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Mods and/or themes not installing, properly? A couple of things to be aware of.

Started by kat, March 09, 2013, 12:34:36 PM

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kat

An awful lot of hosts, now, don't give their customers proper permissions for the files on their sites.

So, although it may look, to you, as though you've set the file permissions, on your forum, in a certain way, they might not, in fact, be set that way, at all.

If, at this moment, you're thinking "Eh?", let me explain, a little.

When we speak of permissions, usually, we're talking about CHMOD. At least, we are with Apache servers. Windows servers, of course, are different. But, in this case, they're similar enough. It's just that the commands will be somewhat different.

The CHMOD permissions can be set to whatever you like. The problem, however, is that there's a set of permissions which override the permissions you set. These permissions are set by your host. In effect, you don't "own" the files on your site, at all. Your host does. CHOWN, which stands for "CHange OWNer", is a command that can only be run by your host.

So, if you install a mod or theme, it may be that you don't, in reality "own" the files that need to be edited. In which case, those files won't be edited, when you install a mod. It may appear that the mod's been installed. But, it won't be, as you'll notice, when you try to use it, or configure it.

In a case, such as this, you'll need to contact your host and get them to give you full CHOWN ownership of the files on your site.


The second common problem, now, is a thing called "mod_security". Originally, the idea behind mod_secuirty was probably well intended. But, it's so picky, in the way that it's set up, that it's causing some silly problems.

It was designed to prevent certain words appearing on websites, without the host's knowledge. Words like "Casino", "Gambling, "Sex", "porn" and a myriad of others. Sounds like a good idea, no?

In theory, yes. In practice...

If you happen to have the word "Essex", on your site, mod_security will only see the "sex" part and throw a hissy-fit. I've even known a server refuse the words "Hot water", because it contains the letters "T". "W", "A" and "T", in that order.

So, although it may have been a good idea, in theory, in practice, it's either not being configured, properly, or it's just plain not working.

So, it'll be well worth you giving your host a nudge, to get "mod_security" disabled.

Hope this helps. :)

Edits, comments, corrections welcomed, of course. :)

Capt. John

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Vector’s Shadow

Unfortunately, if your host is bent on using mod_security or mod_security2, they are unlikely to stop using it. Some suggestions on disabling it for a particular account can be found on cPanel's forum.

Arantor

SMF will actually attempt to use that code if it detects mod_security is present.

kat

I'll be honest... I've yet to find a host that won't, except one, rather strange one.

Unfortunately, that host has "smf" in it's name...

Chalky



Chalky

Quote from: K@ on April 13, 2013, 10:32:32 AM
http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?topic=479640.0 :P

That one's different ;)  That's your info about extracting the automatic back-up in the event you "forgot" to make a proper back-up first.  No mention of CHOWN or mod_security...

kat

You know... There WAS a sticky post, there...

Ho-hum. There will be, in a minute. :)

Chalky


kat

There. Now, stop twittering and get the kettle on. It's your turn to make the tea. :P

Chalky

Uhh that's so not fair!  I have to do everything round here.......


kat


Chalky



Chalky


kat



At least people might notice the topic, as a result.

This is known as a Good ThingTM[/s].

Chalky


TheListener

Quote from: K@ on April 13, 2013, 11:52:50 AM
There. Now, stop twittering and get the kettle on. It's your turn to make the tea. :P

Be waiting forever for that to happen.

:D

* Old Fossil runs

Chalky


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