UTF-8 BOM in /file_check.php Utility?

[BigDaddyDiesel]

What does that mean?  I have several files that say that a UTF-8 BOM detected? 

Also, what would cause hundreds of php files to wind up with the same exact error?  The main thing I am running into is that they all have extra spaces or line after the last ?>...  OR they begin with <? instead of <?php....   Any real rhyme or reason as to what would cause this?

[Norv]

The reason is typically that when you open and save SMF files, you may have used an editor that inserts BOM (=byte order mark) in the file when saving it, and did that on a core SMF file.

Definition from http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/wikis/display/xdcomputegrid/Glossary

byte order mark (BOM)
A character code at the beginning of a data stream that can be used as a signature that defines the byte order and encoding form.

Please use an editor who DOESN'T insert this character. For instance, if you're on windows, Notepad++ might be good.

[BigDaddyDiesel]

Ok, so what you are saying is that to fix this issue, get a fresh copy of the file, and copy and paste it through notepad and then upload it to replace the code that was added?

[Norv]

Notepad++, not Notepad, I'd say.

I think you can also open the files that have BOM, using Notepad++, and remove the BOM. Check Notepad++ menu for options how to see BOM if you don't see it by default.

[BigDaddyDiesel]

Thank you, that was going to be my next question.  How to see the BOM.  I will get to work on that.

Since you gave me the tools to work with, I guess you can mark this one solved..


Thanks again!!!

[Tyrsson]

Its under file encoding in Notepad++

[Norv]

We should keep the topic unsolved though, in case there are more issues, until it really gets solved.

Eventually, please let us know how it goes.

[Amoreitalia]

Hello Norv. Im having an issue with this. I dotn know what file/files I may have messed up with the BOM If i even did that?

[Norv]

Please download the file_check tool attached here, upload it to your forum directory, and run it by pointing to it in the browser. It will check the files and tell whether they start and finish as expected for most php files in SMF, but also whether they have BOM.

[Amoreitalia]

Please download the file_check tool attached here, upload it to your forum directory, and run it by pointing to it in the browser. It will check the files and tell whether they start and finish as expected for most php files in SMF, but also whether they have BOM.

ok cool i did so and i got this...


•/var/www/vhosts/CamGirlEuphoria.com/httpdocs/forum/index.php
◦File does not begin with <?php
◦File does not end with ?>
•/var/www/vhosts/CamGirlEuphoria.com/httpdocs/forum/ssi_examples.php
◦File does not end with ?>
•/var/www/vhosts/CamGirlEuphoria.com/httpdocs/forum/Themes/babylon/languages/Settings.german-utf8.php
◦File does not end with ?>
•/var/www/vhosts/CamGirlEuphoria.com/httpdocs/forum/Themes/default/languages/Settings.french-utf8.php
◦File does not end with ?>
•/var/www/vhosts/CamGirlEuphoria.com/httpdocs/forum/Themes/default/languages/Settings.english-utf8.php
◦File does not end with ?>
•/var/www/vhosts/CamGirlEuphoria.com/httpdocs/forum/Themes/default/languages/Settings.german-utf8.php
◦File does not end with ?>
•/var/www/vhosts/CamGirlEuphoria.com/httpdocs/forum/Themes/classic/languages/Settings.french-utf8.php
◦File does not end with ?>
•/var/www/vhosts/CamGirlEuphoria.com/httpdocs/forum/Themes/classic/languages/Settings.german-utf8.php
◦File does not end with ?>

[Tyrsson]

Please attach the top level index.php file to your next post.

[Amoreitalia]

Please attach the top level index.php file to your next post.

[Amoreitalia]

Please attach the top level index.php file to your next post.

ahh ok i think i have an idea? the index.php file i edited some to add my sites header and footer. is there a work around for this?



AHH thats it! I jsut took out the header and footer i put in there and it all works fine. maybe you can help me keep teh header and footer in there but help me with a work around?

[Tyrsson]

The header and footer will go in the index.template.php file for the theme you are wanting to use. If you post the code and the index.template.php file then I can see what I can do. Or if you prefer you can email them to me at

jsmith[ @ ]simplemachines.org

Just please reply here or PM me to let me know you sent them.

[Amoreitalia]

The header and footer will go in the index.template.php file for the theme you are wanting to use. If you post the code and the index.template.php file then I can see what I can do. Or if you prefer you can email them to me at

jsmith[ @ ]simplemachines.org

Just please reply here or PM me to let me know you sent them.

Hey thanks so much for the help. I have run into a little error here. Anyway we can chat on a messenger? instead of posting b ack and fourth? lol. I have them all if you dont mind pming me one of yours?

[Aleksi "Lex" Kilpinen]

Hi, any updates on this?