SMC Discussion Areas

The Coin Return => Soda-Machines.Com News => Topic started by: Jim on August 02, 2007, 10:51:21 am



Title: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on August 02, 2007, 10:51:21 am
Hello everyone,

I'm off from work for a few days and will be diligently working to get the migration completed ! ! !

Until then, please keep all posts regarding any issues/problems in this thread.
This was everything can be removed easily when the dust settles... Thanks!

I haven't completely resolved the Avatars issue, but I did bring over the previous ones for use here... In everyone's Profile, you will see where you can modify and choose one from the list; don't forget to Save the changes!  UPDATE: This only applies to those that have access to the New SMC Site. If you access the Discussion Areas from the link previously provided at the Old Board, you'll be able to upload your own Avatar. Please make every attempt to resize images down to at least 100 pixles X 100 pixels be fore uploading! Thank you.

I also want to notify everyone that I have noticed corrupted data in everyone's profile in the Main SMC database... Let me explain a little, the new SMC is now database driven and stores user profile information and a lot of other stuff too(the whole site); our New Discussion Areas System(SMF) also utilizes a database backend which also has profile information... Now, this is where I wanted more time to resolve a few things...
The two profile database tables are supposed to stay in sync with each other; however, I'm seeing a couple of issues popping up, one is the avatars since the Discussion Areas has this field and the Main database does not...

Anyone that has been given access to the New Site, I would like you to disregard the link provided to the new Discussion Areas an begin utilizing the Main Site, login there, then navigate to the Discussion Areas. You should see that you're logged into the Discussion Areas...
I would also like this group of people to correct any inaccurate information located in your SMC Profile. Click the link on the User Menu called My Profile. There you will an Edit Button at the top, then click Update Your Profile. Here is where I would like you to ensure the data is accurate. be sure to check both Tabs, Additional Info and Contact Info. Which bring to my next request... To further the benefits of SMC, I am requiring ALL members to enter City, State and Zip Code. I have an upcoming feature that I think you'll enjoy that may need this data.
While reviewing things here, please take note of the little icons and let me know what information should or shouldn't be displayed to regular members...

Lastly, I greatly depend on everyone's input to make this a better community for eveyone ! ! !
And above all, appreciate your time assisting me to get this migration completed...
Jim


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: bubba on August 02, 2007, 11:32:20 am
I updated my profile, but I didn't see a spot for my city, state and zip... The only problem  that I noticed was my birthday.


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on August 02, 2007, 12:05:40 pm
Ken,

Use the Main Site Navigation along the left side of your window, there, you'll see the User Menu below the Main Menu...

The "My Profile" link will take you to SMC's main profile area; you may be editing the SMF Profile...
Yes, I realize two may be confusing, but much of the info is shared or supposed to be... Which is why the Avatar issues are popping up; I'm still researching this issue...


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: bubba on August 02, 2007, 12:58:23 pm
Jim

I got it now...

The link in you sig is not working, BTW   ;D


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on August 02, 2007, 02:55:55 pm
I should have most of the formating in the Photo Gallery done and much easier to read...
Please review and also let me know if you see a link in the upper right corner, Site Admin, if so, click on it and let me know if you're presented with a login box or what else happens... Thanks

As far as my signature is concerned, at this point, I'm not sweating the small stuff... I'll get to that in due time; actually, the image was working before, hmmm... But Thanks for heads up ! ! !


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: bubba on August 02, 2007, 08:58:44 pm
Jim.. The photo gallery looks great now... The only thing I saw that was kinda weird was at the bottom right, it shows bubba, then guest next to it.. This is on the main photo page. Here is a screen shot..

Also, when logging in from the main page tonite, I kept getting an invalid  username/password error. I went to the discussion area and logged in without trouble. Then back to the home page and it shows me logged in. Didn't happen earlier today.

I don't see an admin login other than in the header. Earlier today, I had to re-enter my pwd. Tonite I did not.

 


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: bubba on August 02, 2007, 09:11:24 pm
Not sure if you know this one, but the vend shop requires an additional login..

Nevermind.. it links to the old homepage


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on August 02, 2007, 09:50:30 pm
Thanks Ken!

The Photo Gallery displays who's logged in at the lower right corner.
I'm not sure if you are referring to the Site Admin Link(upper right corner) in the Photo Gallery or not, but I wanted to know if this displays while you are browsing...

One thing I did notice, down where you see your name and the guest link, don't click this as you'll get an error because it's attempting to display the Photo Gallery in guest mode and it cannot loose your logged in information.

The Vending Shop will require attention, but for now, this will require an additional user name/passwrd... Unfortunately, the shopping cart system, Zen Cart cannot be bridged to run inside the new system...

Sometime within the next 24 hours, the new Site will be up and running ! ! !
This means that everything should be accessed from the main Site with the global navigation panel along the left side of the screen! I'm sure there may be a few glitches, but you cannot enter the new Discussion Areas from the recent link I posted in the old board. Everyone should get used to entering the New Site from the home page, http://soda-machines.com (http://soda-machines.com), at least for a week or so... Then you may create new bookmarks/favorites if necessary...

Thanks again for everyone's patience...


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Creighton on August 02, 2007, 10:25:18 pm
Hi Jim,
I entered my zip code after City and State in the "location" field. Is that how you want it done?

Can't find how to get to the photo gallery.

The sort newest reply to the top is the cats meow!!
Thanks!!
Creighton


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: bubba on August 03, 2007, 07:28:55 am
Creighton... check your pm...

Jim.. I don't see any admin login on the photo album page. 

One other issue I still have is screen size. The border around the menus is about 1/3 of my screen on both sides, with the forum in the center. I just checked with IE and with Firefox... same thing.


Also, the login from the main page where it says User Login is giving me incorrect password. If I go to the discussion forum and login, it works. It happened on 2 different pcs....


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on August 03, 2007, 10:15:15 am
Hello Ken,

I'm not following you on the screen size issue...
I have posted my screen within FireFox; let me know if I'm displaying the same problem... What is your screen resolution set to...? I know I cannot control individual screen resolution but perhaps some things can be taken into consideration...

That's good about the Photo Gallery not displaying an Admin Link; I probably see it because I'm usually logged in...

As for your master login, I'm not sure what may be happening here, how about attempting to utilize the "Lost Password" function... Then when the email arrives, you can retrieve it or change it in your profile...

Hopefully helpful,
Jim

Oh Yea, I'll be moving a lot of things around after lunch as I sent out messages to warn everyone, but I failed to state this would take place on EST(Eastern Standard Time) !


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: bubba on August 03, 2007, 10:51:06 am
Here is a copy of my screenshot... I am running 1680x1050... My laptop at home is running at 1024x768 and I have the same thing...

Other forums I'm on stretch the whole screen, and when I view this forum using the other link you posted without the menus on the sides, it stretched the whole screen.


I'll log out, request a new pwd and try it again...


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: bubba on August 03, 2007, 11:17:18 am
OK... I logged out from the user menu logout button...

I got an message that said... "you are currently logged in to the private area of this site." Then it presented me with another logout button. This logged me out of the system.

I then went into the User menu and tried to request a password, I put my username and email in... I got the error msg in this screen shot. Apparently Joomla doesn't have me as a user? Strange since when I login to the discussion area, then back to the home page, it shows my name in the user menu..


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on August 03, 2007, 01:01:30 pm
Ok Ken,

Now I see what you talking about...
I think we are at a cross-roads because I have chosen to base the new Site on a fixed width so I control the layout. With you viewing websites at a high resolution, this is what occurs... Sites that have widths as percentages, say 95%, will stretch the content to fill the window to 95% leaving a small portion of the background visible...
I'm not sure how many other people that frequent this Site have high resolutions, but I would be interested to take a poll...
I personally have my dual monitor setup at 1024 x 768 for each monitor.

Moving along, can you login, get to your profile and change your password, logout, fresh the home page prior to logging back in with the new password and see how this works...

I apologize for this inconvenience, but we'll get this resolved as I'm sure there will be others...


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: bubba on August 03, 2007, 01:33:05 pm
Jim..

Changing my password worked. Joomla requires 6+ digits for a password, and mine was only 5.

As far as the resolution goes, I'll live with it if nobody else complains...  ;D


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on August 03, 2007, 02:18:20 pm
Ken,

Thanks for the update!
I forgot about the minimum character count for the passwords...
I was researching this just recently and decide to implement a hack for this so the "Lost Password" feature doesn't require you to enter your "Username", just the email address utilized during registration...
I just finished testing this and all works well; as did changing my password in the Profile.


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: BryanH on August 03, 2007, 07:40:54 pm
Hi Jim - this is not a big deal.  to be honest not sure if it's user error or the new forum.  I tried to use the quote feature in one of my posts and it looks like it has some kind of unresolved html font tag.

<font color='#000000'>If you are taking orders, me too.</font>


The actual post in the repair school thread.  I can't figure out how to create hypelinks so not sure if this works --> http://soda-machines.com/discussions/index.php?topic=6441.0 (http://soda-machines.com/discussions/index.php?topic=6441.0).


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on August 03, 2007, 08:04:05 pm
Hey Bryan,

I did see that quote before an wondered what caused this...

As far as Links, well, let me try...
This link should open a new window to the Repair Certificate Thread...
http://soda-machines.com/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,29/topic,6441.60/ (http://soda-machines.com/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,29/topic,6441.60/)


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: c125bob on August 03, 2007, 08:16:24 pm
When I tried to log in my password wasn't recognized.  I used the "lost Password" button, logged in OK on the new password, changed back to my old one in my profile & am good to go.

Hang in there, these things always knock and smoke a little at first, it'll settle down !

Good job, I love the new look.
Bob


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on August 03, 2007, 09:08:24 pm
Thanks Bob ! ! !
I'm glad things went smoothly for you...


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: David D on August 03, 2007, 09:30:42 pm
Jim, The site looks great many thanks for all of the hard work on this.  I had the same issue as Bob, but after requesting a new password it worked fine.

Again, site looks great thanks.
David


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: BryanH on August 03, 2007, 09:40:43 pm
Hey Bryan,

I did see that quote before an wondered what caused this...

As far as Links, well, let me try...
This link should open a new window to the Repair Certificate Thread...
http://soda-machines.com/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,29/topic,6441.60/ (http://soda-machines.com/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,29/topic,6441.60/)
So the links function in this tool doesn't let you put alternate text like 'click here' and have the actual link url hidden?

Figured out how to make the URL thing work.

[ URL=http://.... ]link text here[/URL].  Remove the space between the first [ and URL and it works like this link to the coke wall post (http://soda-machines.com/discussions/index.php?topic=6769.0)

As for the quote... no idea.  I just clicked the Quote icon in the top right hand corner.... like I did for this one.  Except that this time it seems to have worked? ???


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: vend_dr on August 03, 2007, 10:15:51 pm
I also had the problem with the password but requested a new one and all is ok now. Site looks great!


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: vend_dr on August 03, 2007, 10:19:39 pm
Ok after I posted the above reply I was sent back to the main discussion page but had 15 warning messages at the top of the page.

This is the message

Warning: opendir(/home/sodam1/www/soda-machines.com/administrator/components/com_smf/cache/db/cache_c/): failed to open dir: Permission denied in /home/sodam1/www/soda-machines.com/administrator/components/com_smf/includes/Lite.php on line 611


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: BryanH on August 03, 2007, 10:29:56 pm
Ok after I posted the above reply I was sent back to the main discussion page but had 15 warning messages at the top of the page.

This is the message

Warning: opendir(/home/sodam1/www/soda-machines.com/administrator/components/com_smf/cache/db/cache_c/): failed to open dir: Permission denied in /home/sodam1/www/soda-machines.com/administrator/components/com_smf/includes/Lite.php on line 611


I had the same problem a couple times.... hitting the browser refresh seemed to clear it up.


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on August 04, 2007, 06:50:57 am
I had these "warnings" on the home page as well, but as Bryan suggested, refreshing the page seemed to solve this... I haven't seen this in a while now...

Creighton,
To recap, you're saying that when you attempt to post a new topic or even reply to an existing one, there's no Attachment box toward the bottom of the page as in the image posted by Bryan...?
Is anyone else experiencing this missing attachments box...?

And Bryan, Thanks for the aid and your experimentation ! ! !
(I changed the thumbnails size to 250 x 250 too)

A note to everyone, the Help Section (http://soda-machines.com/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,29/action,help/) is very good for this Forum System!

One problem I have ran into, and this could cause some problems, is that some how I get outside of the main site and find myself in just the Discussion Areas without main Site Navigation on the left... Hmmm....


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: bubba on August 04, 2007, 08:34:18 am
One solution for most of these intermittent problems may be to clear cookies for soda-machines.com . I had a few issues that have gone away once I cleared them, and started all over.


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on August 04, 2007, 11:10:24 am
Very true Ken, Thanks ! ! !


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: dr galaga on August 05, 2007, 09:45:51 am
One problem I have ran into, and this could cause some problems, is that some how I get outside of the main site and find myself in just the Discussion Areas without main Site Navigation on the left... Hmmm....

I noticed that this happened to me after I went to the discussion Admin tab.

Also...is the Photo Gallery running?  I keep getting the following error when I try to go to that area:
User Collision error, the same username is already in use and cannot be linked together with the current settings.  :'(


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: dr galaga on August 05, 2007, 08:51:57 pm
Is anyone else having log-in (or logged out) issues? Here is what has happened to me a few times today:
I go to SMC home page.  It shows that I am logged in - except (I noticed this time) a few new messages that are displayed at the top do not have "new" next to them (when they should).  I click on the Discussions link and and it shows that I am a guest and I need to log in to the forum.  I click the Home link and it shows that I am not logged in.
  :upside:
Additional notes:
-I have it selected that I am always logged in.
-I haven't even closed my web browser today (keeping track of some nasty t-storms near me).
Is this happening to anyone else?  :darn:

(Jim-could this be related to the Photo Gallery issue that I am having?)  :oh:


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: bubba on August 05, 2007, 08:57:04 pm
Have you logged out, cleared your cookies, and restarted your browser? It sure sounds cookie related. What  browser?


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: dr galaga on August 05, 2007, 09:09:48 pm
I already cleared the cookies and logged out before.  I did that again and restarted the browser.  We'll see if it happens again....
I'm using IE 7.


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on August 05, 2007, 09:16:36 pm
Thanks for your suggestions Ken ! ! !

I'll look into the login feature more in depth tomorrow to see where some improvements can be made... Perhaps adjusting the Session Lifetime to a longer value may help... I'll reset this to 1 hour and go from there...
Post any possible improvements that may have occurred...

As far as the Photo Gallery issue, I don't think they are related. This has something to do with the two databases not exchanging session data properly, at least this is what I think, but until do a little more research and here back from a forum post on the issue, I'm not quire sure how to handle this...
I'm working on this one...

Oh yea, I was able to get our Smileys over here... Trivial, non the less, but I needed a little familiarity myself after all I've been through... I did bring this on myself, but everyone has been very patient and I really appreciate that ! ! !


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Creighton on August 05, 2007, 09:54:22 pm
I have had issues where I go to the main page and shows logged in and then go to disscusion area and it shows guest. I go back to the home page and it shows guest. I login again and all is well in both area's. Minor issue. At least I have my password memorized at this point :-)

All cookies cleared, browser restarted...

Major components appear to be working.
Thanks Jim and Ken!!
Creighton


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on August 06, 2007, 07:51:08 am
Creighton,

I'm going to look into the code behind the "remember me" checkbox...
I'm curious to what this is actually doing because I've had the same thing happen. It seems as thought my browser has cached the home page showing me logged in when in fact, I've been logged out of the Site which becomes very evident when I go the Discussion Areas and see I'm not...
I currently have session inactivity set for an hour meaning, if someone is logged in but stepped away from their computer and are inactive for 60 minutes, they should be automatically logged off the Site. This is a security feature as much as it seems a pain in the @#$...


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: dr galaga on August 06, 2007, 09:11:20 am
Same thing happened to me this morning when I came here for the first time today.  :down:


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: MoonDawg on August 06, 2007, 10:45:08 am
      I have no problems if I don't log off.

      Only comment I have is when open this site it tells me how many hours I have spent here.    Do I really want to know that?


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: dr galaga on August 06, 2007, 01:24:27 pm
It did it to me again. I'm not sure if this helps you Jim, but I saw a new post not marked New so I navigated around to different areas of the site (Soda Machines, Classifieds, etc.).  Everything was fine (logged in) until I clicked on the Discussion button...
(http://www.brentsarcade.com/smilies/scratch.gif)


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on August 06, 2007, 06:24:33 pm
Here's some additional information I received that pertains to login issues and Internet Explorer...

From within IE, go to Tools -> Internet Options-> Privacy  and make sure you are allowing first party cookies.
You can also try adding your domain to the list of whitelisted (allowed) sites.
Include this Site: soda-machines.com

Empty all your temporary internet files and cookies.

Restart IE and try logging in again.

One last point on this login issue: If you login and check the "Remember Me" Box, do not utilize the Logout button; just close your browser instead of logging out/off of the Site.


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: bubba on August 07, 2007, 06:26:43 am
Jim... I got an error using the quick reply box... I took a screen shot of the errors...

(http://www.groelfamily.com/ken/smcerror.jpg)


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: dr galaga on August 07, 2007, 09:15:17 am
-I added SMC to the Whitelist.  I'll let you know how that goes.
-I added the QuickReply box Sunday and it has been working fine for me.
-Is your error on line 611, Bubba?  I have gotten that a number of times going to the forum or today it was on the home page where the newer messages are displayed.  I've never had that error when I was posting.


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: bubba on August 07, 2007, 12:17:42 pm
-I added SMC to the Whitelist.  I'll let you know how that goes.
-I added the QuickReply box Sunday and it has been working fine for me.
-Is your error on line 611, Bubba?  I have gotten that a number of times going to the forum or today it was on the home page where the newer messages are displayed.  I've never had that error when I was posting.

Yes, my error is on line 611 of /includes/Lite.php

I got this error using the quick reply box..


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: bubba on August 07, 2007, 12:18:12 pm
I didn't get it this time using the quick reply though..


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: dr galaga on August 07, 2007, 02:42:20 pm
-I added SMC to the Whitelist.  I'll let you know how that goes.

Nope, it did it again!


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on August 07, 2007, 02:46:03 pm
This is actually occurring from the "Recent Discussions" module that shows the last four posts... I'm not sure why this occurs but a quick refresh of the page solves this... Actually, this isn't a solution but a short time bandaid...


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: dr galaga on August 07, 2007, 02:58:51 pm
Refresh the Home page?  I tried that before too.


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: halehouse on August 07, 2007, 09:43:38 pm
When I run a search in the threads I get results.  I can view one, but every time I go back the page has expired and I have to redo the search each time. Does this happen for others?


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: dr galaga on August 07, 2007, 09:47:58 pm
Yea, same thing happens to me.  I just open each one in a new tab.


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: halehouse on August 07, 2007, 10:19:44 pm
Ok.  I can do that.


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Creighton on August 08, 2007, 12:58:28 am
I'll try the IE suggestions. Would it be possible it is time related. I have not had a problem when checking in every couple of hours. Haven't checked in for awhile today and I had to reenter. Login is set to "forever" in the discussion area.
Creighton


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on August 08, 2007, 10:22:17 am
Creighton,

Are you logging out/off when you leave or just browse to a different website and eventually close the browser...?
I'm not sure how you're accessing the Site, what I mean is whether you have bookmarked the Discussion Areas page or the home page... I'm not sure of the results if you come to the Discussion Areas prior to loading the home page as this is the main system that passes information to the other applications...


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Creighton on August 08, 2007, 01:37:21 pm
Jim,
I don't logout. Just go to a another website or shut down IE. Not using favorites just move from site to site from the Address drop down list. I go to soda-machines.com and then to disscussion area.
Hope this helps,
Creighton


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Ltransam on August 09, 2007, 03:46:32 pm


Hi, Jim  :biggrin:

             Again Thanks for all the hard work . I just thought I let you know that I sent Josh 2 messages in the last 2 day's & he did not receive them Are get a Notice .Don't know why He said he checked . But I got ahold of him another way. And he checked No messages .Just thought You might want to know ...

                                             Leonard


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on August 09, 2007, 05:14:59 pm
Thanks for the info Leonard!

First I've heard anything wrong with PM's...
Try and Pm me when you have a minute or two...
I receive notifications via email, so perhaps Josh's email may need updating if it has changed...
I will admit the "My Messages" link is very easy to miss when there's new messages awaiting...


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: bubba on August 09, 2007, 07:31:29 pm
I guess I should check my settings.. I don't get email notifications...  :blush:


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Seven181 on August 12, 2007, 10:50:48 pm
Jim,

On the old site you could search for people who restore machines. Can you not do that on this new site?

Brian


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on August 13, 2007, 04:22:58 am
Hey Brian,

Like the new system, the old was on a voluntary basis; meaning, anyone could enter their information to be included in the database. I choose not to manually enter this data in the new system because I wasn't sure of its accuracy... With this said, this will again build over time as people re-visit SMC and enter info...
As far as searching, it's capable of being searched... There aren't very many records in the database though...
Here's where they're located: SMC Directory (http://soda-machines.com/component/option,com_sobi2/Itemid,46/)
This link is on the Main Menu.


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Marvin on September 19, 2007, 11:13:21 pm
Is anyone else having trouble staying logged in?  I did what was mentioned in this post and still can't seem to stay logged in. 
I don't log out, just close the window, start at the main page both from bookmarks and from typing it in the bar.

Any ideas?

Marvin


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: bubba on September 20, 2007, 05:24:43 am
I Couldn't get in last night either. I was able to log in this morning without trouble so far.


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on September 20, 2007, 08:20:40 am
This has plagued this board a while now...
I still have to re-login to the discussion area every time from my home computer; at work, not such issue...
When I go to the home page, it shows me logged in; however, clicking the link to the Discussion Areas and now I'm not logged in...
I'll look deeper into this and post this question in a forum regarding this...


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: SIGNGUY on September 20, 2007, 08:36:27 am
I have to log in each time as well, from home or work.


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: collecture on September 20, 2007, 08:50:44 am
I have the Discussion areas bookmarked and am logged in when the page loads; however, if I click the Home button, it doesn't do anything but reload the Discussion page. If I go to the address bar and delete '/discussions/index....' and click go - then I get to the Home page, but am logged out.


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on September 20, 2007, 09:32:00 am
Tom,

Can you confirm your bookmark url is:
http://soda-machines.com/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,29/ (http://soda-machines.com/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,29/)

And not this:
http://soda-machines.com/discussions/index.php (http://soda-machines.com/discussions/index.php)

I think this is a "Cookies" related issue and with various browsers and settings on the user end, it's tricky to narrow down whats the common issue...


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: collecture on September 20, 2007, 10:17:15 am
Quote
And not this:
http://soda-machines.com/discussions/index.php

This is what mine is!


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: bubba on September 20, 2007, 10:47:28 am
Jim.. my issue last night is I could not log in at all. I tried it on 2 different computers at home last night, and I kept getting a bad username/password error. I was able to get in this morning at work using the stored password info on this pc, so nothing has changed on my end.. I'll see if its working tonite.

This is the link that I have bookmarked and use to get into the site... it brings to the main page and I enter that way..

www.soda-machines.com


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on September 20, 2007, 11:02:21 am
Thanks Ken.
Also, did this just begin to occur at home or has this been ongoing...?


Tom,
This bookmark url is wrong. Well, it's kind of correct in that it takes you directly to the Discussion Areas bypassing the Site navigation system... I recommend editing this bookmark url to reflect: http://soda-machines.com and see the difference!


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: collecture on September 20, 2007, 11:40:53 am
Jim,
I changed the bookmark!
It took me directly to the Home page.
At the bottom it said "Hi collecture" and a logout button.
I clicked 'Discussion Areas' and it said I was not logged in.
I clicked 'Back' and now the Home page said 'Welcome Guest'. I logged in at the bottom and it gave me an 'Incorrect User/Password' notification.
I hit back again and clicked 'Discussion Areas' and logged in there successfully.


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: collecture on September 21, 2007, 07:43:32 pm
Jim,
I have noticed that when I go to the bookmark of www.soda-machines.com, sometimes the latest want ads are displayed at the top and sometimes not.
Also (and I'm sure you are aware of this), the login "forever" does not appear to work as I keep having to log in at every visit.
FYI


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: bubba on September 21, 2007, 07:58:33 pm
Tom... I've been running into a few login issues in the past few days just on one pc.. I ended up deleting all the stored passwords and cookies for this site. Don't be on SMC when you clear the cookies as one gets set when you leave I think... I did all this, rebooted my browser, and all seems to be better.


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: collecture on September 21, 2007, 10:44:24 pm
Bubba (and Jim),
I deleted my cookies, but I still get an incorrect user error if I try to login off the home page - works fine if I go to the discussion area.
Unknown yet whether my computer will be remembered.


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: collecture on September 21, 2007, 11:34:06 pm
OK - just came back to check!
Now, I am recognized at the Home Page, but when I click on Discussions - I have to Login again.


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: bubba on September 22, 2007, 05:49:06 am
Tom... What browser are you using?? I had the same thing as you... clearing just the cookies didn't do it. I had to clear my stored username and password as well. It only seemed to work when I did both at the same time. I cleared cookies a few times, and until I did both, it didn't work. I know how to do it in Firefox, but not sure how on IE.


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: dr galaga on September 22, 2007, 02:26:26 pm
This seems to be an IE problem.  I have the same problem where on the home page I'm logged in, but when I go to the forum I am a guest.  This is the only forum that this happens on!  I think I am going to find and register at another Simple Machines forum and see if it is a Simple Machines problem. 


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: collecture on September 22, 2007, 03:10:37 pm
Yes, I am using IE too.
I cleared all passwords, forms, cookies, etc. and nothing has changed.


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: dr galaga on September 22, 2007, 05:52:49 pm
I cleared all passwords, forms, cookies, etc. and nothing has changed.

Yep, I tried the same thing.


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on September 22, 2007, 07:00:46 pm
OK...

I've been doing a little more research and found an incorrect setting:
Quote
Enable local storage of cookies
This variable MUST be turned off for your forum to operate properly with the bridge. Make sure the value is unchecked.
I have changed this setting and a couple others, so, I'll be checking to see improvements on login for my system as well...

I have also learned this: And this is VERY IMPORTANT according to documentation.
Password modifications should ALWAYS be done from within the Discussion Areas System, meaning that ANY member wishing to change/modify their password should do this from the Discussion Areas Profile --> Account Related Settings ! ! !
The reason for this is because there is a problem with an add-on exchanging info with our Discussion Areas System; however, the Discussion Areas System exchanges information properly back to the main system add-on. And so, until something changes in the way of a code update, passwords will need to be maintained in our Discussion Areas...

I hope this isn't too confusing...
Hopefully, I have found the issue that has plagued many of you including myself...

Please post any results...


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: collecture on September 22, 2007, 07:36:32 pm
Logged in at Home Page - same error of Incorrect user/Password.
Clicked Discussions and logged in
Closed IE
Opened site at Home page and was recognized and went to discussions where I was logged in as well.
Thanks Jim!
Now I hope my wife doesn't get to PO'd that all her forms, passwords, etc. have disappeared.
I'll use my standard answer - "huh? You got me??


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Creighton on September 22, 2007, 08:22:25 pm
Thanks Jim!
That fixed the issues I was having. I didn't need to clear anything in IE 6.0
Creighton


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: bubba on September 22, 2007, 09:56:02 pm
Ya'all should switch to Firefox.. I only had 1/2 the problems :biggrin:


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on September 23, 2007, 09:59:27 am
I have to agree, Firefox is a better browser...
IE just recently added tabbed windows; probably got the idea from FF...

The changes made earlier also solved my cookies issue.

Thanks for your input ! ! !


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Marvin on September 23, 2007, 11:16:27 am
Thanks Jim!!!

Just logged in and closed all windows and came back.  It worked like I was expecting.  No more having to log in each time.

Marvin


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: dr galaga on September 24, 2007, 05:08:42 pm
Thanks Jim.  What a wonderful weekend - I don't have to log in every time and I can now access the Photo Gallery!
(http://www.brentsarcade.com/smilies/snoop_dance.gif)


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Marvin on September 24, 2007, 10:44:54 pm
Still working great.  I logged in this morning at work and never had to do it again.  It even kept me locked in at home.

Thanks again,
Marvin


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on September 24, 2007, 11:10:21 pm
Me Too ! ! !
Works as expected at both home and work


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: sodaman on October 15, 2007, 09:48:26 am
Hey Jim: I've been on this site for years but it seems like they lose record of my name and ID and I have to sign up again.......  But my Sodaman name has been available each time.  Still a great site and I recommend it almost daily.  H


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on October 15, 2007, 11:46:54 am
Hello Harrison,

I'm not sure what may have happened... If this happens in the near future, please contact me with details so I can diagnose what may have happened...  I do know that at least once a year around Dec./Jan. I will remove users/members that have no activity from the database... If you met the criteria which I usually look for people with no activity for 4 - 6 months, then these users are removed from the database... This may have happened to you...

Thanks for checkin' in ! ! !


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: collecture on November 06, 2007, 10:19:13 pm
Jim,
This is not really a problem or an issue (for most users).
Here in Phoenix, we do not observe daylight savings time. I noticed my message times were off, so I went to my settings. The only way I could figure to adjust it was to change the -3 to a -2, but there was no permanent self adjusting way.
Is the only way to adjust time the +/- dialog box?
Is there a way to have an "Observe daylight savings time" check box?
Just curious...not too hard to go in and change it, but I do not think about it since we don't adjust anything else here.


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: collecture on December 12, 2007, 11:41:38 pm
Jim,
There is another thread concerning a pssible Stoner Jr. with a gum wheel. Before the site migration, there was one on eBay and a concurrent discussion of it here on SMC. Some of you might remember it - only one I've ever seen!

I did a 'boolean' type search "stoner" "gum", but only come up with current threads.
Did all of the old info make it to the new site? That would be a shame  ):
Am I not searching the site correctly?


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on December 13, 2007, 07:19:25 am
Tom,

I'm pretty sure most, if not all threads/posts migrated as I was comparing the actual number of posts prior to the migration and did have the same numbers... I only experienced a problem with of the existing members, approx. 30 of them didn't convert to the new database format...

I performed a search on "Stoner" and dates all the way back to 2002 showed up...
I also searched for "Stoner Gum" and the posts only went back to March of 2005.
Also searched for "gum wheel" and came up with a few posts dating back to April 2006.

I know this isn't much help, but none of these results have what you remember posting...?


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: collecture on December 13, 2007, 09:09:27 am
Thanks Jim!
I found the thread this morning!
Do boolean type searches work on SMC? (ie. "stoner" "gum").
I just did that exact search and it came back with 'no results found'. On the old SMC site, you had to stick an '&' symbol in.


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on December 13, 2007, 10:24:13 am
According to the help section and my own experimentation, enclosing the search words in "double quotes" will search for the phrase and not the individual words. I did notice in one of the examples that it was setup as this type of search... So, with this said, I'll assume the boolean search may require a little tweaking and experimentation...
I have not looked at this code to see exactly how the system treats these types of searches on the DB.


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: collecture on January 05, 2008, 05:29:09 pm
According to the help section and my own experimentation, enclosing the search words in "double quotes" will search for the phrase and not the individual words. I did notice in one of the examples that it was setup as this type of search... So, with this said, I'll assume the boolean search may require a little tweaking and experimentation...
I have not looked at this code to see exactly how the system treats these types of searches on the DB.
Jim,
I did discover the other day (which I had really not noticed) is that whatever forum you are currently in is the one that is searched. If you are at the top of the Discussion Area page, it will search all forums; however, if you are in Coin Mechanisms, your search will be limited to that forum.
It used to be that you had to pick the forum to search.

Also, I referred to this in one of my posts - did you decide not to include SMC Auctions on the new site? I never listed anything and did not ever see much there. Just curious?


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on January 05, 2008, 07:11:28 pm
Thanks for that search criteria update!

As far as SMC Auctions is concerned, well, it really never could compete with greedbay's exposure so I pulled the plug...  I was hoping to create a nice auction environment that we've been accustomed to having here in other areas of SMC...


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: collecture on January 09, 2008, 03:29:06 pm
Jim,
Was browsing around the "Tips & Tutorials" forum for something new. I noticed that on most of the posts in the forum, there was a link to the picture (if there was one).
I went to joesquid's Large Door Coin Mech topic and noticed that the nice pics you did for the crank handle assembly did not make the conversion (I guess).
Maybe you could recreate that post in a new topic called "Crank Handle Assembly". I thought it was nicely done and one of the better tips in the forum.


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on January 09, 2008, 04:40:19 pm
Hey Tom,

Yea...  :blush: I did stumble upon this last month and failed to upload photos/edit the tip/tutorial.  Since I mildly broke my wrist skateboarding in my own driveway,  :darn: , I'll have some time over the next few weeks to address issues such as this and correct them...

Perhaps a new thread in this forum strictly for me to address as many issues as everyone can post that may need attention...  Be kind though as I'm still working on the GeoMap for interesting places and attempting to work something out on the home page with what is currently labeled, the "Monthly Coin Box" and connect this into a forum...

I've always said that I'm open for suggestions, improvements or modifications ! ! !


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on January 09, 2008, 08:29:52 pm
Made some quick work in the Tips & Tutorials Area...


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: collecture on January 09, 2008, 09:32:19 pm
Jim,
One more thought for the Tips & Tutorials forum.
Can we include the picture of Glen and the Cav72 as a "How to get the machine home" topic?  :tounge:


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: bubba on January 09, 2008, 09:52:43 pm
Jim,
One more thought for the Tips & Tutorials forum.
Can we include the picture of Glen and the Cav72 as a "How to get the machine home" topic?  :tounge:

ROFL... That should have been photographed..


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: collecture on January 09, 2008, 10:55:27 pm
ROFL... That should have been photographed..

It was!!!


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: bubba on January 10, 2008, 06:12:33 am
hmm... I don't remember seeing that pic....  :blush:


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: collecture on January 10, 2008, 09:04:41 am
2nd post down

http://soda-machines.com/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,29/topic,7355.0/


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: bubba on January 10, 2008, 10:34:07 am
Thanks Tom.. I do remember seeing that...  :laugh:


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: collecture on October 12, 2010, 02:10:12 pm
http://soda-machines.com/discussions/index.php/topic,12174.0.html
Suddenly on this topic and apparently only this topic (for me at least), when I go to it, it acts as if I am not logged in or something. 'Quote' & 'Reply' are not visible nor available to me. I have posted something on the issue - not sure when this started.


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Kilroy on October 12, 2010, 02:43:59 pm
The Topic is locked.  I assume it's an accident, but that's why reply is no longer an option


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: collecture on October 12, 2010, 02:58:31 pm
The Topic is locked.  I assume it's an accident, but that's why reply is no longer an option

Hmmm? Maybe Bubba just didn't want anyone else chiming in with any purchase validating ideas??  :tounge:


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Kilroy on October 12, 2010, 05:30:21 pm
That was my thought. 


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: bubba on October 12, 2010, 08:24:40 pm
Hmmm? Maybe Bubba just didn't want anyone else chiming in with any purchase validating ideas??  :tounge:

Maybe my wife saw it... I blame you guys for a lot of things  :biggrin:


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: collecture on October 12, 2010, 11:30:41 pm
Maybe my wife saw it... I blame you guys for a lot of things  :biggrin:


Does she have Admin access?? Wait a minute?


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Creighton on October 13, 2010, 12:08:53 am
>> I blame you guys for a lot of things

I start with blaming the dog. When that fails it's SMC's fault :-)
Creighton


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: collecture on October 05, 2011, 03:55:57 pm
For the past two days I have been trying to go to the Soda Machines page off the SMC Home page. Nothing happens - it acts like it just refreshes the Home Page.
Anybody else have this issue?


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: SIGNGUY on October 05, 2011, 03:58:04 pm
It must just not like you Tom,,, No Problem on me end.

Good luck!


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on October 05, 2011, 04:06:31 pm
Tom,
Do you receive any error messages...?
Perhaps there was a bottle-neck  problem in the southwest causing a few issues...
Has it cleared up of do you still have the issue...?


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: collecture on October 05, 2011, 06:56:47 pm
I just checked and I can go to Syrup Dispensers, but not the Soda Machines area. No error message....I'll try rebooting my PC.
Hmmmm....maybe this is a sign that I have too many? I hope not!  :down:


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: collecture on October 05, 2011, 07:24:45 pm
No change!
What else should I try?


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: bubba on October 06, 2011, 06:14:24 am
It works fine for me.. Try this direct link.... http://soda-machines.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=3&Itemid=14


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: MCarter on October 06, 2011, 07:49:02 am
I have problems logging in all the time


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: collecture on October 06, 2011, 09:17:27 am
It works fine for me.. Try this direct link.... http://soda-machines.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=3&Itemid=14

Nope.
I've logged out of SMC's main page and it still won't work. I'll just have to go to another computer until I can figure it out...


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: bubba on October 06, 2011, 01:18:09 pm
Not that it should matter, but what browser are you guys with trouble using? Have you tried to clear you cookies and history??


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Creighton on October 06, 2011, 02:20:38 pm
Main page and direct link work fine here using Mozilla Firefox 3.6.12
Creighton


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: collecture on October 06, 2011, 05:00:17 pm
I am using IE9
Will try suggestions


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Ken R on October 06, 2011, 05:10:34 pm
No problems here, using Vista and IE8.


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on October 06, 2011, 07:11:16 pm
Tom,
Have you always had issues getting to the Soda Machines Section...?
If not, when did this begin and what has changed on your computer around the time this started...?
Software upgrades, such as IE upgrade, Windose patches, etc, etc...


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: rayg on October 06, 2011, 09:20:30 pm
Try using the Google Chrome browser


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: collecture on October 09, 2011, 09:58:02 pm
I deleted History, Cookies & Temperary Internet Files - works now.

Jim - I have never had any issues and can't really answer when this issue began - I don't go to the Soda Machine page that often.
I could access everything else on the site - Downloads, Syrup Dispensers, Discussion Areas....strange...


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on October 10, 2011, 10:06:41 am
Sorry I couldn't be more help...
At least it's working now ! ! !
Now you can review the Bevco Section (http://soda-machines.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=3&id=15&Itemid=14) as I just updated to include 11 new models w/ reference images...


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: collecture on August 24, 2013, 09:15:57 am
Tried to upload a file to the Extra Stuff area of the Downloads section and I get this notice.
Error uploading - Directory problem. Cannot move file.


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on August 24, 2013, 07:13:04 pm
Hey Tom,

Please try to upload the file again; I changed folder/dir permissions.
I was able to upload a photo so you should be good to go now...


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: collecture on August 24, 2013, 10:50:25 pm
It worked now....Thanks Jim!
I uploaded a 1950's National Rejectors Inc. Catalog. I only scanned the mechanical portion of the catalog for now, but will try to get the electrical portion scanned soon. I found it pretty neat and just got a mech sent to me with a shaft, depicted in the catalog, that I've never seen.
Once Jim authorizes the file, it should be visible to all.


Title: Re: Forum for Problems or Issues...
Post by: Jim on August 25, 2013, 07:22:14 am
Done!