server error vti_cnf

[Lisa A]

I have a large site that contains some php scripts. I also have a frontpage
form on my site and I think the problem might be that I ftp the site to the
server sometimes and now I need to just publish because the forms page won't
work I dont' think unless I publish.
Any suggestions what to do? I can't finish publishing due to the server
error cannot create folder vti_cnf.
What is the proper thing to do? ftp or publish?

thanks,
Lisa A

 

[Nicholas Savalas - http://savalas.tv]

Dear Lisa,

In cases like this, including a URL is very helpful. Try to include a
link to the site in any future posts. I went to
http://webscapedesigns.com - it is throwing an error. Is that the site
you are having a problem with?

The folder you refer to, _vti_cnf (and all the rest of the _vti
folders), are created when FrontPage extensions are installed. Among
the functions of these hidden folders is to log the contents, and
changes, to a FP site. FrontPage is absolutely amazing in its ability
to manage a website. Many people hate FP (and its FP extensions)
because they do not understand the basic idea behind FP; it is not just
a site editor, it is a comprehensive website administration tool.

Using PHP scripts is your choice; while FP2003 supports them, there are
faster and easier ways to do everything a PHP script does using the
ASP/ASP.NET schema, and they can accomplish some things PHP never
dreamed of doing. If you decide to edit the function of any of your PHP
scripts, you will find yourself needing to learn a great deal about PHP
itself. There is a big learning curve there.

The best way to use FP is to have a complete local copy (local means on
your home computer) of your website, including everything: all pages
(.htm, .asp, .php, etc.) .csv/.txt, databases, java, .pdf, pictures,
subwebs, etc. Then, you simply open the local site in FP, and use
File... Publish Site... and choose your domain (e.g.
http://example.com) as the target, or remote, web. FrontPage will do
the rest. If you choose to FTP the site up, use that function in the
Publish Remote Site window. FP will automatically not publish web
directory (_vti folder) information; it will update those existing
folders.

On a Windows Server running IIS, you usually cannot alter, or
create/delete, those _vti folders, by design. If you have goofed up the
FP extensions, FTP your site up manually (without the _vti folders -
there's a _vti folder underneath every folder in your web), and ask
your host to reinstall the FP extensions. Good luck, Lisa, keep us
updated.

Nicholas Savalas - http://savalas.tv

 

[Tom [Pepper] Willett]

You must http publish to a server with the FP server extensions for the
forms and other web components to work. FTP will corrupt the extensions.

Contact your host to run a health check on the extensions, or reinstall
them.

 

[John Ferrell]

Thank you.
I have been struggling with these issues my self.
Sorting out the useful information regarding FP is not simple for many of
us.

 

[Lisa A]

My sites are all on a unix server and my programmer writes my scripts in
php. That is why I've never used asp
There would be conflict I'm sure? I'd have to move my sites to a windows
server? That is more expensive, but with my php script would that be a
problem?
I love front page and wouldn't use anything else.
I don't like dream weaver from what little I've seen.
Thanks for all the help and suggestions. I've had them reinstall the
extensions and I've removed as much as I could. I do have the whole site on
my computer. My webscapesdesigns is my main site and it is currently having
issues on the server. It is somehow being pointed to two servers and
causing tons of headaches for me.
thanks,
Lisa