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.

Originally posted by CityNet
Arrgh.. I did this hack, entirely as instructed and when going into the Change Profile page I get this:

Parse error: parse error in /usr/local/plesk/apache/vhosts/thecitynetwork.net/httpdocs/forums/member.php on line 1042

What happened?

Finally got around to installing Word and figuring out how to turn on line numbering... What? Line 1042 is just some commented file?

I tried uploading it again. It worked this time.. Thanks. ^_^

((EDIT: Tried entering a URL for an avatar and STILL keep getting "This is not a valid GIF or JPG file. Please ensure that it is and try again"

That's it... I'm going to cuddle up in a fetal position and just cry. Trying to get these avs to work is going to result in me tearing my hair out)

[SpankMe]

What we really need is a utility that will go through the MySQL dB and convert all image attachments to files and update the associated post. We could then cron it to run every so often.

I like allowing users to attach images but it is a REAL PAIN for them to download the images every time they visit the thread

After installing this hack (which is Awesome by the way)...
When you click a user's profile link, returns this error:

Warning: Object DB_site not found in /home/name/dir/forums3/member.php on line 1037

Fatal error: Member function used on a non-object in /home/name/dir/forums3/member.php on line 1037

RC2

anyone?

Maybe I asked this question in the wrong forum?

Well no wonder no one replied...
Sorry... BONEHEAD mistake on my part.

uhh...

in my best Gilda Radner.... Nevermind.

[Dakota]

Is there anyway that there could be an option for just mods and admins be able to select custom avatars?

[TGO]

I tried to install this on RC3 and got a datbase error..I REALLY need this hack too. :\

BTW, the error is when I run the install script, I press Install and I get a database error. Whether I have created the custom_avatars directory or not..

Error is:
---
There seems to have been a slight problem with the database. Please try again by pressing the refresh button in your browser.

An E-Mail has been dispatched to our Technical Staff, who you can also contact if the problem persists.

We apologise for any inconvenience.
----

Please help with this one Kier..

Kier, I've got RC 3 too and I really want this hack. Will I get the same problem as TGO's? Thanks.

I'm in the same boat as TGO the hack is needed badly too, any help would be greatly apriciated.