It happens to all of us. Sometimes you cannot afford that dazzling new computer software, or that new computer you want, and you slink back into the programs that seem outdated in the accessories menu, and think, “Surely it would be easier to use (fill in the blank with the new HTML editing/ web design software) than this version of Microsoft FrontPage? Let's face it: nobody wants to use outdated software. But what really defines us is not our limitations, but with what is called the “wetware”—the mind behind it. Maybe you've never used that FrontPage program on your computer, or thrown your arms up in frustration after hours of getting nowhere. But, you find you have opened up FrontPage once again, or soon will because of that Web Site you need to edit from your old hosting company. The only problem: you feel so lost you don't know where to begin. Take a look at FrontPage again, because this article is for you.
A Note About Previously Designed Sites
If you did not design the site yourself, then please be aware of how any changes can impact your site. Although you can always download your website into MS FrontPage, one should be careful to understand what the code meaning, and what function it was created for. Use the “ Page Options” feature in the main Frontpage menu to configure FrontPage to allow you to overwrite the Front Page programming code. Only do this if you are well versed in code. If you are not well versed in code, then leave it be.
It will be better to call your graphic designer to add an item to your web site than messing up the website. Any changes you make in the code, could cause your website to stop functioning if it is not done appropriately to the rules of all of the programming languages invoked such as HTML, XHTML, PHP, or Javascript. This gets even harrier if your site was built with other professional interfaces, or site builders. Designers often use a combination of high-tech software and coding to achieve the desired effect. The end result in code, could be very difficult to understand. If in doubt, consult with your graphic designer, or programmer.
If you used a SiteBuilder offered online or through a Web Hosting company, always be certain that you can export the site. Most SiteBuilders offered through Hosting companies are not exportable, which means you will have to start over. With that disclaimer being said, if you want to edit your code and take responsibility for any consequences, then keep reading.
Importing Your Website Into FrontPage/Downloading existing websites
Whether you want to make major changes, or just look at your site in FrontPage to get a glimpse at the whole picture of the mechanisms behind your site, you can learn to import and edit your site. If you wish to redesign your own site in FrontPage, then you may import any existing site into Frontpage by doing the following:
First, open your HTML editor, MS FrontPage (1998, 2000, or 2003), and click on the “File” menu running across the top of the software program. Then select “Import,” and click on “Import Web Wizard.” At this point, please choose which location you are importing from by selecting it in the right pane. The pathway will look like this: Open FrontPage 1998/ 2000/ 2003 > File Menu > Import > Web Wizard. The FrontPage Web Wizard will finish importing the site for you.
Why Can't I Import X Page Into FrontPage 1998/ 2000/ 2003?
Sometimes the two systems are incompatible no matter what you do because of the SiteBuilder, or HTML editor. Most of the time the HTML Editor will allow you to import the files, but sometimes files may not be imported due to compatibility issues with FrontPage. Another possibility is that the file has become corrupt. Try importing the files again, and if you get the same result, you will have to work with what you have or start over from scratch.
If you are moving to a new hosting company, please be aware that FrontPage requires that special extensions be installed on your web server. If you are unfamiliar with your web hosting control panel, which is accessible via the Internet, then your best bet will be to call your hosting company, and have them install the extensions for you. When you call, be prepared to create a new login name and password just for FrontPage--specifically if you are using a Linux/Unix hosting plan. People with Windows hosting plans will need to get their file transfer protocol (FTP) user login and password.
How hard is it to use FrontPage 1998/ 2000/ 2003?
To answer this question, one must know how familiar with HTML editing software, the Internet, and computers you are to begin with. If you are new to all these things, then expect to have patience while learning your way around the program; it is like learning to do any new activity. Some people need more time on training wheels than others, and that's okay. If you are not a beginner, but are somewhere in the middle, then give yourself plenty of time and patience as well to work with FrontPage and experiment with the software. If you are wanting to simply change some text in the body copy, or change an image, then you can peruse the HTML code to change a pathway.
HTML tutorials abound on the Internet, but one of the best tutorial sites is at http://www.w3.org. If you read the primer on pathways, or linking images, then even if you are new to all this, that is enough to get you started. And the more you work with it, the more working in FrontPage--or any HTML editor for that matter—will become second nature.