Topic: Timezone database is corrupt - this should *never* happen!

[bordr415]

Ok, I know that officially its not supported, but everytime I try to open a particular site with a time tracking software it fails with an error:
 Fatal error: mktime() [<a href='function.mktime'>function.mktime</a>]: Timezone database is corrupt - this should *never* happen! in /home/e-smith/files/ibays/timesheet/html/calendar.php on line 46.

This error is beyond frustrating by the way.

I am not new nor am I an experienced linux user. But all the solutions I find are related to something in the way they changed the Timezone settings from earlier versions. They all say to edit php.ini or change rights to certain files (which I can't remember right now). The second I have tried (opened the file up to read write access to everyone and still no go.)

Here's the big dilemma. My timetracking software runs great on PHP v4.x (and PHP v5.x in ubuntu, debian, etc.) but does not run on PHP v5 (in sme). My other invoicing software does not run on PHP v4.x and requires PHP v5.x. I had all of this in an Ubuntu server box and had to migrate to this particular setup as the Ubuntu box just wasn't secure... Seemed like every week someone was finding a way in. They by default had left too many things open. I like the security of this server. I just need to figure out how to get past this...

bordr

Thanks in advance and if you need any more info, let me know.

[CharlieBrady]

My timetracking software runs great on PHP v4.x (and PHP v5.x in ubuntu, debian, etc.) but does not run on PHP v5 (in sme).

SME server does not include PHP5, so this thread is off-topic for this forum, whose subject is:

Discussion of the use of *ONLY* the components and features included on the SME Server 7.x CD.

I think it's reasonable to conclude that either the timezone database is corrupt, or your PHP installation is broken. I think the latter is more likely.

[cactus]

Moving this thread to General Discussion as it is more appropriate there.

[bordr415]

it only occurs on sme not on any other distro. it even occurs on the 8.0b3 edition.

I had originally posted this where it belongs in the 7.4 section as that is what I'm running. I am just trying to find a solution to make both applications run.

As I stated before the change in php v5.1.x changed from a separate timezone file to the local timezone located in the php.ini. This is to prevent errors from updates. I understand how this works. I also realize that PHP5 is not included in the 7.4 release of SME but since most programs are written in php5+ now its difficult to limit a server to php4.

My only solution is to try to use 7.4 and update php. As the beta edition of 8.0 has a lot of problems! I'm just not sure how to edit the timezone settings in php.ini without screwing up the templates section or without being re-written by the templates.

SME server does not include PHP5, so this thread is off-topic for this forum, whose subject is:

I think it's reasonable to conclude that either the timezone database is corrupt, or your PHP installation is broken. I think the latter is more likely.

CharlieBrady: And this helps how?
All other php functions work fine, just the date and time problem. (which by the way is a big problem)

Not trying to be rude guys, but I have made one post and got slammed 2x with posts that have no relevance to my problem.

Cactus while i recognize you have the authority to "move a post to the general section" why are you so obtuse with the people that are asking for help. Not trying to be rude, but if someone needs help they are asking for it, not for ridicule. I only say that as a checked on your last 5 posts and all of them have a very negative demeanor.

[CharlieBrady]

My only solution is to try to use 7.4 and update php.

Your updated php seems to have a problem.

As the beta edition of 8.0 has a lot of problems!

Please ensure that those problems are reported via the bug tracker.

I'm just not sure how to edit the timezone settings in php.ini without screwing up the templates section or without being re-written by the templates.

Search on this site for "custom templates".

[bordr415]

I have found nothing in regards to the timezone setting in php.ini in any of the templates or on any searches. In the forums there are a few things that come up but nothing that answers my question.

This problem is related to something in CentOS as google searches reveal this.

Search where? The wiki, forums, howtos as I have already searched these... Sorry, the layout of this site is difficult to locate information from.

[Stefano]

http://www.electrictoolbox.com/correct-php-timezone/

30 seconds search with google "timezone database php centos problem"

HTH

ciao
Stefano

[bordr415]

I have done everything listed on that page already. Even added the second part about editing php.ini...

[cactus]

ok, and once again if i change the php.ini file it gets over-ridden from the templates (according to what i've read)

True, the file is templated just as almost any other configuration file on SME Server. More on the template system can be read in the SME Server Developers Guide linked in the wiki.

In short your solution is this:

1. Locate the template fragment you need to edit in /etc/e-smith/templates/etc/php.ini/, but do not edit that one.
2. Recreate the same directory structure below /etc/e-smith/templates-custom/ as you found in /etc/e-smith/templates/, if you have made previous modifications it might already exits, if not this command will create it:

Code: [Select]

mkdir -p /etc/e-smith/templates-custom/etc/php.ini3. Now copy the fragment you would like to modify from the templates tree to the templates-custom tree (respecting the directory structure):

Code: [Select]

cp /etc/e-smith/templates/etc/php.ini/name-of-fragment /etc/e-smith/templates-custom/etc/php.ini/4. Now edit the copied fragment with your favorite editor, after you have made your modifications save them.
5. Now we need to regenerate the configuration file and reload it, this can most easlily be done using the followin:

Code: [Select]

signal-event remoteaccess-update

[bordr415]

I'm lost on step 1: Locate the template fragment?

Maybe I can go about this another way:

Can someone give me a quick step by step in code on how to change php.ini to include this:

[DATE]
date.timezone = America/Los_Angelas

I can reverse engineer it, but as of right now I'm not understanding the fragment directions.
You'll have to excuse my slowness on account I am usually dealing with MS and am trying to migrate many locations to open source. I believe that SME is quite capable (mostly the Ibays) of handling everything most of my clients will need.

Cactus I appreciate the help. (may not understand the directions but atleast I'm getting somewhere  )

[Stefano]

to locate the template fragment, go to /etc/e-smith/templates-custom/etc/php.ini

if [date] directive doesn't appear in any of php.ini fragments, then create your own in /templates-custom/ tree and give it the name you prefer

follow cactu's directives

in any case, in developer manual you'll find everything about SME's templating system

HTH
Ciao
Stefano

[bordr415]

/etc/e-smith/templates-custom/etc/php.ini returns:
-bash: /etc/e-smith/templates-custom/etc/php.ini: is a directory
vi /etc/e-smith/templates-custom/etc/php.ini returns:
"/etc/e-smith/templates-custom/etc/php.ini" is a directory

[Stefano]

bordr415:

not to be rude but:
- did you read cactus' post?
- did you read dev. manual?
- did you try to search the forum for "custom template"?

/etc/e-smith/templates-custom/etc/php.ini  is a directory.. so you have do cd to that one and copy/create the fragment..

Code: [Select]

cd /etc/e-smith/templates-custom/etc/php.ini

if fragment exists in /etc/e-smith/templates/etc/php.ini directory then follow cactus' instructions, otherwise, follow mine.

is it so difficult to READ?

Ciao
Stefano

[David Harper]

@bordr415 - just elaborating on Stefano's post a little...

While you may know a bit about how Linux works, it would do you good to read the manual more carefully (and twice would be good). SME Server aims to simplify common tasks and also tries very hard to protect the system configuration during upgrades, both minor and major. These goals are met by using an architecture that is unlike any other Linux distro; the problems you are running into reflect that (IMHO) you haven't taken the time to appreciate this.

As has been suggested, you should read the Developer's Manual more carefully before you go poking around too much.

Also, please bear in mind that Contribs.org isn't backed by some large corporation with a huge payroll. Everyone here is basically a volunteer. So take the time to appreciate the fact that anyone is helping you at all. If this were a Windows server you'd be paying Microsoft and/or some consulting company a couple hundred bucks an hour - at least - to assist you with a problem like this.

Lastly, if you think that there is a problem, there's not much point complaining about it here in the forums. Use the bug tracker: that's where the developers pay attention. It's not clear to me exactly what it is causing this issue, but it sounds like it's possible that our templates need to be updated to deal with time zones for whatever software you are using. So if you could file a report with the error and the software affected, something might happen to fix this for the benefit of all members.

[bordr415]

Code: [Select]

mkdir -p /etc/e-smith/templates-custom/etc/php.ini

Code: [Select]

cp /etc/e-smith/templates/etc/php.ini/name-of-fragment /etc/e-smith/templates-custom/etc/php.ini/

Not understanding the "name-of-fragment" section. AND YES I HAVE BEEN READING FOR 2+ days now, non stop on this issue. Have even created virtual machines to temp run the different php versions until this is solved. I am re-reading the DEV Manual now. But still not understanding it. Ya i read the cactus post. but if I don't understand that part of his code then I can't make it work.

And you create a fragment how?

Maybe I can go about this another way:

Can someone give me a quick step by step in code on how to change php.ini to include this:

[DATE]
date.timezone = America/Los_Angelas
 

I will reverse engineer it to understand what is going on but as of right now everyone is telling me to do something that I admittedly don't know how to do.
As I said I have mostly dealt with MS and their command line.

I am not new nor am I an experienced linux user.

[Stefano]

ok.. a "2 minute" lesson

1) go to /etc/e-smith/templates/etc/php.ini dir

Code: [Select]

cd /etc/e-smith/templates/etc/php.ini

2) search for [date] directive:

Code: [Select]

grep '[DATE]' *

3) if the previous command give you a result (i.e. a file name) then "name-of-fragment" is the result, otherwise you can create yourfragment in /etc/e-smith/templates-custom/etc/php.ini directory

note that fragments have names like XYname, where XY are numbers.. give your fragment a name using the same rule.. fragments are evaluated in alphabetical order

Ciao

Stefano

[bordr415]

Mr Harper,
If the issue does turn out to be something related to the dev group or a bug, then I will post in its applicable location. Please don't take this the wrong way, I have been an administrator for quite some time on quite a few unique setups. I have never posted for help in a forum (other than dd-wrt once).

I am reading the manual for about 6th time and still don't understand what I'm looking at.

Stefano: response is:
grep: *: No such file or directory

Still haven't found on this page: http://wiki.contribs.org/SME_Server:Documentation:Developers_Manual how to "create a fragment".

[Stefano]

hi

my bad: it should be

Code: [Select]

grep '\[DATE\]' *
as [ and ] must be escaped

anyway, there's no such a directive in php.ini file on SME 7.4 with upgraded php

so,
1) go to /etc/e-smith/templates-custom/etc/php.ini directory
2) create your fragment, for example

Code: [Select]

pico 45Date

with the desired directive inside

3) save it
4) expand php.ini template

Code: [Select]

expand-template /etc/php.ini
5) restart httpd service

Code: [Select]

service httpd-e-smith restart

it should work.

HTH
ciao
Stefano

[cactus]

I suggest you be a little more patient and spice up your general linux skills as navigating through the tree is very basic and MS dos like and could very well have been found by using Google for a basic linux tutorial.

Allright... since you received some 'free' consultancy, I suggest you donate some money to contribs.org instead especially since I get the impression you are making a profit by migrating MS sites to FLOSS software. The community would be very thankful for it.

[bordr415]

Thank You Stefano, that worked like a charm. It however did nothing to fix the timezonedb issue. Still getting it when I try to load echo date('Y-m-d H:i:s');. Also tried to reload the 8.0b3 and run the same fixes posted on a couple of sites. Still no go. (Shouldn't make a difference that I did it in vi as I don't have pico installed - correct me if I'm wrong.) Re-verified by taking a look at /etc/php.ini and it shows the changes! Thanks as trying to understand this template system is a real pain. My brain seems to just not work that way.

Cactus: I would pay if the software/os worked. So far what I have hasn't worked. I am trying to make it work though.

[Stefano]

(Shouldn't make a difference that I did it in vi as I don't have pico installed - correct me if I'm wrong.)

you are right..

Re-verified by taking a look at /etc/php.ini and it shows the changes! Thanks as trying to understand this template system is a real pain. My brain seems to just not work that way.

I suggest you to read again the dev manual.. it took less than an hour to me to figure how it works.. and in one day (consider I'm not a perl coder) I wrote my first (and only) contrib..

Cactus: I would pay if the software/os worked. So far what I have hasn't worked. I am trying to make it work though.

you are an unsupported option on a working O.S. and, as Cactus said, you've been supported.. you are kindly requested to make a donation, thank you

Ciao
Stefano

[bordr415]

is there an alternative to SME? something that has similar options to the information bays as that is really why I'm trying to use this OS. Since I have been asked to pay for something that doesn't function I don't believe that I can honestly stay with this software anymore. It would be like going out and getting a tv that doesn't turn on and the person wants you to pay for it even though it can't be fixed. That seems a little off, actually really off in my opinion.

I have donated many funds to Open Source projects, never once have I ever been told to. I have also only ever donated when the software worked. Since the software doesn't work (yet) then I won't donate until it does. You can't request anymore than that. In fact beggars can't be choosers.

Stefano, I appreciate the code that you gave, but considering that is what I had asked for in the beginning, it should have only taken me 1/2 an hour to complete not 1/2 a week. Even at that, no one has posted a solution to the original problem. The TimeZone error still exists, but only on SME not on CentOS, Fedora, Debian, Ubuntu, Slackware, Suse, Mandriva, etc. As I have tried those and not one of them had a problem with the exception of SME.

Other than a few things missing (like port forwarding, mysql, etc) and this timezone error, I think SME could be a great server. It just lacks a working completion.

[David Harper]

The TimeZone error still exists, but only on SME not on CentOS

So what is in /etc/php.ini under CentOS 5 that is not in SME 8.0b3's /etc/php.ini?

[cactus]

is there an alternative to SME? something that has similar options to the information bays as that is really why I'm trying to use this OS. Since I have been asked to pay for something that doesn't function I don't believe that I can honestly stay with this software anymore.

You have been suggested not told... there is a difference. You have also been suggested to donate as judging from the content of your post, you are using SME Server to make a personal profit, therefore it would be nice to give something back to the community as they helped you solve the problem you created as SME Server does work. Do not expect problem free software, even Microsoft can not manage that and they have far more resources than the small, profitless, volunteering SME Server development team.

It would be like going out and getting a tv that doesn't turn on and the person wants you to pay for it even though it can't be fixed. That seems a little off, actually really off in my opinion.

Your parrallel is wrong, in this case you bought the TV and tempered with it by adding unsupported and possibly incompatible stuff, making it's warranty void. You got help for free, from a possible friend but are demanding them to fix it where they are offering this as a free service. Strange worlds we live in.

I have donated many funds to Open Source projects, never once have I ever been told to. I have also only ever donated when the software worked. Since the software doesn't work (yet) then I won't donate until it does.

What is still wrong then? Perhaps if you would provide us with details we might be able to help you. Your attitude is not very positive and likely to get you help.

You can't request anymore than that. In fact beggars can't be choosers.

Really... are we beggars? I think you should re-read the answers you received in this thread and then try to judge again. Please do not take your frustration out on the community. They are trying tot providing the best advice to you for free, SME Server is a properly working product, only you seem to have some issues. If you are willing to cooperate we are willing to try and help you out and sort your issue.

Stefano, I appreciate the code that you gave, but considering that is what I had asked for in the beginning, it should have only taken me 1/2 an hour to complete not 1/2 a week.

What are you suggesting here? I hope it is not lack of support, or is it?

Other than a few things missing (like port forwarding, mysql, etc)

Wrong (again). SME Server has MySQL and can do port-forwarding. I think you might have missed something even while reading the manuals six times as you stated.

Port forwarding: http://wiki.contribs.org/SME_Server:Documentation:Administration_Manual:Chapter11#Port_forwarding

MySQL: http://wiki.contribs.org/SME_Server:Documentation:Technical_Manual:Chapter4#MySQL_Database

Besides, what version of SME Server are you using. Only SME Server 7.x is released for production use and comes with PHP4), SME Server 8 is still beta. With your open source experience I think you should know what that means.

[cactus]

So what is in /etc/php.ini under CentOS 5 that is not in SME 8.0b3's /etc/php.ini?

And you are sure the tzdata is really not corrupt? What is the output of:

Code: [Select]

rpm -q tzdata
rpm -V tzdata

[bordr415]

nothing, I have changed SME to make them identical and still get the error. The fix works on CentOS 5.2/5.3 but not on SME. And that is both fixes listed in the link provided. (install pecl timezonedb / and to manually enter it in php.ini) Either one of the fixes works in CentOS but neither work in SME.

rpm -q tzdata:
tzdata-2008i-1.el5
rpm -V tzdata:
<returns nothing but prompt>

I was referencing the gui features. Even a $20 router has port forwarding features in a gui form. I understand that they are included but only through command line use or by 3rd parties. Which makes it difficult for people like myself.

In reference to what I'm suggesting with Stefano:
He stated earlier (in the 6th post) that he had figured it out in 1/2 hour and made his first contrib in 1 day. (also that he isn't a perl encoder) That is all that was in reference to.

Beggars can't be chooser's:
It has been requested to pay for services rendered that haven't has of yet solved anything. I dont' know about yourself but I don't get paid until the job is done. If I never finish the job I don't get paid, this is my philosophy in life.

I have donated:
Read above. It still doesn't work.

I give you credit on the TV thing. I didn't make myself clear on that analogy and infact I'm still not sure how to yet.

I have yet to make a profit from SME, infact I have a loss right now of over $1200 trying to get this to work. (Thats not including the time involved on this issue.) So if I seem frustrated then maybe you can understand why. Not only does it seem like I'm not getting anywhere with the problem, but its costing me money to not get anywhere.

EDIT: Yes i understand that terms for released vs beta software. My problem is the php4. It has its "end of life" in aug of 08. php5 has been out for 4 years. Almost all php scripting is done in php5 or php6. I realize that 8.0 is in beta but it has the same issue.

[cactus]

I was referencing the gui features. Even a $20 router has port forwarding features in a gui form. I understand that they are included but only through command line use or by 3rd parties. Which makes it difficult for people like myself.

Did you even bother to look at the link? It would put an example of the graphical portforwarding UI right in front of your face as it is part of the server-manager.

[bordr415]

mine doesn't have that, i'm looking at the link you gave me right now and my screen is missing that.

edit: This is v7.4
checking 8.0b3 now

[cactus]

I have yet to make a profit from SME, infact I have a loss right now of over $1200 trying to get this to work. (Thats not including the time involved on this issue.) So if I seem frustrated then maybe you can understand why. Not only does it seem like I'm not getting anywhere with the problem, but its costing me money to not get anywhere.

I can understand your frustration, but I do not think we are to blame for that.

[cactus]

mine doesn't have that, i'm looking at the link you gave me right now and my screen is missing that.

edit: This is v7.4
checking 8.0b3 now

It should as it is part of the SME Server core for both SME Server 7 and SME Server 8.

[bordr415]

ya its not there, I'm going to wipe the system again and install it all from scratch again.

[Stefano]

is there an alternative to SME?

many.. almost any linux distro can behave as SME.. you have only to configure it..

Since I have been asked to pay for something that doesn't function I don't believe that I can honestly stay with this software anymore.

well.. if this is your attitude, I think you are right..
you are saying that an unsupported option doesn't work.. nothing strange, or not?

FYI, I'm using (for a customer of mine) php 5 and mysql 5 on SME 7.4 without any issue (but updating process sometime); I know this is a risk, but if something goes wrong, I will not come here saying SME doesn't work

It would be like going out and getting a tv that doesn't turn on and the person wants you to pay for it even though it can't be fixed. That seems a little off, actually really off in my opinion.

as Cactus already said, it's a bit different..

Since the software doesn't work (yet) then I won't donate until it does. You can't request anymore than that. In fact beggars can't be choosers.

no comment.. 

Stefano, I appreciate the code that you gave, but considering that is what I had asked for in the beginning, it should have only taken me 1/2 an hour to complete not 1/2 a week. Even at that, no one has posted a solution to the original problem.

I think you need a bit of clarification: this is NOT a call center, no one is forced to answer/help you.. if you want a working answer in 1/2 an hour, please give me your name, surname, address and VAT number and I will send you the invoice for my work..

The TimeZone error still exists, but only on SME not on CentOS

what version of Centos? with what version of php?

if something doesn't work "out-of-the-box" please open a bug
if you wish something  on SME, please create a NFR

but this is not your case

Other than a few things missing (like port forwarding, mysql, etc) and this timezone error, I think SME could be a great server. It just lacks a working completion.

I take this as an offense to all the people working on SME both supporting users on these forum or on the development side.

Stefano

[bordr415]

sorry stefano i have already rebuted the questioning of cactus. i am not trying to get into a flame war on the server. I am simply trying to fix a problem located in both editions when using php5.

I will however address the issue that brought up your name:
I was only responding directly to your statement that it only took you 1/2 an hour to figure this out. I simply stated that I needed some help with the code to get the timezone data into php.ini. I could do that in 1/2 an hour if i had the code. That is all I was trying to state there.

[bordr415]

as well i just completed an install of 8.0 and it does have the port forwarding. I am downloading 7.4 again as it still doesn't after a fresh install. maybe i have a corrupted iso. (one can only hope)

[cactus]

as well i just completed an install of 8.0 and it does have the port forwarding. I am downloading 7.4 again as it still doesn't after a fresh install. maybe i have a corrupted iso. (one can only hope)

Strange a corrupt ISO should not install, it should not leave functions out. Are you sure you did not remove anything manually using 'rpm -e' or 'yum remove'?

[bordr415]

nope the only command I tried to run was:
pecl uninstall timezonedb

but after the uninstall i immediately re-installed it, I also checked the cdrom and it passed the check.

[cactus]

nope the only command I tried to run was:
pecl uninstall timezonedb

but after the uninstall i immediately re-installed it, I also checked the cdrom and it passed the check.

AFAIK you should not use commands like pear and pecl to install additional libraries. You should try and look for a rpm for it and install that. This might be usefull in your search: http://rpm.pbone.net

Above is most likely the cause of your corrupted tz issue.