Miscellaneous Hacks - Forum-wide Search For Unanswered Threads

Hack Support

This hack is now discontinued - this means that while it will remain available for download and use, there will be no further updates, nor will support be provided as the thread is no longer monitored. You can now check out the 3.8.x version of this hack, as it also works with v3.7.5, v3.6.12 (and maybe even earlier versions).

Please click Mark as Installed if you are using this hack.


vBulletin Version Compatibility

This hack can be used with v3.6.10 and v3.7.x. This has not been tested with earlier versions of v3.6.x, but should work.


What Does This Hack Do?

This is an hack adds an extra option to the Search drop down list on the nav bar which allows you to search for unanswered threads forum-wide, apart from the forums you choose to exclude from the search.

This hack was created as a result of a request from Boofo - see here.

There are no file or template changes at all, and is fully phrased.

AdminCP settings for this hack available in vBulletin Options > Forum-wide Search For Unanswered Threads.
Settings that can be changed are:

1. Usergroup permissions - which groups will be able to see the Unanswered Threads link (no usergroups can use this by default)
2. Exclude Forums - list of forums to exclude from the search for unanswered threads
3. Turn off cached results - enable/disable

Installation Instructions

1. Import ms_search_all_unanswered.xml into vB using the AdminCP Product Manager. If upgrading then set Allow Overwrite to Yes.
2. Alter the settings in the Admin CP vBulletin Options to your liking.

Uninstall Instructions

1. Uninstall the product in vB using the AdminCP Product Manager.

Version History

v3.7.006 - Friday 29th August 2008
-- Final Release
-- Changed: Check boxes now for usergroup selection, instead of needing comma separated numbers
-- Changed: Screenshots
-- Added: New plugin, for processing usergroup permissions

v3.7.005 - Saturday 26th July 2008
-- Changed: Removed dependency, now works with v3.6.10

v3.7.004 - Thursday 17th July 2008
-- Changed: Total code rewrite
-- Changed: AdminCP exclude forums option to allow up to 254 characters on the line

v3.7.003 - Wednesday 25th June 2008
-- Added: AdminCP option to display to all usergroups

v3.7.002 - Sunday 11th May 2008
-- Changed: Version numbering
-- Added: AdminCP Options input validation
-- Added: vBAdvanced support

v1.0.0 - Friday 8th February 2008
-- Initial v3.7.x Release


Show Your Appreciation

Although not required, if you have enjoyed the benefits of this hack, and would like show your appreciation for my efforts, then please feel free to click on the Support Developer link and donate any amount you feel is appropriate.


Donations

I would like to thank the following people for their kind donations:

• jilly
• wmlvb

[Boofo]

Thank you, sir.

[Mosh]

Originally Posted by Boofo

Thank you, sir.

No worries mate

[ChurchMedia]

*installed* Thanks for the cool hack! I have a custom navbar so I altered the code to make it work for me. I changed the plugin code to:

PHP Code:

$fwsfut_groups = explode(',',$vbulletin->options['fwsfut_grps']); 

if (is_member_of($vbulletin->userinfo,$fwsfut_groups)) 
{
    $unanswered = '<a href="search.php?'.$session['sessionurl'].'do=process&replyless=1&replylimit=0&exclude='.$vbulletin->options['fwsfut_exclude_forums'].'&nocache='.$vbulletin->options['fwsfut_cache_enable'].'">'.$vbphrase['forum_wide_unanswered'].'</a>';
} 


(let me know if you want me to delete this)

This way I could just insert the $unanswered variable where I needed the link to be.

Thanks again!

[Mosh]

Originally Posted by ChurchMedia

*installed* Thanks for the cool hack! I have a custom navbar so I altered the code to make it work for me. I changed the plugin code to:

PHP Code:

$fwsfut_groups = explode(',',$vbulletin->options['fwsfut_grps']); 

if (is_member_of($vbulletin->userinfo,$fwsfut_groups)) 
{
    $unanswered = '<a href="search.php?'.$session['sessionurl'].'do=process&replyless=1&replylimit=0&exclude='.$vbulletin->options['fwsfut_exclude_forums'].'&nocache='.$vbulletin->options['fwsfut_cache_enable'].'">'.$vbphrase['forum_wide_unanswered'].'</a>';
} 


(let me know if you want me to delete this)

This way I could just insert the $unanswered variable where I needed the link to be.

Thanks again!

No need to delete it, other people may have a custom navbar, they may want to use it.

Thanks for sharing

[jilly]

Can you let all usergroups use it be default by removing the zero?

[jilly]

if a user does not have permission to view a forum, will a zero response post still show up in their search?

[Mosh]

Originally Posted by jilly

Can you let all usergroups use it be default by removing the zero?

No, unfortunately not, having the zero basically blocks everyone. You will have to add every usergroup you want to see the link.

Originally Posted by jilly

if a user does not have permission to view a forum, will a zero response post still show up in their search?

No, it will not, forum permissions still apply

If the user is in a usergroup that does not have permissions to see a forum, then unanswered threads from that forum will not show up for that user.

[jilly]

I can't tell you how helpful this mod is for me!! Great job!!

[Mosh]

Originally Posted by jilly

I can't tell you how helpful this mod is for me!! Great job!!

You are more than welcome