How to fix most Sources problems

[NanoSector]

Hello

I managed to get my website crashing with errors.

Code Select Expand


Fatal error: unexpected "-", expected ")" in Sources/Subs.php (line blablabla)

Now here's the solution:

Step 1: Download a new SMF install
Download a new full ZIP package.
I did not say anything about extracting.

Step 2: Disable all mods
Helps with doing this.
If you can't access your forum, skip this.
When ANYTHING goes wrong then, not my problem.

Step 3: Putting the forum in maintenance mode
Admin > Features & Options > Server settings (if you cannot acces your forum modify Settings.php)
Make the site unaccessable for anyone, or modify the variable in Settings.php (if you want it more advanced).

Step 4: Extract the ZIP
Easy. Use your brain and your ZIP program.
Extract anywhere EXCEPT the forum installation.

Step 5: Remove the Sources directory from the forum installation
Easy.
Right click + Delete (Windows)
Right click + Remove (FileZilla)
Check directory + click remove (Net2FTP)

Step 6: Remove ALL add-ons' directorys left
tp_images, etc
downloads, etc
Right click + Delete (Windows)
Right click + Remove (FileZilla)
Check directorys + click remove (Net2FTP)

Step 7: Reupload Sources directory
This is important.
EVERYTHING will be reset to DEFAULT.
To prevent trouble, make 1000% sure step 2 is performed.
When ANYTHING goes wrong, not my problem.

Step 8: Make forum accesible
Modify Settings.php or login to your admin account and disable Maintenance Mode.

Step 9: Test
Go to your forum with your browser.
Everything must be in maintenance mode and you can use your forum again.

Step 10: Refresh packages
Reinstall all packages.
If your forum crashes again after installing a package, do NOT install it again, no matter how useful the package is.

Step 11: Tell users your forum is up again
Send a newsletter, for example.

Hope this is useful.

AGAIN!!!!:
When ANYTHING goes wrong, not my problem.
Blame yourself instead.

If you can't perform one of these 11 steps, ask for help HERE.
Do NOT create a new topic as this topic = instant help with this problem.
Also no questions here.

ALL information for help:
Tested with (and should be used with): 2.0 RC3
Function: Replace default

Credits:
Sources made by: Simple Machines coders
Tutorial: Yoshi2889

[CapadY]

Is this serious or just a joke/sarcastic ?

[Kill Em All]

.... Why couldn't you simply just fix the problem on the line given?

I think that would of been so much easier, plus you wouldn't of ruined your mods thus having to reinstall them...

Evenly just plainly replacing the Subs.php would due...

[PurpleCrow]

You do not need to do all that to fix ONE line in ONE file. Keep a clean working copy of the file on your computer and just use that to replace the one causing errors.

I have all sorts of files all over my computer as when I make changes to one I'll just quickly drag the old one into whatever folder is open on my computer at the time  Then, if I go wrong and cause an error I'll just stick the old one back.

[Joker™]

even if all above don't work ,smf people are available here for support

[Kill Em All]

even if all above don't work ,smf people are available here for support

exactly. Thanks for adding on top of our work load.

kidding.

[Joker™]

even if all above don't work ,smf people are available here for support

exactly. Thanks for adding on top of our work load.

kidding.

This work load handling by u people only made smf such a huge success .

[NanoSector]

I do mean when more things are corrupt.

That example in the Subs.php was not the only thing I had (I had like 50 more)

[PurpleCrow]

I do mean when more things are corrupt.

That example in the Subs.php was not the only thing I had (I had like 50 more)

Thats why you should check for errors each time you make an edit to a single file. Only takes a page refresh to find out if you have caused a parse error.

[NanoSector]

I do mean when more things are corrupt.

That example in the Subs.php was not the only thing I had (I had like 50 more)

Thats why you should check for errors each time you make an edit to a single file. Only takes a page refresh to find out if you have caused a parse error.

I edited a single file and it was correct.
I edited more files and suddently alot of files were corrupt when saving the last file.

I refreshed plenty of times.

[PurpleCrow]

OK then - why not back up each and every file each time you make an edit to one file? That would take time but its still a hell of a lot quicker than what you have suggested.

[NanoSector]

OK then - why not back up each and every file each time you make an edit to one file? That would take time but its still a hell of a lot quicker than what you have suggested.

I don't make backups; I have more then 500 MB on my site and my limit is 1500 MB.

[Kill Em All]

You can store backups on your computer...

[NanoSector]

You can store backups on your computer...

Nah, this is not mine and mine is dead.

[PurpleCrow]

You dont make backups at all?

[Kill Em All]

I'll be honest, I don't make as many back ups as I should, but I always have a back up of my forum files handy, whether is old or new.

[NanoSector]

You dont make backups at all?

No.
I have other things to do.

I'll be honest, I don't make as many back ups as I should, but I always have a back up of my forum files handy, whether is old or new.

I do only make backups when I need to.

[xenovanis]

If you're running an active forum, making regular backups is not only for your own personal ease, but also an obligation to the users who keep your forum alive.

[NanoSector]

If you're running an active forum, making regular backups is not only for your own personal ease, but also an obligation to the users who keep your forum alive.

Like I said: I have other things to do.

Also I cannot make backups as FileZilla nor Net2FTP gives me the ability.

[PurpleCrow]

If you're running an active forum, making regular backups is not only for your own personal ease, but also an obligation to the users who keep your forum alive.

Like I said: I have other things to do.

Also I cannot make backups as FileZilla nor Net2FTP gives me the ability.

Sorry to say this but you really shouldnt be running a forum. You have no idea.

I use Filezilla, all you have to do is drag and drop the file or folder onto your computer. It takes 2 seconds.

Better things to do? Wonder if you're members know what your god awful attitude is.