Can't Activate Theme

OurWebMedia

Hi there,

I'm facing a strange issue all of a sudden and can't seem to figure it out.

I've created a new theme, included below are the theme details (about.php):

<?php if (!defined('APPLICATION')) exit();

$ThemeInfo['default'] = array(
   'Name' => 'Summer Blues',
   'Description' => "A blue colour based Vanilla Forums template by O.W.M Consulting (Bryce Wisekal).",
   'Version' => "1.0",
   'Author' => "Bryce Wisekal",
   'AuthorEmail' => 'services@ourwebmedia.com',
   'AuthorUrl' => 'http://www.ourwebmedia.com'
);

It's a fresh installation of Vanilla Forums on the server.

When I go and enable the theme called "Summer Blues", it doesn't activate.

No errors are being displayed either. The theme works before, I can confirm this.

Though I ran into the same problem when uploading it to a live website to test.

I ended up having to rename the theme folder to the "default" theme so it worked.

I'm baffled as to why this isn't working when trying to activate the template?

Can anyone perhaps offer some insight on why this might be happening to me?

hgtonight

The theme info array key has to match the theme's folder name exactly. In this case, you use the key 'default'. Change that to something like 'SummerBlues' and change the folder name to 'SummerBlues'.

peregrine

$ThemeInfo['default'] = array(

make it
$ThemeInfo['SummerBlues'] = array(

put your theme in themes/SummerBlues

make sure you have correct permissions in for your theme and SummerBlues folder.

you can change the Theme to SummerBlues in config.php

also don't use default as a name in your array.

also don't use theme names like default and Default.

leave the default theme intact as it came with your installation.

you may have a problem with activation (but it still is not a great idea to change things like that).

hgtonight

The theme info array key has to match the theme's folder name exactly. In this case, you use the key 'default'. Change that to something like 'SummerBlues' and change the folder name to 'SummerBlues'.

OurWebMedia

Hi there,

Just tried that too. Doesn't work. I had thought that was the issue earlier as well but it didn't make a difference when I tried earlier. Any other thoughts on what might be the cause of this?

Thanks for being so prompt!

OurWebMedia

I'd be more than willing to share login credentials if you think you can help.

I've tried absolutely everything I can think of.

I just tried a new installation of Vanilla Forums and uploaded the template via FTP.

The template folder was renamed to "SummerBlues".

The about.php file contains the following information:

<?php if (!defined('APPLICATION')) exit();

$ThemeInfo['default'] = array(
   'Name' => 'SummerBlues',
   'Description' => "A blue based Vanilla Themes template.",
   'Version' => "1.0",
   'Author' => "Bryce Wisekal",
   'AuthorEmail' => 'services@ourwebmedia.com',
   'AuthorUrl' => 'http://www.ourwebmedia.com'
);

The version of Vanilla Forums that is installed is "2.0.18.10".

Not sure if it makes a difference but I installed it with Softaculous.

To note, I did also try an installation without Softaculous, no change.

I can switch to the "Embed" theme but then cannot switch back to "Default".

I can preview all the themes and it works, but none will "Apply" when I click it.

It's rather frustrating as I cannot determine what the issue is.

Any suggestions and pointers would be much appreciated. Thank you.

peregrine

$ThemeInfo['default'] = array(

make it
$ThemeInfo['SummerBlues'] = array(

put your theme in themes/SummerBlues

make sure you have correct permissions in for your theme and SummerBlues folder.

you can change the Theme to SummerBlues in config.php

also don't use default as a name in your array.

also don't use theme names like default and Default.

leave the default theme intact as it came with your installation.

you may have a problem with activation (but it still is not a great idea to change things like that).

OurWebMedia

Hello @peregrine,

I've updated the about.php to include the modifications suggested:

<?php if (!defined('APPLICATION')) exit();

$ThemeInfo['SummerBlues'] = array(
   'Name' => 'SummerBlues',
   'Description' => "A blue based Vanilla Forums template.",
   'Version' => "1.0",
   'Author' => "Bryce Wisekal",
   'AuthorEmail' => 'services@ourwebmedia.com',
   'AuthorUrl' => 'http://www.ourwebmedia.com'
);

I would prefer to find the cause and solution rather than editing config.php.

This will be a template for others. I want them to easily "plug and go" with it.

Alike to other themes, I want the user to go to "Dashboard > Appearance > Themes" and be able to activate the theme without any additional steps. I'd like at best to avoid the editing of additional files such as config.php - hope this makes sense.

I've exhausted all other possibilities. I am aware tho I can change this via config.php. Thanks!

hgtonight

Assuming your theme folder is named 'SummerBlues' that about.php file should work. Mind posting a zip of the theme?

The config changes he mentions are just the underlying switches the GUI uses.

OurWebMedia

@hgtonight said:
Assuming your theme folder is named 'SummerBlues' that about.php file should work. Mind posting a zip of the theme?

I'll send you a message with a link to download the theme.

I kindly ask you keep it private. Thanks for your understanding.

As well, thank you for your assistance helping me with this. It's really appreciated!

For reference, the demonstration website is here:
http://www.owmthemes.com/themes/vanilla/SummerBlues

peregrine

I can preview all the themes and it works, but none will "Apply" when I click it.

if you can't apply other themes that you download from add-on section.
it is a problem with your setup or file permissions and ownership or a bug in 2.0.18.10

you may be barking at the wrong tree. (meaning your theme may be perfectly ok with your about.php, with the changes suggested).

check you cache and compile folders and make sure they have correct permissions as well.

peregrine

also check your conf folder and config.php

the wrong permissions and ownership will prevent you from applying your theme

OurWebMedia

Hello guys,

I am uncertain what happened or why, but it's working fine now.

I did not change any folder permissions.

Folder permissions were properly set the first time so it's completely out of my understanding but at least I got it to work. Thank you all for your assistance with this.