Topic: My Community: SMF Database Error!‏

[Everis]

The site was up, two of us had registered, and a couple days later i went back to add things. Site was gone  I know nothing about getting the site to see the database, and the person that placed it onto the server is away. I want to be able to start adding modifications, to it, and creating forums. But at this point cant do a thing.

I did get an email from it that said:

There has been a problem with the database!MySQL reported:Table 'name_name.smfsettings' doesn't exist This is a notice email to let you know that SMF could not connect to the database, contact your host if this continues.


I changed the names to name because the site is not set up yet and will be changed at some point to a new name anyway. How do I fix this?


If someone can direct me into where to look on the mysqladmin info or somewhere else, that would be great.

Thank you in advance.
~Everis

[bigguy]

This means the whole table is gone. I doubt that uploading repair_settings.php would be of any use to you but you could try it. If this is a brand new forum maybe the best thing to do would be to start over.

[Everis]

Thanks for the fast responce.
   Ok. Where could it have gone? Do you mean like deleted? I can see info about it in the mysqladmin.
I have no clue how to place it up on the host server.
Yes completly brand new, was going to start putting stuff on it. But now have to wait until someone can add it to the host.

Again thanks,
~Everis

[Everis]

It looks like all the files are still on the FTP. What would be easier, delting the old database that was connected to the files, and reinstalling them from the FTP? That is what I am thinking. How hard is that to do? How do I know if all the files are there? Is there a list handy of files I should see?
Thanks,
~Everis

[bigguy]

I would just start anew. Delete the database and files and re-upload the install zip and install from scratch.

[Everis]

Ok thank you. Now to figure out how to do that. 

Thanks
~Everis

[Chit-Chat ChatterBox Boss]

Yes if you have nothing added to the fresh new installed forum and you are getting this problem already I would do what bigguy said. No point in trying to do extra work and fix something that can be fixed faster and easier by wiping everything clean and just re-uploading the SMF files(which includes the install.php) and go to your site http://www.yoursite.com/install.php and start fresh. This way will install all the needed databases and files will be there. Be sure if you are new to the smf forum gig that you look into the security procedures before worring about extra mods. Some of these security procedures include some mods to be installed but also your CHMOD settings and a few other things. Worst thing you would want is to start building your site and then have a hacker come in and ruin what you just had to restart over again already.
 

Ok thank you. Now to figure out how to do that. 

Thanks
~Everis

Go to your host and open the control panel (cpanel .... etc) and go to databases. Just delete the database SMF is using (It will be recreated during the fresh install automatically). In the control panel should be something like 'Manage Databases' or something along those lines. Open that and you will see your main databases SMF is using. Just delete it completely. As for the files just either go into your control panel on your host and go to 'File Manager' or access it via a FTP program (filezilla ... etc) and open your main folder your SMF files sit in. Usually it is /public_html/forum/ or where ever you had them go to. Delete all the files from SMF in there.
 

[Everis]

Thank you for all the help and info. You guys are awesome. I will read up on the security features as soon as I find them. 
Then either try tackling this myself, or wait for the person who set it up first is around to reinstall it all.
Thanks,
~Everis

[bigguy]

Post back if you need any other help.

[Everis]

Yes if you have nothing added to the fresh new installed forum and you are getting this problem already I would do what bigguy said. No point in trying to do extra work and fix something that can be fixed faster and easier by wiping everything clean and just re-uploading the SMF files(which includes the install.php) and go to your site http://www.yoursite.com/install.php[/] and start fresh. This way will install all the needed databases and files will be there. Be sure if you are new to the smf forum gig that you look into the security procedures before worring about extra mods. Some of these security procedures include some mods to be installed but also your CHMOD settings and a few other things. Worst thing you would want is to start building your site and then have a hacker come in and ruin what you just had to restart over again already.
 

Go to your host and open the control panel (cpanel .... etc) and go to databases. Just

Ok deleted old database, removed old files. Uploading new files.
WHat security measures do I need to take? Is there a handy check list somewhere for me to look at and follow as I do it?
Again I would like to thank you for the help. 
~Everis

[bigguy]

No security yet...have you installed.

[Everis]

I have not installed or created the database yet. Just uploading the files to the FTP now.
Thank you so much for all your help.
~Everis

[Everis]

Also the files I uploaded were for 1.1.9 if that is of any help. Couldnt find 1.1.8 

[bigguy]

1.1.9 should be what you install for the latest stable release. However, feel free to go with the release client as well. SMF 2.0 RC1-1

[Chit-Chat ChatterBox Boss]

You want 1.1.9 (If wanting to be in the version 1) or 2.0 RC1-1(If you want to be in the version 2) doesn't matter which one all is on preferance. Version 2 has a few more built in options and handy tools that are already built in that you would have to install with mods to get on Version 1(Which is why most choose Version 2 and also because it will be soon the main Version when the final release happens). You should go to http://custom.simplemachines.org/mods/index.php?action=search;type=13 and under 'Browse the mods' Go to 'Security and Moderation'. That is a good place to look for some good security mods like 'Stop Forum Spam', 'reCAPTCHA for SMF'. With 2.0 RC1-1 you can setup registration questions to be displayed under the CAPTCHA which is good to make up your own questions because you can set it to have like 10 questions but only 2 get shown to people registering and they show in random order. You can setup something like this for 1.1.9. When you are looking for mods make sure you check the 'SMF Versions:' and make sure your version is there. If the closest one to yours if off by one like if you have 1.1.9 and closest is 1.1.8 most likely it will install fine. If it doesn't no biggie it will take usually some easy 2 minute fix in the install file and it will install for your version.