Version: 3.0, by antialiasis
Developer Last Online: Nov 2013
Version: 3.5.7
Rating:
Released: 12-12-2006
Last Update: 02-07-2007
Installs: 158
Uses Plugins Template Edits
No support by the author.
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:
Quote:
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.
Show Your Support
This modification may not be copied, reproduced or published elsewhere without author's permission.
I don't know exactly if this mod was the reason, but the mysqld memory usage dropped to ~1/6 of what used to be after installing this. Having this enabled for searches was invaluable.
This has been fantastic for my forums!!! I have noticed occasionally now I get a weird error:
PHP Code:
Fatal error: Existing data passed is not an array Called set_existing in /home/usr/public_html/forums/includes/functions_databuild.php on line 200 Called build_forum_counters in /home/usr/public_html/forums/global.php(360) : eval()'d code on line 227 Called sb_post_thread in /home/usr/public_html/forums/includes/class_dm_threadpost.php(1547) : eval()'d code on line 3 Called eval in /home/usr/public_html/forums/includes/class_dm_threadpost.php on line 1547 Called post_save_each in /home/usr/public_html/forums/includes/class_dm_threadpost.php on line 1416 Called save in /home/usr/public_html/forums/includes/functions_newpost.php on line 438 Called build_new_post in /home/usr/public_html/forums/newthread.php on line 186 in /includes/class_dm.php on line 235
Wow, I just found this and installed in 3.5.3 and it works like a champ! Hopefully this will curb my 10-20+ spam accounts showing up daily that I've been manually blasting. Thanks!
Yes Hello. I cant get the questions to come up the default question is entered. and it wont show up. The people registering cant see it therefor it shows up as an error cause they cant enter anything.
Ive tried the troubleshoot and it didnt find the code i needed. Maybe the text in the template would be helpful thanks!
I just wanted to say excellent hack, I installed it quite some time ago, but every since I've had it it's proved it's weight in gold by keeping those pesky spammers away. Awesome hack .
I just wanted to say you're a lifesaver!!
My server host demanded that I do something about all of the bounced back emails from the spambots and the 3.5.4 captcha wasn't doing anything.
I can't upgrade to the 3.7 beta as of yet which has this and recaptcha and the recaptcha mod only works with 3.6 so you really saved the day until I can get updated.
Thanks!!
Has been working great but all of a sudden the nospam question box in the registration page is missing and when you try to register is says you got the nospam question wrong. Anyone seen this?
NoSpam! for vBulletin 3.5 Details »»
About Developer
Visit Web Site
Uses Plugins 
No support by the author.
10-08-2007, 08:01 PM
.
