Reorganizing categories 1

[ComputerCrash]

I'm trying to better organize the category tree on the left side of my store, which is currently serving as the site navigation menu. I want to avoid having a long list 22 items.

I would like to create a few main categories instead of the larger, confusing list I have. I want to link to a category page that contains info and links to various subcategories. Right now when you click on certain categories, pages like "accessories" just randomly appear underneath.

Based on my lack of Miva Merchant experience (I'm using 4.22) it look as though the products are all still there when you make a certain group "inactive". It just removes it from the menu, right?

I'd appreciate any advice you could give...

 

[stillhanginon]

Yes, making a group inactive doesn't remove it from the category tree.
If you are using OpenUI you can make your own cattree with just HTML.
On left panel expand “Stores”, then click on your store name.
On the right click “Head/Foot Global”
Scroll to “Category Tree Header” and enter html leaving the “ < ! - - “ at the end & the --> on the Category Tree Footer
Here is some of the code I use in one of my stores for the CatTree

<pre><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><a href="[URL unfurl="true"]http://yourstore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CONTACT">CONTACT[/URL] US</a>
<a href="[URL unfurl="true"]http://store.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=But">BUTTONS</a>[/URL]

You just make a list with anchors to the pages that list the product. If you use a WYSIWYG editor you can just copy and paste your code from that.
Make sense?
Let me know if you need more help.
Jim

 

[ComputerCrash]

I want to thank both of you for the advice. I'm a Miva Merchant newbie and I don't believe I have OpenUI (but what's the best way to check?)

I want to make sure I'm understanding how to best write this code, you put

<!--

at the end of the catalog head in category tree(or a menu title?)


And at the beginning of the code in the category footer section this:

-->

?

Sorry I don't understand HTML too well (other than cut/pasting what I can have Dreamweaver convert)...Without trying to appear as someone asking you to do their homework, would someone consider posting generic menu code? "Category 1, Category 2, Category 3, etc?"

So even if I used this, will I still have to have the categories active?

Also, if this is creating my own cattree, do I the regular miva category tree inactive?

Thanks

 

[stillhanginon]

If you are using OpenUI you will have it written on the top of your left hand menu in the admin page.
I'll try to help you as much as I can, but I don't know what your interface looks like, if you don't have OpenUI it is totally different than mine.
Here is an example for you:
In the Category Tree Header:

<pre><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
<a href="[URL unfurl="true"]http://yourStore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=abstr">ABSTRACT</a>[/URL]
<a href="[URL unfurl="true"]http://yourStore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=AMY">AMY[/URL] BUTLER</a> <br> <a href="[URL unfurl="true"]http://yourStore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=Anim">ANIMALS</a>[/URL] <br>
</font></pre>
<!--

and in the Category Tree Footer:

 -->

If you are using DreamWeaver then make a list of your categories and then link each one to the page that displays it. You can cut and paste the address of each for the links.
You will then have to turn off your category tree, I'm not real sure where you would have to do this but it should just be a checkbox. Yes, the categories would have to be active.
Here is a link to the store that I'm using as an example:

http://www.sarahsfabrics.com

Let me know how it goes, I was a newbie once and got a lot of help, so I'm glad to return the favor.
Jim

 

[ComputerCrash]

Thanks Jim. I access MIVA through an admin sign on page on my site and believe I've got the standard interface (which does match all of the pics in the MIVA help docs I have).

I found that when I had to keep "Show Catgory tree" checked in order to have any of the cat tree header/footer code appear. In any event it's working! Thanks a bunch!

Now one more thing, does anyone know how to get rid of the annoying "sign in" link that automatically appears at the top of your cat tree area?

 

[stillhanginon]

So, you've made your own cat tree? If so, I didn't think the "sign in" link would still be there. If you list the address of your site I'll take a look and help you figure it out.
Jim

 

[ComputerCrash]

http://spabydesign.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?

I'm surprised it was still there as well...but I can't seem to find anything that mentions this in the Miva admin login I have for this site.

You'll also notice my most noticable headache on the site- not being able to change the miva navigation bar width. Right now the Checkout button expands with the page. It's looking like I only have control over what the buttons do.
Maybe it's preset to 100% width?

Thanks again for all the advice...this site is great.

 

[stillhanginon]

It is under "Customer Accounts". I'm not sure where it would be listed on your admin page. Try clicking on your store and then look for it in the menu. You should see a check box to disable the "Sign In" and a way to change the text.
If you want more control over the look of your store you should consider buying OpenUi.
Jim