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.

[KuraFire]

so, like, this hack doesn't work well on vB 2.2.5 ?

[Dean C]

anyone have this working on a 2.2.6???

Thanks in Advance

- miSt

[Raizor]

I am using this on 2.2.6 and the only issue that I have is that after a database restore, the avatar links are all broken. The only way to get them back is to re-apply the links again in every account that had a custom avatar.

I was wondering if there is a way to store the links in the database so that a restore would keep the custom avatars functioning properly.

[Smoothie]

Have it working on 2.2.7

[exTracT]

anyone have this working with 2.28? was there anything noted to set it up? I want to protect my avatars from cross linking

[Tim Wheatley]

Hm... My host says this will make masses of difference with the server. I already have attachments as files installed. I have 2.2.7 (heavily hacked) installed. I see someone has this working... I'll give it a shot!

[Tim Wheatley]

Works perfect for uploading and storage thusfar. vb2.2.7.

Will keep you informed.

[Okiewan]

Version 2.2.8 ... seems that the member.php has changed, as the code is not the same as in the readme file. Any tips on where to insert the code?

PHP Code:

// read file
$filesize=@filesize($filename);
if ($filesize>$avatarmaxsize) {
    eval("standarderror(\"".gettemplate("error_avatartoobig")."\");");
    // file size too big
    exit;
} 


[ladyfyre]

I am running 2.2.8 as well, and the block of code you are looking for is still there, just slightly changed....

look for:

PHP Code:

        // read file
        $filesize=@filesize($filename);
        if ($filesize>$avatarmaxsize) {
          @unlink($filename);
          eval("standarderror(\"".gettemplate("error_avatartoobig")."\");");
        } 


[Brew]

One of the things I noticed about this hack is that it doesn't delete images when a user has been deleted in the admin area.

Anyone have any ideas on how to get the image deleted when the users have been pruned/deleted?

Brew