Install VirtueMart after Joomla site is up and running

[nsepe]

I have a Joomla site up and running using a JoomlaBamboo template (2.5) + Zentools for the categories/items. The products are all uploaded and viewable now, as my client wants to add the store "later". Is it possible to add the store after I've entered products? Or will I have to start over? I don't mind clicking a "buy this" button, or something similar to take me away to another interface.

Also, is it possible to also add the product configurator afterwards as well?

I have my fingers X'd hoping for a good answer!

Nancy

[jenkinhill]

How have you uploaded the products if you have not yet installed VirtueMart? The products should be set up using the VirtueMart admin interface.

[nsepe]

I have the "products" entered as items, the purpose being for the public to see what the company offers. I hope to install Virtuemart (I just installed actually, to have a look and try to figure this out) and have it somehow connect to those products. Is it possible to re-enter the products via Virtuemart's interface and then connect the existing "item/product" to the Virtuemart shopping link?

Thanks.

Nancy

[jenkinhill]

I guess you can do that but it is a lot of extra work as everything has to be added twice. You could use a plugin to link your present "product" with the VM product details display/add to cart. eg http://forum.virtuemart.net/index.php?topic=111734.0  or  http://forum.virtuemart.net/index.php?topic=108108.0

[nsepe]

thank you, I will investigate this plugin. I understand your point. When I go into the VM admin there are settings for homepage—I can maintain my current homepage and other Joomla pages while still linking to the VM product/shopping pages, correct?

Thanks again.

[jenkinhill]

You may have to use a hidden menu as you do really need a good menu link to VM for everything to work, which is usually to the homepage. You will have to test.

[nsepe]

Thank you for your advice.

It looks like I am sort of starting over and will add all products anew, since I'm not that far along anyway. The most important question: My home page is set up with a unique custom template w/slideshow and all kinds of modules. I am hoping it's possible to leave the home page as it is without disturbing the current setup. Is this so? Also the other static pages that live on the site as well. Of course the content of the menu can change, but I am hoping the only "new" pages will be the product pages.

Is this the setting that would make this happen or not: Configuration-->Templates-->Layout for your homepage-->no overide...?

Thank you!

[jenkinhill]

YOu can use Joomla's ability to use different templates through a site, even duplicate you existing template. Just ensure you assign the menus correctly. See http://forum.virtuemart.net/index.php?topic=104113.msg346882#msg346882

[nsepe]

Thank you for the link. My concern is less about using different templates and more that my non-Virtuemart pages stay as they are. Ie, I don't hink my question is the same as the link...I just want to make sure that my home page + non-virtuemart pages stays as-is; Will this require assigning different templates to each?

Thanks.

[jenkinhill]

No just make proper use of the Joomla menu assignments for your modules.

[nsepe]

 :)Thank you. I just tiptoed through some testing and I think it will actually be fine, phew...Thanks again.