Site down - Fixing the "There seems to have been a problem with the database" error.
 

I had this problem before and I know it is a host issue, but last time someone told me a way to take vbulletin offline and repair it through VBulletin itself.

Anyone know what I am talking about?

You can disable your board from online viewers and put a brief message up.

Admincp --> Vbulletin Options --> Turn Board On/Off

I get a database error trying to get to the admincp.

Do you have all the correct info via config.php?

As its saying a problem with the database.

I haven't changed anything, it is a host problem. I have contacted the host to reset the database, but that will take time. Darn IPower!.

I could have sworn someone told me of a way to switch the site off and back on when the database was in this condition.

If you right click and view source it will tell you what the error is. If you can post the error it gives then we can advise further if anything needs to be done from your side.

At the moment it is purely speculative as we don't know what the error is.

Yeah that is a hosting (DB) problem I have the same problem with IX where my site is hosted (quite a lot). I get the exact same message. The index page isn't replaced with alternative while the DB is offline and you can't access the AdminCP because it queries the DB which is offline. So I can only imagine there needs to be some trap somewhere that redirects to a alternative page which doesn't query the DB.

But on the other hand I don't know much but will keep my eye on this post.

Depending on the actual error is what action needs to be taken. Some can be repaired by running repairs on your database via tools.php or through phpmyadmin. However, others can only be resolved through your host if you are on shared hosting. Some errors can mean that your site is outgrowing your hosting setup and can be a nugde to upgrade to a better hosting solution.

If the database error isn't showing on screen, then you can view it by viewing the source of the error page. You may also recieve database error emails from your site which will also tell you what the error is.

This is the mail I get, I'll look at the code next time I get the error.

Database error in vBulletin :

mysql_connect(): Lost connection to MySQL server during query /hsphere/local/home/xxxxxx/xxxxxxx.com/includes/class_core.php on line 280

MySQL Error :
Error Number :
Date : Monday, August 21st 2006 @ 12:25:19 PM
Script : http://xxxxxxxxx.com/admincp/
Referrer :
IP Address : xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
Username :
Classname : vb_database

@ powerbook

Your error should be just temporary, if it last longer than an hour, then you might want to contact your host with that one.