VirtueMart Forum

VirtueMart 2 + 3 + 4 => General Questions => Topic started by: Agaton on September 12, 2013, 22:34:16 PM

Title: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Agaton on September 12, 2013, 22:34:16 PM
I use VM 2.0.22a plus joomla 2.5.14

Every time i upgrade to vm 2.0.22c the front end for vm is completely blank.

I initially thought this may be a Joomla template issue but it occurs on every template i use. I also considered that the overrides may be the issue so I have disabled them....

Any suggestions.
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Maxim Pishnyak on September 12, 2013, 22:55:40 PM
http://dev.virtuemart.net/projects/virtuemart/files
d subversion
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Agaton on September 12, 2013, 23:12:39 PM
Quote from: Maxim Pishnyak on September 12, 2013, 22:55:40 PM
http://dev.virtuemart.net/projects/virtuemart/files
d subversion

Thanks.

If you are saying that d is the answer to the problem then unfortunately it isn't... once d is installed same thing happens.... in fact install 2.0.22b,c or d and the vm frontend is completely blank... When i revert back to 2.0.22a its fine.

I dont just mean the vm frontend i mean when you click a vm link the whole browser page is white.

note: no code is being generated at all in the browser, as I mentioned this is on two sites both using different templates, one is my own and another purchased from joomladesigns.....
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: jenkinhill on September 12, 2013, 23:24:40 PM
Try this: In VM configuration/templates set Default template and the Category Template to "Use joomla default" in Config/Templates.

Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Agaton on September 12, 2013, 23:33:52 PM
Quote from: jenkinhill on September 12, 2013, 23:24:40 PM
Try this: In VM configuration/templates set Default template and the Category Template to "Use joomla default" in Config/Templates.



That setting is already in place
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Agaton on September 13, 2013, 08:34:00 AM
Are there any more suggestion, if this can happen on two sites completely different joomla templates. There must be a flaw in the upgrade or i'm missing something drastic.
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Maxim Pishnyak on September 13, 2013, 09:28:43 AM
Quote from: spike1968 on September 12, 2013, 22:34:16 PM
Every time i upgrade to vm 2.0.22c the front end for vm is completely blank.
You need to turn on displaying errors in your Joomla config and tell us then what error did you have at 'blank' page in your web site.
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Agaton on September 13, 2013, 10:28:41 AM
Quote from: Maxim Pishnyak on September 13, 2013, 09:28:43 AM
Quote from: spike1968 on September 12, 2013, 22:34:16 PM
Every time i upgrade to vm 2.0.22c the front end for vm is completely blank.
You need to turn on displaying errors in your Joomla config and tell us then what error did you have at 'blank' page in your web site.

You do mean debug, yes?
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Maxim Pishnyak on September 13, 2013, 10:31:18 AM
Error Reporting
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Agaton on September 13, 2013, 10:46:41 AM
Quote from: Maxim Pishnyak on September 13, 2013, 10:31:18 AM
Error Reporting
That has been enabled and I only get the same error messages that appear on the joomla pages that work....

Strict Standards: Declaration of OPCloader::logged() should be compatible with that of VirtueMartViewCart::logged() in /var/www/vhosts/testdomain.co.uk/httpdocs/components/com_onepage/helpers/loader.php on line 22

Strict Standards: Declaration of OPCloader::getModel() should be compatible with that of JView::getModel() in /var/www/vhosts/testdomain.co.uk/httpdocs/components/com_onepage/helpers/loader.php on line 22

Strict Standards: Only variables should be assigned by reference in /var/www/vhosts/testdomain.co.uk/httpdocs/templates/thathelped/config.php on line 11

Strict Standards: Only variables should be assigned by reference in /var/www/vhosts/testdomain.co.uk/httpdocs/templates/thathelped/config.php on line 12

Deprecated: Function ereg_replace() is deprecated in /var/www/vhosts/testdomain.co.uk/httpdocs/templates/thathelped/config.php on line 38

Notice: Undefined variable: logoImage in /var/www/vhosts/testdomain.co.uk/httpdocs/templates/thathelped/config.php on line 165

Warning: getimagesize() [function.getimagesize]: Filename cannot be empty in /var/www/vhosts/testdomain.co.uk/httpdocs/templates/thathelped/config.php on line 165

I would assume from this that something has changed in VM2.0.22b,c,d that was not present on VM2.0.22a, as all non VM pages work perfectly.

Any suggestions....

Question: Has there been any significant changes to VM view templates?
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: jenkinhill on September 13, 2013, 10:55:25 AM
Looks like a problem with one page checkout.  OPCs need updating for 2.0.22c/d - at least one 3rd party developer has released an updated version.

VM templates are changed as of 2.0.22c  (not before) for security fixes.  http://virtuemart.net/news/list-all-news/446-important-security-release-vm-team-at-joomladay-germany
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Maxim Pishnyak on September 13, 2013, 11:29:53 AM
And I can't see fatal error in your last post, Spike. Only fatal error could produce blank screen.
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Agaton on September 13, 2013, 11:35:42 AM
Quote from: jenkinhill on September 13, 2013, 10:55:25 AM
Looks like a problem with one page checkout.  OPCs need updating for 2.0.22c/d - at least one 3rd party developer has released an updated version.

Thanks, I never gave that a thought. Just did that though same error messages.

Quote from: jenkinhill on September 13, 2013, 10:55:25 AMVM templates are changed as of 2.0.22c  (not before) for security fixes.  http://virtuemart.net/news/list-all-news/446-important-security-release-vm-team-at-joomladay-germany

Did the templates only change in c/d, as the blank page issue has existed since 2.0.22b....

Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Agaton on September 13, 2013, 11:37:48 AM
Quote from: Maxim Pishnyak on September 13, 2013, 11:29:53 AM
And I can't see fatal error in your last post, Spike. Only fatal error could produce blank screen.

That's why I am bemused.... Something has fundamentally changed in VM for this to occur..... The danger is that if it is more common most people will revert back to the 2.0.22a version rather than look into it.
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Maxim Pishnyak on September 13, 2013, 11:40:43 AM
You could try error reporting 'Simple' btw.
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Agaton on September 13, 2013, 11:47:01 AM
Quote from: Maxim Pishnyak on September 13, 2013, 11:40:43 AM
You could try error reporting 'Simple' btw.

This is the only error when that happens...

Warning: getimagesize() [function.getimagesize]: Filename cannot be empty in /var/www/vhosts/testdomain.co.uk/httpdocs/templates/thathelped/config.php on line 165
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Agaton on September 13, 2013, 11:49:56 AM
Additional Info:

I have removed the templatesoverrides completely and this issue still exists...... Also I have followed the advice on link http://virtuemart.net/news/list-all-news/446-important-security-release-vm-team-at-joomladay-germany and none of the altered template files are affected.....
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Maxim Pishnyak on September 13, 2013, 20:05:15 PM
So you don't have blank screen any more?
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Agaton on September 15, 2013, 19:43:38 PM
Quote from: Maxim Pishnyak on September 13, 2013, 20:05:15 PM
So you don't have blank screen any more?
The issue still exists......
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Agaton on September 16, 2013, 13:21:37 PM
Quote from: Maxim Pishnyak on September 13, 2013, 20:05:15 PM
So you don't have blank screen any more?

After following all your advice the issue still exists on more than one website with different templates in use.... help is needed.....
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Maxim Pishnyak on September 18, 2013, 16:42:17 PM
URL please. And you can pm me access.
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Agaton on September 19, 2013, 16:33:04 PM
Quote from: Maxim Pishnyak on September 18, 2013, 16:42:17 PM
URL please. And you can pm me access.

pm sent thanks
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Agaton on September 20, 2013, 12:08:51 PM
....and VM is let down again with support... why do I bother?
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Maxim Pishnyak on September 20, 2013, 12:12:13 PM
Quote from: spike1968 on September 19, 2013, 16:29:59 PM
I don't have it live yet, it is in a test area.... If you are familiar with host file change ( and i am sure you are), please chnage your host file so that it adds...
Quote from: spike1968 on September 20, 2013, 12:07:46 PM
There is an issue with vm2... and you are unable to help!

I can't put it on a live site so how can I get this looked at?

Unfortunately this is where VM is let down, with support, and I have over many years offered my help... yet my pm's get ignored or I get pushed from pillar to post.
Really what happened with free hosting services?
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Maxim Pishnyak on September 20, 2013, 12:13:56 PM
Also read at least now this important for support seekers Sticked thread http://forum.virtuemart.net/index.php?topic=79799
Quote from: jenkinhill on December 29, 2010, 18:31:10 PM
For most issues a live site url will help anyone who tries to offer assistance, and is vital for display, add to cart or lightbox issues..
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Agaton on September 20, 2013, 13:21:17 PM
Quote from: Maxim Pishnyak on September 20, 2013, 12:12:13 PM
Quote from: spike1968 on September 19, 2013, 16:29:59 PM
I don't have it live yet, it is in a test area.... If you are familiar with host file change ( and i am sure you are), please chnage your host file so that it adds...
Quote from: spike1968 on September 20, 2013, 12:07:46 PM
There is an issue with vm2... and you are unable to help!

I can't put it on a live site so how can I get this looked at?

Unfortunately this is where VM is let down, with support, and I have over many years offered my help... yet my pm's get ignored or I get pushed from pillar to post.
Really what happened with free hosting services?

That is very unprofessional to post a pm response in a public forum... I do not blast your pm's in the public arena
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Agaton on September 20, 2013, 13:24:07 PM
Quote from: Maxim Pishnyak on September 20, 2013, 12:12:13 PM
Really what happened with free hosting services?

Free hosting services are not the issue as I run my own servers and do not need them, my sites are run in a test area so that there in no issue with duplicate content being indexed by google as SEO is an important factor. Host files changes should not be an issue and I have never encountered a problem changing host files for test in a networked arena or single PC's.
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Agaton on September 20, 2013, 13:27:29 PM
Once again when a problem exists where I need assistance, and I have been working with VM since it was launched as I have with Joomla, the support network is poor. Answers for the simple issues are dealt with but not for the more complicated issues.

Your own advise is not to test on a LIVE site.. yet you want me to show you a problem that stops a site from working in a LIVE environment. How unprofessional.

VM2 is a great product, support as always lets it down.
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Maxim Pishnyak on September 20, 2013, 13:30:02 PM
Thank you for positive criticism. Bye.
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Agaton on September 20, 2013, 13:37:32 PM
Quote from: Maxim Pishnyak on September 20, 2013, 13:30:02 PM
Thank you for positive criticism. Bye.

I bring you a problem that occurs on multiple sites with many variations and the lack of concern and the unprofessional way you have dealt with this is astounding.
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: jenkinhill on September 20, 2013, 16:55:36 PM
We have to wonder why you are the only one apparently with this problem. Since the release date of VM2.0.22b there have been over 60,000 downloads of that version and 2.0.22c/d and apart from gantry related display problems nothing else has been reported in any way similar to what you describe.

There were no important changes to templates that affect display between 22a/22b

This has to be a host environment or configuration issue. Or interraction with some 3rd party plugin, but you will have checked for those.

If you are running on localhost only then it is not so easy for any of us to see the issue live - that's why we always ask for a live site url. You can always lock it down with .htaccess password protection to restrict SE access - that is what I do for many of my development sites.

If you want to ask if the lead developer, Milbo (http://forum.virtuemart.net/index.php?action=profile;u=33216), will take a look at the problem then I suggest you drop him a pm.
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Agaton on September 20, 2013, 18:07:55 PM
Thank you for coming back to me.

Quote from: jenkinhill on September 20, 2013, 16:55:36 PM
We have to wonder why you are the only one apparently with this problem. Since the release date of VM2.0.22b there have been over 60,000 downloads of that version and 2.0.22c/d and apart from gantry related display problems nothing else has been reported in any way similar to what you describe.

There were no important changes to templates that affect display between 22a/22b

This has to be a host environment or configuration issue. Or interraction with some 3rd party plugin, but you will have checked for those.
This has been happening since upgrade to 22b, it does not happen in 22a so that discounts server configuration issue. I have installed 22c using the same template structure but as a fresh install that is fine. I have now upgraded 5 sites from 22a to 22b,c,d and the issue exists on purchased templates and my own template. various configurations and plugins installed. The only vm addons I use are those purchased on the extension directory on the vm site.

Currently I am investigating the upgrade procedure and whether that is causing some issue.

Quote from: jenkinhill on September 20, 2013, 16:55:36 PM

If you are running on localhost only then it is not so easy for any of us to see the issue live - that's why we always ask for a live site url. You can always lock it down with .htaccess password protection to restrict SE access - that is what I do for many of my development sites.


I am not running on localhost, but run my test sites on a dedicated server ( I run three optimized for Joomla and VirtueMart ) . My hosting is set, as if live, to enable only me to access the site by making a change to the hosts file on my network. This allows me to work on a site in the same environment as live sites, test and develop without the danger of getting my sites indexed incorrectly by google. As most of my sites rank high that is very important. Then the DNS is set or files moved at live date. Working on a site in localhost can be problematic.

Quote from: jenkinhill on September 20, 2013, 16:55:36 PM

If you want to ask if the lead developer, Milbo (http://forum.virtuemart.net/index.php?action=profile;u=33216), will take a look at the problem then I suggest you drop him a pm.

I will, as I always do, find a solution. I only post on here as a last resort normally and thought I would see if things had changed with the help process on this forum. Unfortunately it has not. But I thank you for reply.
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: jenkinhill on September 20, 2013, 18:17:33 PM
To check if it is your update procedure make a vanilla install of J2.5.14 in the same server environment and install VM2.0.22d using Joomla's extensions installer. If that works then I guess it points to how you update. I assume you used Joomla's extensions installer for the updates and not the live Akeeba installer?
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Milbo on September 22, 2013, 15:44:29 PM
Quote from: spike1968 on September 13, 2013, 10:46:41 AM
Notice: Undefined variable: logoImage in /var/www/vhosts/testdomain.co.uk/httpdocs/templates/thathelped/config.php on line 165
Warning: getimagesize() [function.getimagesize]: Filename cannot be empty in /var/www/vhosts/testdomain.co.uk/httpdocs/templates/thathelped/config.php on line 165

This is definitly something in your template.
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Milbo on September 22, 2013, 15:55:31 PM
Spike1968 it is really strange what you do. You claim to have an error, you refuse the simpelst thing to help you, give the live page.

There are people who try to help you, but you get aggressive and start to blame the people who give you support, that there is no support. ???

You did not what every professional does, the good old Sherlock Holmes method. "Exclude every possibility and what is left, must be the problem". So you never post your live URL, you do not give BE access, the problem is not so worse, that you write a pm to me (with 100 posts you should know about this possibility) and you did not try your best to determine if it is a server config issue (for example php version), a template issue or somehow connected to the db.

So we need our glasbowls to help you. Yes we have some and we even used them, but sorry that it is not enough.

PS: I had lately some errors, which just happened, because the people used an outdated php version. You should always use at least the last version of a mayor version. So php5.2.17, php5.3.25, or php5.4.19
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: franzpeter on September 23, 2013, 10:47:29 AM
Spike, maybe a silly question. Do you use an updated database with the page, where blank screen occurs, or does it happen with a vanilla install and only the virtuemart example products? Did you use the Tools ->Migration: install or if necessary update tables? My suggestion is if it is a live database to first backup the database to keep the original database and then use the suggested way with the migration tools.
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: stAn99 on September 23, 2013, 18:38:50 PM
I would recommend to check the source code when error reporting is enabled. Sometimes once some html is rendered, the actual fatal error which causes the blank screen may be hidden. Pls check if you see a message like: Fatal error.... If not, for anybody on this forum to be able to help you, you should check your php error logs to see the actual problem. (not joomla logs and not apache logs, but php error logs)

This is my thought from my experience:
- most of the fatal errors that are not shown to you are caused by memory problems, especially when they concern the GD (creating the thumbnails). You should check your Site -> System information -> PHP Information -> search for memory_limit.

If it says 32MB or 64MB and you are not running a pure VM2 demo site with clean installation of Joomla, but rather you have SOME 3rd party extensions installed, make sure that your system handles your needs - it is recommended to have 128MB for an avarage CMS site (regarless of the system) and if you are having many 3rd party extensions, plugins or products, you should have 256MB or even 512 MB memory limit.

Please ask your hosting if it is possible
- to raise/change the limit with php functions (virtuemart already does this in some cases when needed), but it may not be supported by your hosting
- to raise it generically to something higher like those 128MB

If your hosting blocks any of the core php functions such as ini_set or similar with suhosin.

Some hostings may also encounter problems with creating thumbs as they may not have proper libraries installed or they may not be available to you.

Best Regards,
Stan, RuposTel.com
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Agaton on September 25, 2013, 11:29:46 AM
Quote from: Milbo on September 22, 2013, 15:44:29 PM
Quote from: spike1968 on September 13, 2013, 10:46:41 AM
Notice: Undefined variable: logoImage in /var/www/vhosts/testdomain.co.uk/httpdocs/templates/thathelped/config.php on line 165
Warning: getimagesize() [function.getimagesize]: Filename cannot be empty in /var/www/vhosts/testdomain.co.uk/httpdocs/templates/thathelped/config.php on line 165

This is definitly something in your template.

Yes it is, but has no bearing on the problem at hand....
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Agaton on September 25, 2013, 11:35:46 AM
Quote from: Milbo on September 22, 2013, 15:55:31 PM
Spike1968 it is really strange what you do. You claim to have an error, you refuse the simpelst thing to help you, give the live page.

Live page is not an option, as I explained.... That's why I gave the details to alter the host file a normal process in web development, this allows proper testing on the same environment without Google accidentally indexing the pages and ruining positioning of the existing live site. I cannot believe that help cannot be provided just because a host file cannot be altered.

As for the problem at hand the issue is definitely within the upgrade process as a fresh install works fine.
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Agaton on September 25, 2013, 11:38:23 AM
Quote from: stAn99 on September 23, 2013, 18:38:50 PM
I would recommend to check the source code when error reporting is enabled. Sometimes once some html is rendered, the actual fatal error which causes the blank screen may be hidden. Pls check if you see a message like: Fatal error.... If not, for anybody on this forum to be able to help you, you should check your php error logs to see the actual problem. (not joomla logs and not apache logs, but php error logs)

This is my thought from my experience:
- most of the fatal errors that are not shown to you are caused by memory problems, especially when they concern the GD (creating the thumbnails). You should check your Site -> System information -> PHP Information -> search for memory_limit.

If it says 32MB or 64MB and you are not running a pure VM2 demo site with clean installation of Joomla, but rather you have SOME 3rd party extensions installed, make sure that your system handles your needs - it is recommended to have 128MB for an avarage CMS site (regarless of the system) and if you are having many 3rd party extensions, plugins or products, you should have 256MB or even 512 MB memory limit.

Please ask your hosting if it is possible
- to raise/change the limit with php functions (virtuemart already does this in some cases when needed), but it may not be supported by your hosting
- to raise it generically to something higher like those 128MB

If your hosting blocks any of the core php functions such as ini_set or similar with suhosin.

Some hostings may also encounter problems with creating thumbs as they may not have proper libraries installed or they may not be available to you.

Best Regards,
Stan, RuposTel.com


These aren't concerns as I am the host and the dedicated servers I use are configured to operate Joomla and VM properly, but thank you for your input. Also the sites work fine on 2.0.22a.
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Agaton on September 25, 2013, 11:44:14 AM
Quote from: jenkinhill on September 20, 2013, 18:17:33 PM
To check if it is your update procedure make a vanilla install of J2.5.14 in the same server environment and install VM2.0.22d using Joomla's extensions installer. If that works then I guess it points to how you update. I assume you used Joomla's extensions installer for the updates and not the live Akeeba installer?

It is all fine in a fresh install. The update is the problem.

When I first installed 2.0.22b I used the Akeeba Installer first and when that didn't work I installed via extension manager...

Would this be the reason for the problem? Answering my own question I am sure that it won't be as I only used this process on one site and the issue exists with multiple sites that are being upgraded.
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Agaton on September 25, 2013, 12:46:37 PM
I have been reading more and more forums about the issue at hand, it seems it is a problem that exists for other users as well...

Can anyone expand on this phrase "template overrides probably need updating with the 2.0.22c security code".... is there a link to explain this?

I have used 2.0.22c default templates and my own overrides and the issue does exist but if there is something to read about this issue it may help me find out the cause.
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: jenkinhill on September 25, 2013, 19:57:28 PM
See the paragraph starting "Sometimes we used in the code JURI::getInstance()->toString()" in http://virtuemart.net/news/list-all-news/446-important-security-release-vm-team-at-joomladay-germany
Title: Re: Why is frontend blank
Post by: Agaton on December 20, 2013, 11:36:07 AM
After months of working on a solution and coming up with nothing, it miraculously fixes the problem with the upgrade to 2.0.24c... Nothing has changed in my install the only change is the upgraded version... strange !!