use for those settings.

http://www.mysite.com/data/expected_paths.asp

Replacing the part in blue with your website info.

Once your all done and the system seems to be running fine you should go back and delete the following pages as they are no longer needed and pose a potential security risk.

http://www.mysite.com/data/setup_info.asp
http://www.mysite.com/data/expected_paths.asp
http://www.mysite.com/password_admin/get_me_in.asp

You should back up the original zip archive you got from CJWSoft in case you ever need those files again.

VERY IMPORTANT: The user passwords from now on will be encrypted using the "PasswordEncryptionKey" you specified in the "config_inc.asp" file.

If you ever change that key all of your passwords will be invalid and you can not get them back unless you know the key and put it back, so plan on never changing that key unless you really know what your doing and know how to decrypt/re-encrypt the passwords using a new key. (something we do not cover at the moment but probably will when we have time to make a tutorial) 

[QUOTE=cwilliams]actually, passwords can be up to 75 characters long in ASPProtect.
the only requirement when entered from a non admin user is that they are at least 4 characters long.

what does MSAccess have to do with this ? Are you trying to convert and old system or something? I noticed you created and "old password" field in there ? Is there something I do not know about as far as what you are trying to do?

Passwords in version 7 are encrypted so I hope you understand all of that and realize you can not enter or change passwords right from SQL server. Also if you import info you must handle that accordingly and convert the passwords to encrypted format. [/QUOTE]

First off, I haven't imported anything from MS Access.. The only reason I mentioned it is cuz I thought initially it worked with Access and not SQL server.

I am not converting nor entering any data manually into the db, nor have I changed anything in the way the registration is made (don't know where the "Old password" has come from? thought it was a function you made?)