General Support FAQ

This Support forum is for forums hosted by SMF for Free only.

General Support FAQ

Q: Can I get a database backup?
A: Database backups are not offered.

Q: Can I transfer my forum from one server to another?
A: Forums cannot be transfered from one server to another.

Q: How do I change the URL of my forum?
A: There is no option to change the URL of your forum
You can buy a domain name and park it on SMF for Free.
Information/setup is in Admin>Domain Manager.
IMPORTANT: Do NOT use the Domain Manger if you have not purchased a domain name AND followed all the steps.

Q: How do I change my forum's name
A: Admin > Forum Settings > Forum Title

Q: How do I delete my forum?
A: You can't delete your forum, but you can put it into Maintenence Mode and just leave it.
(Admin/Forum Settings/checkmark in Maintenance Mode/Save)

Q: How do I put my forum into Maintenance Mode?
A: Admin/Forum Settings/checkmark in Maintenance Mode/Save

Q: How do I upload Smileys to my forum?
A: Uploading Smileys is an Upgrade Option.
Click the Upgrade This Forum link at the bottom of your forum or Adfree & Upgrades inside your Admin Panel.

Q: Can I use the smileys that are here at Support?
A: How to use the smileys you see here at support

Q: I use a .tk or .co.nr url and I keep getting logged out of my forum. Why?
A: If you have cloaking or masking turn ON you will have problems with your forum. Turn off cloaking or masking.

Q: Can I change some of the images ? (new post, no new post, etc.)
A: Admin/Manage Styles/Customize Images

Q: How do I put a banner on my forum?
A: Admin/Custom Theme/Logo Image URL
Put the direct link to the image in the box.

Q: How can I center my banner?
A: Admin/Manage Styles/Edit Header/Footer
In your header put: <div style="text-align: center;"><img src="Your banner url" alt="" /></div>

Q: How do I put a background on my forum?
A: see: How to Put a Background on Your Forum

Q: Where can I get skins/styles?
A: see: Stylesheet Index

Q: What is SMF for Free's real name?
A: SMF heh

Q: How do I stop Guests from Viewing Boards?
A: Admin/Forum/Boards
Modify Boards you do not want Guests to see: Uncheck Guests

Q: Can I use my own rank images?
A: See here: How to use your own Rank Images

Q: How do I change the time on my forum?
A: Admin/Features and Options: Look for Overall Time Offset
Use this option to specify a time difference (in hours) - Negative and decimal values are permitted

Q: How do I add Quick Reply?
A: AdminCP/Current Theme/Reset Options---Click "Reset default (guest) options for this theme"
Where it says "Use quick reply on topic display choose: "show, on by default" then Save
Then click "Remove all members' options and use the defaults"...click Ok

Q: How do I email all Members
A: Newsletters are an Upgrade Option.
Click the Upgrade This Forum link at the bottom of your forum or Adfree & Upgrades inside your Admin Panel.

Q: How do I add Mods to my forum?
A: You can't add Mods to your forum yourself, sorry.

Q: How do I make somebody Admin or Moderator on my forum?
A: The Members Profile/Account Related Settings
Change their "Primary Membergroup" to Admin or Global Moderator.
Board moderators - Admin > Boards > Modify the Board > add the persons name in the
box across from Moderator.

Q: Where can I get a shoutbox?
A: www.cbox.ws
www.yellbox.com
www.myshoutbox.com
www.shoutmix.com
www.shoutbox.us
www.tag-board.com
www.tagboards.tk
www.tagboardsite.com/
http://www.xat.com/

Q: What do I do if my forum is taken over by another Admin:
A: SMF for Free Policy: If you give others Administrative access you do so at your own risk.
We do not get involved in inner-forum battles/take overs. You will have to deal with this
on your own with the member(s) involved.