REPORT BUGS HERE

[admin]

I've contacted server support in case it's a consequence of more bot blocking measures by them. Only seems to be affecting some users.

[zipnolan]

For what it's worth, here is the AI summary I received after googling the problem: I can understand some of the words, but not most of them

A 403 Forbidden error on a phpBB forum when trying to display images typically indicates a server-level permissions issue or a security rule blocking access to the files. The web server can reach the file, but it is forbidden from displaying it.
phpBB

Here are the most common causes and solutions, ordered by likelihood:

1. Incorrect File/Folder Permissions (Most Common)
If permissions were changed during an update, file transfer, or server migration, images may become inaccessible.
Directories/Folders: Should typically be set to 755 (or 775/777 depending on host, but 755 is generally safe).
Images/Files: Should typically be set to 644.
Solution: Use an FTP client (like FileZilla) or File Manager in your hosting panel to set the images/, files/, and store/ folders to these permissions.
Specific Fix: If you cannot view attachments, check the files/ folder specifically.

2. Mod_Security Restrictions
Host-level security rules, such as mod_security, can misinterpret image uploads or access as a threat and trigger a 403 error, particularly with image filenames that contain restricted keywords like "chat".

Solution: Contact your web host support and ask them to check the error logs to see if a mod_security rule is blocking access to your /images or /files folders.

3. Misconfigured or Missing .htaccess Files
The .htaccess files in your phpBB directory (specifically in the /files or /images folders) help manage access. If these are missing or corrupted, the server may deny access.
Solution: Check if a .htaccess file exists in the /files directory. If it was removed, you may need to restore it from a fresh phpBB download.

4. Hotlink Protection
If you have hotlink protection enabled in your hosting panel (cPanel), it may be preventing images from loading properly.

Solution: Review your hotlink protection settings in your hosting dashboard to ensure your own domain is listed as an allowed referrer.

5. Corrupt Image Files or Cache
Solution: Clear the forum cache via the Admin Control Panel (ACP).
Solution: If only some images are broken, they may have been corrupted during upload. Re-upload the affected images.

Troubleshooting Steps
Check with FTP: View the /files or /images folder permissions.
Clear Cache: Go to ACP -> General -> Purge the cache.
Check config.php: Ensure the file exists and is not empty.
Contact Host: Ask if a server-wide security setting or firewall rule is blocking your files.

If you recently updated or moved the board, it is almost certainly a permissions issue (Step 1) or a required directory was not properly uploaded (Step 3).

[admin]

I've purged the phpbb/forum cache to see if that helps.

[zipnolan]

Thanks.... but no joy, I'm afraid.

[RomynPG]

(This has probably already been posted but) This is what I get when I open one of the images AndyB has in his sidegame threads directly in a new tab

[zipnolan]

Actually some limited success. I can now see avatars on my iPhone, but not on my laptop (Windows). Still get the 403 message when trying to open embedded images.

[admin]

The server provider has made some changes today. Please let me know if it's now sorted or better?

[murf]

Recently posted tables/PNGs still not visible on Highlander thread (phone/Tapatalk), sorry.

[Heimi Henderson]

Highlander tables fine for me on Tapatalk.

[Mystery]

I've posted a couple this afternoon in the Egg Cup Championship and Decathlon threads

[Spinynorman]

I'm still not seeing any avatars or tables.

[admin]

I've purged the forum cache again. Any better?

[RomynPG]

I see some, not all, in my normal browser (Firefox) but that's because maybe they're cached locally. One observation that may be relevant is that I see .jpg but not .png. My user avatar (png) which has been fine until recently is not longer visible so I'm guessing that a local cache expiry as I haven't cleared my cache manually.

In Chrome, completely clear browser cache with no plugins or ad-blocking of any type, I don't see any - jpg or png.

(I do see forum gallery avatars - murf, andybarrell for example in all browsers)

[Smurphy Paw]

Still no change for me. HH’s table, above, does show. Lots doesn’t e.g. Mystery’s updates, lots of avatars, etc

[hayesag]

YESSSSSSSSSS...its a FiSo miracle i can see the light again (png files and everyones avatars again)

[hayesag]

I've purged the forum cache again. Any better?

i would suggest keep doing more of this as clearly it is working (at least for me)

[murf]

YESSSSSSSSSS...its a FiSo miracle i can see the light again (png files and everyones avatars again)

Seems fine on tapatalk/phone

[zipnolan]

Miracle confirmed here too - many thanks for looking at this, must have been as frustrating for you as for us.

[admin]

Server provider made more changes earlier this morning having they believe found the root cause of the problem. Sounds like it's all good now?

[Smurphy Paw]

Great news. Yes, to confirm, I can see images again. Thanks

[RomynPG]

Thanks Admin

(While obviuosly not necessary it would be interesting to know what the issue and fix was)

[forestfan]

Thanks Admin

(While obviuosly not necessary it would be interesting to know what the issue and fix was)

It might need translating from Czech

[Spinynorman]

Thanks for sorting.

[Maldini]

This one might be a Tapatalk issue but I’m constantly getting the attached error message when opening certain threads.
I believe it might have something to with when members that have been foed have made a post in that particular thread.

Can you check please?

I have also raised the issue with Tapatalk.

IMG_0923.png

[Maldini]

Tapatalk have replied

Hi Paul,

Thank you for contacting Tapatalk!
That forum is running on an out of date Tapatalk plugin, which is causing issues. We contacted the forum owner with a request to update their plugin. Please report the same to your forum admin as requests from members are looked into more quickly.

Chris
Tapatalk Support

[admin]

Link to the Tapatalk update received. Rob or me will let you know when it's live.

[Maldini]

Thanks

[Maldini]

Any joy with this?


A member is currently power posting poorly translated and often off topic posts on a large percentage of threads. This then makes the threads unreadable.

Thanks

[Malrom]

Any joy with this?


A member is currently power posting poorly translated and often off topic posts on a large percentage of threads. This then makes the threads unreadable.

Thanks

must be maxi123 who shares 123'123 post with us