Strange forum behaviour

[zappaDPJ]

I've just found myself logged out from the forum which has never happened before. I also couldn't log back in which is slightly odd because I'm pretty sure of my password. I reset my password to what it was before (and fairly sure about this and it's something that in my view the forum shouldn't allow you to do as it's not good practice security wise) and I'm back in business.

I'm just wondering if there's been a forum update this morning or whether someone just wanted to lose my login down the back of the netters sofa? 

[Simon]

There was an unspecified database error during the night, which may have done something odd, Zap. 

[zappaDPJ]

Ah thanks Simon, that could possibly explain it. Seems I got zapped 

[Simon]

At least we know who to blame!  . This is the helpful error message:

There has been a problem with the database!

This is a notice email to let you know that SMF could not connect to the database, contact your host if this continues.

[Steve]

Is the password reset something we should be concerned about

[Simon]

I don't think so, Steve.  The error message may not even be connected to Zap.  That may have just been a stale cookie.  The error message does pop up from time to time, but seems to sort itself out, and could have just been a glitch.

[zappaDPJ]

The only thing that concerns me slightly is that the forum will allow you to reset your password to the same password. It's not a major security issue but it's something that most forum platforms won't allow you to do as it forces members to be a little more security conscious.

I'm still not sure why it wouldn't let me in though as I've check my encrypted file and the password was indeed set to what I thought it was. I suppose there always remains the possibility that I had a 'senior moment'.  

[Simon]

I think I'm correct in saying that when you click the furgotten password link, the forum sends you a new random password, in order that you can log in.  At that point, it will 'forget' your old password, so it wouldn't know if you have changed the 'new' password to something you had originally.

[zappaDPJ]

It sends you an email with a link that takes you to a screen with your user name preset but no password Simon i.e. no random password just the facility to enter a new one.

[Simon]

Ah, right, OK, but it would only send the link to the email registered to your account.

[zappaDPJ]

Indeed

[Rik]

We hope.   

[zappaDPJ]

 

[Lance]

It sounds like the issue was caused by a dodgy cookie to me.

[Technical Ben]

The technical term is "Cosmic Rays". Seems they got you! 


Or also know as a random crash or corrupted file. As it's nigh impossible for alpha radiation to get through your pc casing apparently.

[Simon]

 

[Rik]

Though it will try.