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Joined: 22 Sep 2007
Posts: 4
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 Posted: Feb 16, 2008 07:35pm Post subject: Customer Updating FTP vs Importing |
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I am still on the trial plan so do not yet have FTP access.
I have used the Customer Import tool to import quite a few customers. That tool isn't bad for adding new customers but has no way to update customers already in the system.
Is there a simple way to mass update the database? One example might be adding text in the News field for customers in NY state--or maybe all customers in the database--at one time?
With FTP will I be able to overwrite existing customers' information? I assume I would download the customer database, make changes, then upload the updated version?
Thanks to anyone who can help me out here. |
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Answering Your Questions Since... 9:30am
Joined: 28 Aug 2005
Posts: 113
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| Posted: Feb 16, 2008 08:56pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: | | I have used the Customer Import tool to import quite a few customers. That tool isn't bad for adding new customers but has no way to update customers already in the system. |
Actually, it is possible to use the import spreadsheet to update customers rather than add new ones. The customer, product, category and manufacturer import systems use the following approach to distinguish between adding new items and updating existing ones:
This is determined by the presence of the System ID field. The System ID is a unique number automatically assigned to each customer by the software when the customer is created. If the System ID number is present in the import file, the software will assume that you are updating a customer that already exist, and will update the customer in your online store with the corresponding System ID number. If no System ID number is present in the import file, the software will assume that the customer is a new entry, and will add it to your online store. It is possible to have some customers in the same import file have a System ID number and others not. The software will evaluate each one individually.
| Quote: | | Is there a simple way to mass update the database? One example might be adding text in the News field for customers in NY state--or maybe all customers in the database--at one time? |
Well, now that it's known that the import customers system can update customers using a spreadsheet, this will most likely be the easiest way to accomplish mass updates.
| Quote: | | With FTP will I be able to overwrite existing customers' information? I assume I would download the customer database, make changes, then upload the updated version? |
Yes, but let's clarify. Hosting accounts add both FTP access and a Plesk website control panel. Direct database manipulation like you described would be done through the Plesk control panel, not FTP . (FTP is for uploading & downloading webpage and image files, not databases.) Just didn't want anyone to accidentally start looking in the wrong place and get lost.
A common web-based database management tool called "PHP MyAdmin" is available within the Plesk control panel. PHP MyAdmin can be used to export, import, and directly manipulate your store's database. To access PHP MyAdmin, follow these steps:
Note: The steps below are intended for advanced users.
1. Use the "Hosting Control Panel" link in the "Hosting" section of your store's administration area to open the Plesk login page.
2. Once logged in to Plesk, click the link of the domain name you're working with.
3. On the next screen, click the "Databases" icon.
4. Next, click the link for your store's database. This is usually something like "mm2_ACCOUNT-NAME".
5. On the next screen, click the "DB WebAdmin" icon. This will open a popup window with a database editor tool called "phpMyAdmin". (Make sure your web browser doesn't block this popup window!)
PHP MyAdmin has options for importing, exporting and working directly with the database in a number of ways. A tutorial on working with PHP MyAdmin is outside the scope of this forum post. For more information on it, visit the PHP MyAdmin home page.
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