Custom Avatars as Files (updated for vBulletin 2.2.2)

Updated for vBulletin 2.2.2, 5th February 2002

Since there has been so much demand for this, I wrote a hack that will allow you to store all your custom avatars as files, rather than in the mySQL database.



Doing this will have the following benefits:

• Avatars folder can be protected by .htaccess (Apache only) to prevent bandwidth stealing
• No SQL queries or PHP code required to display custom avatars - server load decreases
• No cacheing issues with Internet Explorer 5.5, so server bandwidth use should decrease

The install script will make the necessary modifications to your database, install a control panel option to switch the file-based avatars on, and convert your existing custom avatars from the database into files.

All avatar options that are present when using the standard mySQL avatar system are still present, and users will not notice a difference in the interface.

Full instructions for altering your PHP files are included in the zip file.

Once you have made the necessary modifications to the PHP scripts, you should run the enclosed install_favatar.php script from your admin/ folder.

Unless this hack is done, none of my members can change their avatars :-/

[Sven]

^bump^this^a^little^

[DarkReaper]

You state that you can use .htaccess to prevent the files from being linked from outside my server...how would I do this? Place a .htaccess file in the forums directory with what contents? Thanks.

[eva2000]

Originally posted by DarkReaper
You state that you can use .htaccess to prevent the files from being linked from outside my server...how would I do this? Place a .htaccess file in the forums directory with what contents? Thanks.

use http://faq.solutionscripts.com/misc/hot_linking.html

[DarkReaper]

Thanks

[kaeros]

I just recently installed this hack and now I notice that the forum doesn't update the numver of views where before it did. Is this happening to anyone else?

This hack needs to be updated for 2.0.3 ! ! !

[Cocomiel]

Please Update the hack ... why you didnt yet ?
Its one of the bests hacks outhere

[Cocomiel]

Ok, i will code this one, will be ready in two days

[DarkReaper]

um..the installation link isn't loading.