Q: iweb

Should I create folders and subfolders with different names inside the "domain" or "iweb"? What could I do ?

Restore your domain file from your backup that was made just prior to you losing the iWeb folder. 

The domain file cannot be recreated by adding published files and folders to a folder titled domain.  It doesn't work that way.  So if you don't have a backup copy you'll have to start over from scratch.

Since iWeb has been discontinued by Apple for over 2 year now you should seriously consider migrating to a new web creation application that is actively supported by its developers.  One that many here have migrated to is Everweb because it is very much like iWeb in its user interface and operation. 

For other potential candidates search the iWeb forum for "iWeb alternative" or "iWeb replacement".

saulowan wrote:

 

I gave up... Let's go to Everweb!

Although it's frustrating now, in the long run you will be much better off with a web site builder that is actually supported and updated. Good luck!

A little different twist?

I spent a LOT of days over several years creating a multi page business website with iWeb and Snow Leopard on a Mac Book Pro. It was published to (and hosted) by GoDaddy. When the Pro recently died and was replaced by Apple with a newer Mac Book Pro it had Mavericks installed, which no longer supports iWeb.

I have kept a backup copy (on flash drive) of the entire site and folders and files for the website, but my site is currently frozen in time in cyberspace with no way to update it. Go Daddy does not support iWeb.

My wife has an older MacBook Pro with Snow Leopard and iWeb installed. When I open iWeb, it is looking to start a new site from step 1. Is there a way I can get the older pro to access my back up copy so I can update my site and continue using iWeb on the old Pro?

I've got a to invested here. Can anyone help with a solution. I am not a MAC expert user, but understand the basics.

Unfortunately, in this instance, there is absolutely nothing that you can do because you kept a backup, but folders and files (your published site) is NOT a back up that iWeb can ever use.  iWeb has no import facility, so is unable to open and already published site - so html and css files that you have backed up.

What you needed to backup for iWeb to be able to use were your domain.sites files which are located under your User Library/Application Support/iWeb/domain.sites.  That is why you are having the problem when you open iWeb that it is asking you to open a new site because you have the wrong files.

You are going to have to re-build your site from scratch if you do not have access to the domain files.

As iWeb is not longer sold or support, I would suggest that you pick some different software to use to re-create your site - take a look at RapidWeaver, Sandvox, Freeway Express/Pro 7, WebAcappella 4, Flux V and EverWeb.  Take a look at EverWeb because it is the most like iWeb as an application that you will find and there is not such a steep learning curve involved.

In the end though, if you backed up the wrong files, you are looking at re-building the site from scratch - the only way not that you have of altering your original site is to do it via a text editing app such as TextWrangler so that you can alter the code directly.

If you had backed up that all important domain file, then you would have been okay now.

With the domain file back in place try the following;

To open your domain file in Lion, Mountain Lion or Mavericks or to switch between multiple domain files Cyclosaurus has provided us with the following script that you can make into an Applescript application with Script Editor. Open Script Editor, copy and paste the script below into Script Editor's window and save as an application.

do shell script"/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.iWeb iWebDefaultsDocumentPath -boolean no"

delay 1

tell application "iWeb" to activate

You can download an already compiled version with this link: iWeb Switch Domain.

Just launch the application, find and select the domain file in your Home/Library/Application Support/iWeb folder that you want to open and it will open with iWeb. It modifies the iWeb preference file each time it's launched so one can switch between domain files.

WARNING: iWeb Switch Domain will overwrite an existing Domain.sites2 file if you select to create a new domain in the same folder.  So rename your domain files once they've been created to something other than the default name.

NOTE: In Lion and Mountain Lion the Home/Library folder is now invisible. To make it permanently visible in Lion or Mt. Lion enter the following in the Terminal application window: chflags nohidden ~/Library and press the Return key - 10.7: Un-hide the User Library folder.

 

 

For Mavericks, 10.9 ,  go to your Home folder and use the View ➙ Show View Options menu to bring the this window:

It will.  However, you may get the warning that it's from a non approved developer.  If that happens Control (right) - click on it and select Open from the contextual menu or create your own app with Applescript and the script provided by Cyclosaurus.

Thank you,

     I am beginning to dislike Apple's for dropping software. They should poll first! Same as to iDVD.

     I will take a look at Everweb.

Al

How are they on Customer Service and Rights? Any issues?

I used to use Bluehost. I found them to be rather overbearing in a payment dispute in quickly shutting off access to my site and then refusing to release my domain name (which was already paid for). I had to go to ICANN to get them to relent. I have been using GoDaddy for years with no issue.

You don't need to use them to host your site.  You can but you don't have to.  You can continue using GoDaddy.  Start with the demo version to get a feel for it and if it works for you purchase the stand along version.