I have a local stall of 1.3.5sp2 - which was dead easy to do and get going.
Could I also have a local install of 1.3.4sp3 or do things not work that way?
Page
You can set up more than one instance of CS-Cart on your localhost. Currently I have 1 instance of 1.3.4 sp3 and 1 instance of 1.3.5 sp1 and 1 instance of 1.3.5 sp2. I have them setup in their own directories in the xammp/htdocs directory with their own databases.
You would set up your additional instances of CS-Cart the same way you set up the first one, create a database, copy the files to the directory you want to use, and then install. Just be sure to name each instance in a way that you can keep track like cs_135_sp2 or what ever you want.
Brandon
Is it possible to have 2 instance’s of cscart (in separate directories) with both of them referencing the same database. You would be able to have two different stores, one for wholesale and the other for retail. No matter which store they bought from, your inventory would always be correct. Plus you might be able to have them designed differently, one cute (retail) site for the mall shopper and the other (wholesale) for the business (b2b) shopper who just wants to get in, reorder, and get out.
how did you do that? I’m trying with 2.0.14 on XAMPP
[quote name=‘John’]Is it possible to have 2 instance’s of cscart (in separate directories) with both of them referencing the same database. You would be able to have two different stores, one for wholesale and the other for retail. No matter which store they bought from, your inventory would always be correct. Plus you might be able to have them designed differently, one cute (retail) site for the mall shopper and the other (wholesale) for the business (b2b) shopper who just wants to get in, reorder, and get out.[/QUOTE]
This is why CS-Cart is working on introducing the “Multi-Store” version, search the forums for this and you will find current discussions.
The way it stands now, can I install a second instance of cs-cart on a totally different domain name (one that I currently don’t use) and use for testing purposes only?
This would be a great way to experiment and not mess up my live store (which I’ve done before).
cmund
[quote name=‘cmund’]The way it stands now, can I install a second instance of cs-cart on a totally different domain name (one that I currently don’t use) and use for testing purposes only?
This would be a great way to experiment and not mess up my live store (which I’ve done before).
cmund[/quote]
Sure, you can, but after 60 days you will have to pay for the software on the domain name. But you can install it at your local PC.
[quote name=‘cmund’]The way it stands now, can I install a second instance of cs-cart on a totally different domain name (one that I currently don’t use) and use for testing purposes only?
This would be a great way to experiment and not mess up my live store (which I’ve done before).
cmund[/quote]
You can install CS-Cart on a million domains for testing however they must NOT be available to the public. Once you allow public access than it’s assumed that you are utilizing a new license. Before you go “live” , you must purchase another CS-Cart for the domain
[quote name=‘indy0077’]Sure, you can, but after 60 days you will have to pay for the software on the domain name. But you can install it at your local PC.[/quote]
The 60 day demo allows you to use a limited demonstration copy of CS-Cart to use on your domain (available to the public) for testing purposes. Whether you install this locally or on a webserver, the license will expire and you won’t be able to use the data until you upload a full-version copy of CS-Cart files.
TL;DR - Every 60 days the demo will expire. If you already own a CS-Cart license install this on your local computer and do what you want with it.
J.
Thank you JesseLeeStringer and indy0077-
I will install it on a local computer. This is very promising to me and my future attempts at modifying my site without doing harm!
cmund
Hi Cmund,
[QUOTE]can I install a second instance of cs-cart on a totally different domain name (one that I currently don’t use) and use for testing purposes only?[/QUOTE]
I recently installed the CS-Cart 2.1.3 RC version to a test domain just as you mention while testing. What I did was password protect the entire directory that CS was installed in so that it would not be publicly viewable nor could it be indexed by search engines. This works great & provides a very realistic method for complete testing. 
Struck-
Thanks for that information. Can I ask how you password protected the entire site? That might sound like a stupid question but this is all new to me. Trying to learn from all of you experts!
Thanks;)
cmund
Hi Cmund,
If you have Cpanel access on your server, then you just password protect the directory thru there. If you don’t have Cpanel access, then you should be able to request this thru your hosting provider.
I then have my login & password details saved in Internet Explorer so that I can very quickly access the password protected site when needed.
Btw, I love your shoes & long brown flowing mane! 
Struck-
Cool, I already have Cpanel access. Thanks for your help.
BTW, Thanks, I worked real hard on that mane!
cmund
You’re welcome Sweetness!
Since you have Cpanel, you will see the option to password protect directories under the “Security” section.
Then you will want to password protect the entire root directory of your site where you have CS-cart installed (most likely the public_html folder).