If you are getting a Magento “Invalid channel.xml file”.. when trying to install an extension

Go back to connect and change the version from 1 to 2 in the drop down box and then use the newer key

Extensions?  Keys? Magento connect? Want to know more.. read on…

Magento out  of the box has a great feature set, however, there are times that you need to expand this, it could be extra shipping options or front end functionality for example.

If your requirements are ‘typical’ then most likely someone else will have encountered then and the chances are there will be an ‘extension’ created that allows you add this functionality

Magento connect is the original market place for extensions, there are literally thousands to choose from and most can be installed via the Magento connect feature.

(If you have not seen this before, then Magento connect is the web admin interface that your Magento store includes that can be seen if you click to system / magento connect)

If you sign into the Magento connect marketplace and select and copy the install Key you can then install the extension.

The key is just a URL the location of the zipped files and folders which Magento connect will download and install, once  you hit the proceed button.

However if you click proceed only to get “Invalid channel.xml file

Arghhhh … you might think – however, this should be a quick fix

Go back to connect and change the version from 1 to 2 in the drop down box and then use the newer key

Best practice as ever with extensions is to install extensions on non production environments and ensure you have a full backup of the site (files / folders / database) and the means to restore if needed.

And if you want Magento Admin Training we offer UK wide on-site or online training. This can be one to one or group and fully bespoke to your needs. Please get in contact if you would like to know more.