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.

[jucs]

I wish the documenation was updated. Now I don't trust myself as there are several "got ya's" due to inaccurate documention for V2.0 and you can't systematically follow exact directions. <sigh>

Can someone update the hack install documentation so that 2.0 gold users will know exactly what to do? Thanks.

[Sven]

Well, that's what we're asking for.... I already send out a PM to Kier (about a week ago)... but got no response

You may want to do the same as I have the assumption that he doesn't look into this thread at the moment.

hey, may be the guy is busy.

[rebby]

if this will be included in 2.1... i'm really curious on the 2.1 eta... would it be worth my time to hack 2.0???

[CoolaShacka]

updating the Instructions woukd be very nice.

Tnx

Originally posted by Sharg
Kier, you know what ?
It would be GREAT to port this system to attached files to

I agree with Sharg...I have been looking for this hack for a long time no with no success. It should be made for the people with smaller databases with large webspace, that want to attach larger files. Please look into making this hack...It would be greatly appreshated!
Thanks,
TooFastForYa

[jucs]

I would just go for getting the documenation updated.

[Dakota]

Great hack, I love it, just been holding out on installing it. It installed without any problems. I really like the installer that is coming with these hack, it really saves time.

Edit: the dateline you guys are talking about didn't affect it when I installed it. I just acted like it wasn't there, and just put what is in the installation instructions. It works fine without the dateline stuff.

[cditty]

Would this be easily modified to allow users to serve their avatars from their web server?

Figure it might save a lot of bandwidth if I allow custom avatars and require them to be served elsewhere.

Chris