Getting a database error, how can I fix it?

[Richie]

I've had my board running great for a couple weeks now, and all of a sudden today I get a message on the page that says: "Parse Error" parse error, unexpected $ in xxx/xxx/xxx/Settings.php on line 58. (the x's being it's folder location). Is there something I should change in the bb script, ot is it a support issue with the database (MySQL). What caused this?

I had a lot of problems getting hacked on my old PhPbb board, and I hope it isn't happening again. The SMF board was working great. Thanks in advance for any help, I'm not too familiar with the tech aspect of these things but I can figure it out if given some instructions on what to do. Thanks!

[Oldiesmann]

That's not a database error. That means that Settings.php somehow became corrupt (this happens sometimes, nobody's really figured out why though). If there's a file called "Settings_bak.php" in your SMF directory (and there should be), delete the current Settings.php and rename Settings_bak.php to Settings.php (Settings_bak.php will be created again the next time you go to the "Edit Server Settings" section of your admin center).

[Saleh]

did you edit Settings.php?
this error has nothing to do with MySQL.. it's php parse error (Syntax error)

edit: BAM! beat me to it, tho more informitive than mine