NoSpam! for vBulletin 3.5

This hack, originally for 3.6, has now finally been fully converted to proper 3.5 format, where it will undoubtedly be even more useful than on 3.6, given the stronger default CAPTCHA protection in 3.6.

Note that this was tested on 3.5.7. If you have an older version and it is not working (or, in fact, if you have 3.5.7 and it's not working), please post in the hack thread at vBulletin.org with the details of what is working, what is not working, and what version you do have.

The method by which this version prevents guests from using Quick Search (to save them from getting a confusing "You answered the NoSpam! question incorrectly" message when they attempt it) is considerably less elegant than on 3.6 where it uses the simple $show['quicksearch'] switch which was only added in 3.6, but it works. Any pointers on improving it would be very much appreciated, however.

To quote from the other thread:

This simple hack is meant as a replacement for the default CAPTCHA system in vBulletin. There are two main reasons one might want to do this: firstly, new technology is constantly being developed to crack CAPTCHA images and make spam accounts anyway, and secondly, the more secure the CAPTCHA, the more difficult it is for genuine users to tell what the numbers in the image are. There is also the issue of visually impaired users, and the fact that not all servers are capable of generating CAPTCHA images.

So what does this hack do instead? It asks a question. Any question you want. That's the best part: YOU make up the questions, which means that every forum is unique, which means that it is impossible for spambots to be simply programmed to bypass it at all forums with the hack installed. You can make one or many questions - if you make many, the hack will pick one at random when a guest attempts to register, search, post or send mail through the Contact Us form. Their input is compared with your specified answer, and voil?, if they get it right they're pretty much guaranteed to be human. If they get it wrong, they're given an error message.

It doesn't have to be a complicated question. Heck, you can just make it "Please type 'blah' into this box." Or you can go with inserting a simple image with HTML and ask what is shown on the image. Or you can ask them to tell you two plus two. It's up to you. In fact, this can also be used as a means of forcing people to read the rules by asking for a certain password found there, or if your forum focuses on a specialized subject, ask a question concerning the subject that all your genuine users will be able to answer, but a random troll or "CAPTCHA-sweatshop-reader" will be scratching their head over.

It's simple to install, too: just one product to import, and that's it.


VERSION HISTORY:

3.0: Added functionality to allow users to specify which pages should use NoSpam!.
2.0: Extended the NoSpam! functionality to guest posts, guest searches and guest "Contact Us" in addition to registration. First 3.5 release.
1.1: Made template edit in 3.6 automatic (with thanks to Cole2026), added ability to have more than one answer to each question, and made answers case insensitive. To upgrade, I recommend undoing the template edit so you won't have to worry about it anymore (replace $nospamfield in the template register with $imagereg, or if you added $nospamfield above $imagereg, just remove $nospamfield altogether), and then reimport the product through the Admin CP (making sure that Allow Overwrite is set to On).
1.0: Initial 3.6 release.


INSTALLATION:

1. Import product-nospam-35.xml through the Admin CP product manager.
2. Go to your vBulletin options in the Admin CP and select NoSpam! Settings. Once there, turn the system on and input your questions and answers according to the instructions there.

The system should now be functional and running.


UNINSTALLATION:

Just uninstall the product through the Admin CP.


SUPPORT:

Full support will be given in this thread. All suggestions are welcome.

Thank you and please click "Mark as Installed" if you like it.

[antialiasis]

Oh, right, sorry, I forgot this is 3.5. Put it above that bit.

[ThunderVamp9]

seem to have a problem somewhere else with my installation. Adding code seems to have no effect. I have also tried to add in the Quick Register hack, and it has no effect at all. It's like something is preventing any changes to the templates from being displayed or something.

[webghey]

question - is there a way to do something along these lines with the - "contact us" found on the bottom of the forum? The image verification doesn't stop spam getting blasted to my email acct daily. I'm guessing that adding something along these lines - like a question would help me greatly. Although I don't have a major issue as of now with spammers joining the forum, I DO get a lot of junk mail through the contact us.

Just thought I'd ask - maybe this is something simple someone could give me code on, or added to this hack?

[AndyA]

Great idea, installed ! :up:

[TubaNewsRose]

This is working fabulously, thank you!

[antialiasis]

Originally Posted by ThunderVamp9

seem to have a problem somewhere else with my installation. Adding code seems to have no effect. I have also tried to add in the Quick Register hack, and it has no effect at all. It's like something is preventing any changes to the templates from being displayed or something.

Hmm, that's odd. Check your template manager and see if there isn't definitely a template called nospam.

Originally Posted by webghey

question - is there a way to do something alone these lines with the - "contact us" found on the bottom of the forum? The image verification doesn't stop spam getting blasted to my email acct daily. I'm guessing that adding something along these lines - like a question would help me greatly. Although I don't have a major issue as of now with spammers joining the forum, I DO get a lot of junk mail through the contact us.

Just thought I'd ask - maybe this is something simple someone could give me code on, or added to this hack?

This hack already includes a question on the contact form.

[antialiasis]

Updated to 3.0 with the ability to enable or disable NoSpam! individually for each of the pages it affects plus a special file about integration with other hacks.

[Stangsta]

3.5.4 workin like a champ!:up:

[Kleptomaniac]

Hi, I would like to use this mod, but I'm getting this warning, even after uninstalling the mod. I am using vbulletin version 3.5.3. Please help.

Warning: Invalid argument supplied for foreach() in /includes/functions.php(4320) : eval()'d code on line 10

EDIT: Its some kind of conflict with ucash/ushop and this mod ... I cant have them both enabled, or else I get the warning message.

[antialiasis]

Well, there is no foreach() in the entire NoSpam! code, so it must be something in ucash/ushop (supported by how uninstalling NoSpam! doesn't even remove the error). :/