Greetings!

[John Lester]

Hi Everyone,

As you can see, I've got the basic server up and running again, finally. I'm sorry it has taken so long to get this far. :(

I basically rebuilt the server from the ground up. Did a low-level wiping of the drives, installed the latest version of the OS, and the latest version of vBulletin.

I'm going to create the forum categories tonight and add some of the same templates. I need to let the system run for a day after that to make sure things are stable. I'll be adding the same chat system right after that. As for all the old posts, I'm going to see what I can salvage from the database backups. But right now, I want to make sure the system is up and available. Don't worry, whatever you post now will NOT be removed later.

Thanks so much for hanging in there.


-John

[John Lester]

Oh, and yes, you'll need to reregister! Sorry about that, but I want to make sure the user database is reliable. Best way to do that is start from scratch!

[Lara]

Thankyou!

You're probably wishing right about now that August and September didn't exist this year. :)

[joy]

I'm so glad BrainTalk is back! You will be hearing this a lot but let me say it as well "THANKS SO MUCH".

from joy

[Chat Moderator #1]

Thanks John.

I have been getting a lot of email from chatters wanting to know when the chat rooms will be up. So we are an anxious bunch. lol ;)

Thanks again for everything
CM #1

[John Lester]

In case folks are wondering, I needto manually add all the original forum categories. So...you'll see them all popping up one by one as I set them up.

Again, I'm doing this manually to make sure we start from a clean slate and things are as stable as possible.

[John Lester]

All "General Subjects" forums have now been created.

Setting up all "Specific Neurological Conditions (A-L)" now.

Feel free to start posting in any of these forums as I've created them. They're ready to go!

[Lara]

John, people are reporting that they're unable to register.

There seems to be a couple of glitches with the log-in feature as well.

[John Lester]

Thanks for the tip, Lara. Exactly what is the error message they are getting?

I'll try registering a couple test accounts and see if I spot anything weird on my end.

And what exactly is the trouble people are having with logging in?

[Lara]

Well, when I registered it was simple. I just needed to put in my user name and password (twice) and email address and it was done basically.

People are reporting that they are having to identify letters in box but there is no box.

:confused:

I noticed there are lots of users looking, but hardly any registered. I looked and there were only 16 registered.

edited to add:

if I try to answer a post, such as this. If I click Post Reply, it'll take me to the log-in box, but when I log in, it goes straight back to the empty log-in box. If I log in up the top right of page, it works fine.

[Test Account 1]

(John Lester here on a test account)

OK, the "identify letters in a box" was a broken. :P It's a troublesome feature especially for folks with vision problems, so I've removed it.

I'll look into the login problem next. Sounds like a cookie issue. Will let you know what I find.

[John Lester]

Well, when I registered it was simple. I just needed to put in my user name and password (twice) and email address and it was done basically.

People are reporting that they are having to identify letters in box but there is no box.

:confused:

I noticed there are lots of users looking, but hardly any registered. I looked and there were only 16 registered.

edited to add:

if I try to answer a post, such as this. If I click Post Reply, it'll take me to the log-in box, but when I log in, it goes straight back to the empty log-in box. If I log in up the top right of page, it works fine.


OK, can you try clearing your cookies by going to this page and clickingon the appropriate link?

http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/faq.php?s=&do=search&q=clear+all+your+cookie***atch=all&titlesonly=0

Let me know if that fixes things. Thanks so much for your help!

[Lara]

Works for me!

[Chat Moderator #1]

Hi John, I have had complaints of people telling me they can't reregister. Like Lara reported.
And they don't all seem to be getting the same message.

When I tried to get in the first time it would not accept my password, then told me to wait 15 minutes and try again. But then about 5 minutes later I tried again and got in without any problems.

Since it is after 1:30 am on east cost of the US they went to bed and said they will try tomorrow (today-Monday, Oct 2)


Thanks again,
me
CM #1

PS to Lara: Looking forward to seeing you in the chat rooms :)

[John Lester]

Hi John, I have had complaints of people telling me they can't reregister. Like Lara reported.
And they don't all seem to be getting the same message.

When I tried to get in the first time it would not accept my password, then told me to wait 15 minutes and try again. But then about 5 minutes later I tried again and got in without any problems.

Since it is after 1:30 am on east cost of the US they went to bed and said they will try tomorrow (today-Monday, Oct 2)


Thanks again,
me
CM #1

PS to Lara: Looking forward to seeing you in the chat rooms :)

Yeah, there was a weird account "timeout" thing happening for a bit. I rebooted the server and cleared the settings, so it should be OK now. Let me know if it's still an issue for specific folks, and I can manually reset the accounts (send me the details in a PM..I'll be keeping an eye on my PM box).

[Chat Moderator #1]

Yeah, there was a weird account "timeout" thing happening for a bit. I rebooted the server and cleared the settings, so it should be OK now. Let me know if it's still an issue for specific folks, and I can manually reset the accounts (send me the details in a PM..I'll be keeping an eye on my PM box).
OK John thanks, will do. Everyone has gone to bed now, think I will do the same, see you all tomorrow.
CM #1

[Mari]

Hi, John L,
I was able to register without a problem a few minutes ago.
Thank you.
Mari

[Quahog]

is there a reason my email adress isn't accepted? I had to use one from yahoo instead?

Glenn

[~Pansy~]

Woo Hoo! BrainTalk is Back!

Thank you, John!

You are a very special person and we owe so much to you for all you have done for us over the years.

With sincere appreciation,

~Pansy~

[John Lester]

is there a reason my email adress isn't accepted? I had to use one from yahoo instead?

Glenn


Hi Quahog,

You might have been caught in a global address ban. I imported a bunch of email domains that have been used for spam lately, so that might have been the problem. Sorry for the trouble!

[John Lester]

A-L is done. All the forum categories have been recreated. Please feel free to start posting in them.

Starting on M-Z now...

[annie]

john, i love you. i knew you wouldn't abandon us.

i was able to register, but then it wouldn't let me in thru the sign in at the top of the page. when i went to the user control panel fron the link at the top it let me in and now it is letting me post. so who knows what a computer thinks.

[shotspine]

I registered and posted on first try. No problems here! Glad to see you JL and members. It's been a LONG time!!!

Thank You for coming back, where ever you've been!

[John Lester]

OK, I just finished setting up all the default public forums. Done.

I'm going to tweak the templates now, so this place looks more familiar to everyone and less "out of the box."

[cal]

hi john

thankyou for getting us back up online, lovely to be back

carol:)

[Braindrain]

It's great to be back! Thank you, John!:)

[Mudge]

Yeah!!!!!!!!!!! :D

[~mrsdoubtfyre~]

so I changed my name a little...

When I return, it brings my old name back, but the old password does not
work. I had to try 3 times to log in with ~mrsdoubtfyre~

It would not accept mrsdoubtfyre as a name.

and yes, it is good to be home.

[bewolf]

BACK!....... Yeah the nerds are here!

[Lara]

If you're having trouble with the log-in after registering, try clearing cookies at the link JL gave earlier. I had a problem logging in earlier and it's been fine the few times I've tried it since.

http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/showpost.php?p=22&postcount=12

[moonshine]

Thanks John for getting this forum up and running again so quickly, i know you must be working around the clock. While this Forum was down i seached the whole net for similar forums and believe me, none are of this standard and as supportive nor informative as this Forum, a big credit to what you provide here. Was extremely missed.
So a BIG THANK YOU for the service you provide here.

Thanks Again
Moonshine :)

[Braindrain]

LIZARD is trying to get in to post. She's logged in with her user name
and password and she sees "Welcome, LIZARD" at the top of the screen,
but when she tries to post, she gets a message saying:

You may not post,etc. (where it says Posting Rules)

She sent John a PM and has been waiting for an hour to have her
account activated. She's been checking back and hasn't recieved
a confirmation e-mail yet.

[Braindrain]

I just got a PM from another BT member who's having the same
trouble as LIZARD. This is the message she sent me:

I am having the same problem. Would you mind posting something similar for me, please? I have tried with an AOL address, and a Hotmail one (with different username). And no comfirmation email. I also tried clearing cookies. Not sure what else to do. I am getting anxious to post! LOL Patience is not a virtue of mine!

My username is is mags

And the second one I tried is magaroon
*****************************************
Thanks!

[~scrabble]

Hi John,

Thanks for getting everything going again.

I was able to register and then I received the confirmation email right away. However, there was an Activation ID # in my email and when I logged in I wasn't asked to use it at all.

Thanks again!

~scrabble

[mrsdoubtfyre]

finally...
so I am publically stating here, that I will use this like before.
I guess the other will sit there.

And thanks for the "cookie" info.... I cleared them here, and voila...
it now recognizes me properly. It was continuing my orig ID with invalid password.

So now it seems set. I had to use another email addy tho.

[Joey54]

My registration experience was just as explained post 14 on page 2 by Chat Moderator #1, asking for my e-mail & password twice … BUT … I did not have the verifying box to sort out … robots … it was easy for me.

I did not need to go to an e-mail box to get any information, as most sites require during registration …

Patience … is only a passing condition we as humans must gain knowledge of & practice until it becomes routine ... few of us will live long enough to perfect patience, most only achieve it at the sunset of their life … & only if they seek it.



I would like to urge people to have patience with PM or he will spend valuable time looking at them … unless it is something John needs to know.

I am not speaking for anyone except myself.



Have a Hasty Pastry & a cup of tea & have a nice day.



Joey54 :)

[spacy stacy]

Hi John-

It is so nice to be back "home".

Just wanted to let you know that when I log in, I get a message saying that my name/password doesn't work and that I only have three tries left...but then I just jump to a forum and I am logged in (???). If you could look into this, that would be great because I don't want to get locked out.

(((HUGS)))

Stacy

[Kaysis]

HI, I got here. This was a surprise for me. I did re-register, I used my same nic and all. Just seeing now if I can post!

[BobbyB]

thanks john for all your doing and have done in the past.
when everything is up and running again can we open a thread so we can talk to you about moderators and bannings. so many people are scared to make posts on this matter in fear of being banned.

so please when you can lets all talk on this.
thanks john

BobbyB
DX/94 ALS

[Quahog]

Does anyone kow what is up with the posting of Avatars? I see that John Lester has one up but when I try it doesn't give the option.

anyone have some ideas?

[Braindrain]

I can't find mine from before the site went down, but if you have an
avatar you want to add, try this link:

http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/profile.php?do=editavatar

[Braindrain]

I just got this message from buriedinbooks:

I have registered. my password works...but I can't post anything. Keep getting this message:

buriedinbooks, you do not have permission to access this page. This could be due to one of several reasons:

Your user account may not have sufficient privileges to access this page. Are you trying to edit someone else's post, access administrative features or some other privileged system?
If you are trying to post, the administrator may have disabled your account, or it may be awaiting activation.
************************************************** ******
Any ideas how long it takes to have an account activated? Mine was
activated immediately, but other members are having a lot of trouble.

Thanks!:)

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

Thank you, John, for bring Braintalk back to us! For all you've done and continue to do for us, thank you! :)

Braindrain...I have received the same message, however, it seems to pertain to creating a Profile. Perhaps that feature isn't available yet? If I click out of that page, I am logged in here.

I cleared my cookies on Safari for hastypastry, but when I go to my bookmark for Braintalk, I get the old page that says the site is down (not JL's message). When I refresh the page, I get Braintalk as it is now, except I land on the Cauda Equina Syndrome forum (which I've never even visited here at BT).

It's an adventure! :)

Thanks again JL!

Love & Light,
Rose

[Braindrain]

The profile feature is available, because I've already set mine up. And,
my link to BT takes me to the BT home page, same as it always did.

It seems like different members are having trouble with different features.
Some can't access the site at all, some can read but not post, some get
sent to another page on the site. I'm not sure why it's so different for
everybody, but it seems like there are a few things to be worked out on
the system yet.

Hopefully, it won't take long to fix.:)

[janster]

I also just got this message from the old nancy-h:
NevadaNan, you do not have permission to access this page. This could be due to one of several reasons:

1. Your user account may not have sufficient privileges to access this page.
Are you trying to edit someone else's post, access administrative features
or some other privileged system?

2. If you are trying to post, the administrator may have disabled your
account, or it may be awaiting activation.
**********************

I, like you Gina, got my activation within 10 seconds. I know things are hectic, but maybe this *glitch* is something that would help many more when fixed?? Just trying to help the cause!

Thanks JL for getting 'er back up and running!
Hugs,
Jan

[j*sunset]

If they don't get the email {mine was fast} to click that activates - maybe they need to try with a different email address?

[suse3349]

WE'RE BACK!!!!!
suse

[Lara]

Anyone who's registered and not received an email should also check their spam filter. The email from Braintalk Communities is from gmail. All gmail on my ISP automatically goes to the spam filter unless I change the filter manually myself.

[mags]

I can post now! I was one of the folks whose registration wouldn't go through this morning, and it seems to be fixed now. Thank you Braindrain for posting for me this morning! And thanks JL for getting us back online together! Whew! Let's not do that again! :p Just joshin' ya JL!

[Lara]

This is for razzle,

razzle I received the message you sent me regarding problems you were having getting on to the forums, but I can't reply to you because you have the ability to receive Private Message switched off in your User options.

I hope that means you were able to get it all sorted out.

[rose]

So glad the board is back up. :) Crossing my fingers that all those old posts come along eventually.

rose

[jcc]

Hello everybody!

Thanks, JL, for hanging in there~ and getting things up and running.

Cara

[Braindrain]

I just got this message from Username/linda:

Will you post that I can't get activated either. I'm getting the same message as the others about not having access. But, it logs me in just fine, and I can send you this PM. I just can't post.
************************************************** *******
Can somebody help her get in?

Thanks!:)

[winnie]

YIPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPY!!!!!!!!!!!:p

WELCOME BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOL..we are ALL "Junior Members".
Cheers JL
Winnie:D

[annelb]

Hi all - good to "see" ya again. - Thanks JL for working hard and getting these forums back. :D
Anne

[Gimpy]

I just got this message from Username/linda:

Will you post that I can't get activated either. I'm getting the same message as the others about not having access. But, it logs me in just fine, and I can send you this PM. I just can't post.
************************************************** *******
Can somebody help her get in?

Thanks!:)

Thanks for your help Gina!

Linda

[wildpinky]

YAY...finally...thanks JL :)

[Braindrain]

You're welcome, Linda!:) I also got a message from Kristin (CoolAngel26),
who's having the same problem:

Trying to re-activate my Braintalk account..can you have either John or David e-mail me to help??
************************************************** **
Thanks!:)

[JeanC]

When I refresh the page, I get Braintalk as it is now, except I land on the Cauda Equina Syndrome forum (which I've never even visited here at BT).

Hi, Rose,

I'm sure John just went through and recreated the forums in their current alpha order - whereas some of the previous forums would have been added after the initial list on the then new server was created. i.e. many of them have different forum numbers now (if you look at the forum display number in the URL for your home forum). I had the same thing happen as the forum I visit has a slightly different number now. Just recreate the bookmark for your home forum.

Lots of little glitches to be worked through but we're getting there! And glad John has invited us all to help find the bumps along the way.

Thanks, John! Don't forget to get some sleep!

Jean

[ella138]

Hi John
Thanks so much for working so hard on getting this up and going again. As you requested, I am reporting a bug or two.

1. I dont know if it is unique to my computer or not. I went to quick links, found flashchat, clicked on it and up came the July 20th message.

2. I tried to post a new thread in the Chatroom feedback and it looked like it was taking fine, but it never showed up. I thought maybe I posted it somewhere else by mistake so I went to my user name and sure enough it says I have "0" posts.

3. I was one of those people who registered this morning and didnt get a confirmation, so a few hours later I reregistered with a different user name. Is there any way I can delete the one I dont use?

Ella

[John Lester]

Hi John
Thanks so much for working so hard on getting this up and going again. As you requested, I am reporting a bug or two.

1. I dont know if it is unique to my computer or not. I went to quick links, found flashchat, clicked on it and up came the July 20th message.

2. I tried to post a new thread in the Chatroom feedback and it looked like it was taking fine, but it never showed up. I thought maybe I posted it somewhere else by mistake so I went to my user name and sure enough it says I have "0" posts.

3. I was one of those people who registered this morning and didnt get a confirmation, so a few hours later I reregistered with a different user name. Is there any way I can delete the one I dont use?

Ella

1) That was a bad cache file. Relaunching your browser should fix that. I've changed the way the system caches files, so it shouldn't be a problem anymore.

2) See #1

3) Just send me a PM with the name of the other account and I can delete it for you.

Take care,
-John

[lymebytes]

Thanks for your hard work John!

[wheeliebird]

Thankyou John, its so AWESOME to be back again!!! :D

Robin

[Abasaki7]

Thank you John for getting the site back up and running... It has been a long quiet summer!!! Hope everyone finds their way back soon!

[trekker]

Well, my avatar and signature needed to be updated anyway. Looks like things are getting back to normal and the registration process seems to be smoothed out...I had no problems. We're all new members here too...talk about a fresh start. Kind of like being reborn. Thanks for all your efforts John and good luck with rebuilding our past history.

[Bernard]

Glad to see BT up and running again. :)

[razzle51]

where do you click on for the chat room? Thanks :)

[Braindrain]

Click on Quick Links at the top of the page and you'll see the link for
Flash Chat.:)

[RSDGirl]

Thank you so much for doing all of this! I actually sent you a message earlier asking about BT... and here it is! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!! You have no idea how many people depend on this site every day!!!!!!! I just wish this had been easier for you!!!

Do you have any idea if the direct name (braintalk.org) will ever work again? It looks like the name is up for grabs or something.

Thanks so much!!!

[mmcc53]

Thank you for all your hard work in getting this forum working again. Please know that there are a lot of use who are really grateful.

[Nemo]

John,

Thank you for caring so much and making such a fantastic effort.:) :) :) :)

[zoso a.k.a Neil]

is there a reason my email adress isn't accepted? I had to use one from yahoo instead?

Glenn
When i tried first it did not accept my pass word then when i entred my email address ; one from yahoo i was told it was not a valid e mail address : it's the only one i have had (must be a decade by now)> that was yesterday (monday). Same again today so i rejoined under a different name and all went well.
So well done john Lester and your helpers-do you have any?
Zoso is back and on new medication.
Good luck braintalk and all who sail in her.Nicely done.
>>>>>Be seeing you<<<<< Zoso

[CoolAngel28]

John,

Wanted to thank you again for helping me register last night. Kristin

[joviyach]

I'm glad everything is back up and running. I have been through a few of these myself at home, and handling server crisis, etc... is pretty much what I do for a living too. Not fun. I am sure I speak for everyone when I say that we appreciate all of the hard work and time that you have put into this, and it truly has made a difference (and continues to do so) in the lives of many people.

Thanks.

[dcook60]

for doing so much work on this. i have depended on the forums for 9 years now. yes, NINE YEARS. i have several "conditions" and have learned a huge amount from neuro-mancer/braintalk/hastypastry. thanks again, dianne

[Ruby_NikitaK9]

Thanx Mr. Lester .... I missed the place :D

[southernlady]

John, really missed BT...thanks so much for all your hard work in getting it back up and running.

Now, the bad news, VB 3.6.2 was JUST released tonight. Liz

[spacy stacy]

John-

I should have said it earlier:o ...thank you for this place.

Stacy

[Linda25]

Dear JL

THANKS! good job

love,
Linda25

[Tmagic650]

Hello all,
I wasn't able to register with my old handle "Musicmaker650". The process said that that name was taken, but I couldn't log in using it. I reregistered under "Tmagic650" and it worked. I am a member of many computer forums, mostly technical sites though, and by far, this BrainTalk site was the largest and busiest site I have ever worked with. John has done a miraculous job in creating and maintaining this hugh and popular site...

Thanks John

[sishta_sly]

ROCK ON!

I'm SO glad this forum is BACK!!

:)

[Boopers]

John,
Thank you so much for all your hard work! It means so much to so many of us! It is great to be able to talk to old friends again!
Thanks Again,
Boopers:)

[Matuboo]

Oh, and yes, you'll need to reregister! Sorry about that, but I want to make sure the user database is reliable. Best way to do that is start from scratch!


I'm sorry it took so long too, sounds like a real trainwreck (not having any knowledge about maintaining websites). You certainly did a fine job of getting things up and running again and wish you better luck in the future with your hardware. Thanks.......:)