Forume Not visible on search engine

[amitlib]

Hi,

If I don't want my forum to be visible on search engines. Does anyone know how I can do that?

[Videx]

At least two ways come to mind. The most obvious is to use a robots.txt file (http://www.google.com/search?q=robots.txt). The second would be to not allow Guests, since search bots use Guest permissions.

Be careful doing this though - usually people want just the opposite - more search exposure - because it increases traffic.

[amitlib]

Hi,

Where can I find the robots.txt file?

[nhawk]

You have to create the robots.txt file. Click the link in the post above yours.

Also, if your forum is already in search engines, it's too late. It will take a ton of time to eliminate the entries from them.

And, blocking all search engines is next to impossible. Many do not obey robots.txt and you'll find your site listed even with the restrictions you place on them.

The only sure fire way is to start with a fresh site, and password protect the forum area.