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How to install XML templates...
Thursday, 19 July 2007
These are the instructions for installing an .xml blogger template (whimsytemplate.xml for example). Please read these instructions carefully.
Information on unzipping files:
Please be aware that I offer my templates as zipped (.zip) folders. The zip folder you download from suckmylolly.com contains a few files that have been compressed, to reduce their file size. Usually this folder will contain the blogger template - template.xml for example - my terms and conditions and an extra folder which contains the images. You cannot expect to upload this .zip folder and have it work - why?: because it's a compressed folder and not a blogger template.
You must UNZIP this folder before installing the template.
If you don't know how to unzip files then I advise you to read this or this. I do not use Windows but I believe that for Vista and XP - all you need do is to double click the file to unzip it.
How to install the template:
Log into your Blogger account and click on "Layout"
Select the "LAYOUT" tab and then from the Template page, please click on the "Edit HTML" submenu.
(click image for a larger view)
At the top of this page it says "Backup/Restore Template" and advises you to download your current template (good idea, incase things go weird).
The next step is to upload the suckmylolly.com template you like by "browsing" your computer for the .xml file that you downloaded and clicking on "upload".
(click for a larger view)
There is no need to touch the big box of code underneath this (unless of course you know html/xml). You MUST upload the .XML file from your computer - trying to upload anything else will not work!!
Deleting widgets when you install a template:
If you have a lot of widgets/gadgets in your blog then trying to change your template will bring up a screen like this one (see image below). Basically it's letting you know that by changing your template you're going to lose your widgets. These are deleted when you change your Blogger template and I don't know how to get around this.
Deleting widgets when you install a template:
If you have a lot of widgets/gadgets in your blog then trying to change your template will bring up a screen like this one (see image below). Basically it's letting you know that by changing your template you're going to lose your widgets. These are deleted when you change your Blogger template and I don't know how to get around this.
I advise that you back up your widgets (ie: copy and paste the info into a Word document and then re-add it once you've installed your template).
NOTE: IF YOU EXPERIENCE AN ERROR after this step, please read the help section here.
NOTE: IF YOU EXPERIENCE AN ERROR after this step, please read the help section here.
Done! View your blog to see the changes! Easy peasy!
The biggest issue you'll probably have is not reading these instructions properly - please check this twice before contacting me.
Having trouble with CLASSIC vs XML templates?
ie: want to upgrade your template?
Some people may be using "old" or "classic" templates and want to upgrade to "new" Blogger to take advantage of the newer features. How can you identify which type of Blogger you're using (ie: old/new).
click image for a larger preview
Here is a screen grab of a "classic" template area (above). If this is what your "Layout" area looks like then you're using "old" blogger. To switch to "new" blogger all you have to do is click on "Customise Design" and it will guide you through the steps and ask you to pick a new design. Pick any one (easily changeable). Viola!
click image for a larger preview
Here is a screen grab of a "new blogger" template area (above). If this is what your "Layout" area looks like then you're using new blogger and are ready to upload .xml templates. Nothing needs changing. Hoorah!
"HEY, I STILL CAN'T INSTALL IT!!"
OK - as I have mentioned above, the templates do install. I test them!
Sometimes Blogger encounters an error (yes, this happens to me sometimes) but it has nothing to do with the template as is, in fact, a temporary error with Blogger. It doesn't happen often, but it does happen. Wait a few hours and try again - or try another browser. This usually works for me. If you're having troubles still (after the confirmation to delete widgets ---> READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS)
The issue might be with the way your widgets are labelled. Click here for detailed instructions on how to fix this issue.
UPDATE - MARCH 2009
I'm afraid I am turning comments off this post because I get too many comments saying that you cannot get the template to work when I know that 99% of problems can be remidied by the above steps! I simpley do not have time to respond to individual questions so please go to the BLOGGER HELP FORUMS if you need assistance with technical errors. Thanks and sorry!
Labels: FAQs, how to, install, instructions
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