[RESOLVED] Can Not Access Forums

[caballo]

Just come on here as I got that message earlier this afternoon pressing anything from show unread posts to just pressing home. Was having internet connection issues so thought it was something to do wi9th that - obviously not as I can now not get onto the forum at all!

[twhiting9275]

I've moved your post to the appropriate area. This doesn't actually have a thing to do with the fixes I put in last night (I double checked), but with licensing problems, once again.

This happens every few months. Unfortunately, it's really not something I can control, or do a damn thing about, because I don't own the licensing servers. Here's what happens though:

#1: The software we use (all of it) is individually licensed. This license is handled by individual companies.

#2: This software license is dependent on said company actually maintaining server accessibility. IE: They need to keep their servers running. The funny thing about that is that webautosoft NEVER DOES.

#3: Because the server (ours) can not access THEIRS, the system panics and thinks something is wrong, thusly not allowing you access to your forum. Surprised? Not me. This is what you get when you deal with Indian developers who refuse to pull their heads out of their tail ends.

While I regret the inconvenience, there's really no sensible alternative from the customer standpoint. Their arguments are :

#1: "use stored licenses"
which means that the license has to be re-stored every 30 days, and I haven't seen a 'license' from them in a few months now

#2: "Buy a purchased license"
Which, frankly gives them more money than they deserve. It rewards them for ignorance and incompetence.

Unfortunately, this isn't really something I can control, or do a thing about. I'd cancel the license, but that would mean your forums would be gone as well.

Alternatively, you can use the phpbb forums (phpbb2 or phpbb3). They actually do license, and handle those licenses properly (admin area is locked off, NOT the user area if the license can't "call home")

I'll post an update here when I have one.

Tom

[twhiting9275]

This problem should now be resolved, so I will mark it as such.
If you continue to have problems, please, follow up in this thread so I can check them out.

Tom

[caballo]

Hi there! I'm afraid none of us can access the forum at all - i haven't been able to since beofre i posted here yesterday!

thanks for your help - not sure I have the time to start again just now on a different type - is it possible to copy posts over from simple forums or would they all be lost?

[twhiting9275]

There are, in fact, no problems with the forums at all. I have double, and triple checked your forums, and my own forums.

Any problems with your forums are on your end somewhere. This thread was moved because it was nowhere related to what was going on, but there are no problems at all with the forums.

If you want help, be descriptive. Don't come to me with "I can't access my forums", because I will prove you wrong, that your forums are quite accessible.

Most Online Today: 4. Most Online Ever: 6 (April 28, 2008, 03:53:37 PM)

4 people have accessed your forums today, including

2 Guests, 2 Users
Users active in past 15 minutes:
Orange monster, Jane C

Your forum is, in fact, accessible, no question about it.

You reported an issue yesterday, and there was an issue with licensing at that time. Now, you need to be more specific, because I don't read minds here. "I can't access my forum" is quite generic, and typically related to your own computer, not the internet itself.

If you STILL have problems, please open up a new thread, because this specific issue has been addressed and resolved. Be SPECIFIC with what you try, what error messages you're getting. Do NOT use Internet Explorer, because Internet Explorer does NOT give proper error messages, it just shows a vague "we can't open that page" error. How is that supposed to help resolve anything? Use a PROPER browser (firefox works properly, others do as well). File PROPER bug reports (not just "I can't get there"), and you'll get help.