Tech: Problems with Mudcat?

Subject: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,Cod Fiddler
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 09:26 AM

Is anyone else struggling to get in? I've been getting error messages for days now. It just seems to be the home page that's not working as I just got in through the back door using the following link, kindly posted on Folkinfo.org:

http://207.103.108.99/threads.cfm

Thanks to Jon Freeman for posting that link. I feel empty and naked without the mudcat.

Best wishes,

Richard.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,artbrooks
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 09:29 AM

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,artbrooks
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 09:29 AM

...oops... Everyone is having the problem, I think.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,Rapaire
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 09:32 AM

Yup. Even me. I backdoored in, too.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 10:06 AM

So, not many of us here, stumbling around in the dark.

*Ouch!*

What eejit left that there?

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: My guru always said
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 10:36 AM

Looks like it's back!! (again *grin*)

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Peace
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 10:36 AM

I don't know how I got here. Tried one bookmark and it wouldn't work. Tried another and it did. I am SO confused.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 10:44 AM

Well I just walked in and there are all of you sitting in a well-lit room. Maybe you were all dreaming.

:)

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Amos
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 10:45 AM

Maybe.

But maybe you were dreaming that you walked in to a well-lit room?


A

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,Cod Fiddler
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 10:50 AM

Hurrah! It's back. Thank you to who ever put the plug back in.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Mrs_Annie
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 10:56 AM

Yeah, I've been trying since Friday. (I didn't know about the back door)

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Splott Man
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 11:14 AM

I still can't go back from a thread to the thread list without an error report. I have to click back twice then forward once.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 12:02 PM

Splott Man:

Those who know these things say you shouldn't use the back arrow to get out of a thread. Instead use Forum Home which appears at the top of the thread window.

Even knowing this, however, I find that I use the back arrow, out of old habit.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: PoppaGator
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 12:08 PM

I wrote a post last night, then found myself locked out when I tried to submit it. I hate when that happens!

Couldn't get in earlier this morning at home, but now I *am* able to waste time here when I'm supposed to be working ;^)

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 12:21 PM

Sometimes if you uncheck the preview box it will get through. Just be sure to proofread carefully first!

SRS

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Cats
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 03:59 PM

When I try to log in as 'Cats at Work', at work, I can't get in as the server is timed out. This is happening with some regularity. Help.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: nutty
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 04:12 PM

Splott Man..... right click on the thread you want to open and then click on 'open in new window'in the box.
Just close the new window when you are done .... that way the thread list doesn't have to keep refreshing itself.

It's a much quicker way of reading the threads

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 04:13 PM

Up & Doon like a W****S drawers!

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: breezy
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 04:17 PM

well that explains things then

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 05:07 PM

Forum Home? I thought that was where old mudcats went to die.

Need to use more bailing wire

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 09:50 PM

BAD - BAD BAD!!!!COD FIDLER....

That was a secret entry .... they were keeping sheilded from the likes of me, and Mr J. Hull, and BrUcIe, and the recoving LaughKat ... closed without only the posseum-blowing 49 new the entrance....and now all must be scrambled and PGPed and hidden again.

In other-words - Cod - you blew more than an occarena.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

more than eager to exploit an opportunity.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 02:38 AM

It seems to be a regular pattern.....I can get in first thing in the morning (UK time), can't get in all day, then it seems to come back again early evening. It's been like that for a week now. Sometimes I can get in with the 'buddy' URL and sometimes not. I'll be glad when it's sorted...I miss my Mudchatting wuile I eat my lunch.

LOve Lynne

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Gurney
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 02:57 AM

Good theory, Uncle DaveO, but If you are catching up, on 3 or 7 days or whatever, then using 'forum home' takes it back to 1 day, and also takes it to the top of the 'music' section, which ain't always where you want to be...

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 06:53 AM

And again! I got in with the other URL this time, but the chat doesn't work with it and anyway there's no one to chat to.
Could someone please let us know when it's hoped to resume normal service? At least that way we'd have something to look forward to!

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,Cod Fiddler
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 07:36 AM

Good God Gargoyle! I was only trying to be helpful. It wasn't my fault. Honest. I've never blown a possum or an occarena in my life.
Please forgive me.

I assume your not serious?

What have I done?

The rest is silence...

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,sandra in sydney
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 07:41 AM

not only do I have trouble getting into Mudcat, I have trouble even getting a connection. I need my help desk, but he is having a life at a festival & also having a holiday (boo, hiss). I believe he is back this weekend (I hope).

So many rude words were said tonight as I tried to connect. I finally got in after 3 attempts, includiong turning off the power. Then when I was in I opened Firefox, where Mudcat is my default, no connection, so I tried buddy & it tried for so long that I was disconnected - lovely little window appeared saying "Connection terminated because the othere side was not responding!!~ so I said more rude words.

Once again I got in & opened Help, looked at The Annex & finally buddy worked.

sandra

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: ThreeSheds
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 07:43 AM

I've found this alternative link to mudcat thats works when the normal link wont work

http://buddy.mudcat.org/threads.cfm

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 08:06 AM

I just learned about "http://207.103.108.99/threads.cfm" by finding it at the Help & Trouble Forum. "http://buddy.mudcat.org/threads.cfm" is new to me, too, and I've been around Mudcat for years. Are there any other ways to get into Mudcat?

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 08:31 AM

Yo three sheds,
             thanks for the call telling me how to access this pig! Trouble is, how are the rest of Hull/Beverley going to get in?

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 08:44 AM

Dont let them know its our secret access.
A friend

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: JennyO
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 09:23 AM

Hi Jim. I remembered "http://207.103.108.99/threads.cfm" being given as a backdoor some time ago, and had bookmarked it. Yesterday it was the only thing that worked for me, so I posted it again on Help. I've got all the backdoors bookmarked. Today I got in on Buddy. I think Buddy is pretty new. Seems to be fast, too.

Jenny

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: JennyO
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 09:47 AM

Sometimes "http://207.103.108.105/threads.cfm" works too (although it isn't working now), but as with 99, you only get in as a guest.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,backdoorophobe
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 09:55 AM

hmmmmm.. normally I'm not into 'backdoor fun'

but I suppose needs must.......

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 09:58 AM

You can shut the stable door but you can't lead the horse to water!

Or is it, you can lead a horse to water but you can't grow moss on its back?

Or?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble, in like Barry Finn

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 10:00 AM

Jenny O,
Its good to get in anyway you can as long as we have Mudcat as i get withdraw symptons if i cant get in during the day.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: JennyO
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 10:12 AM

Maybe it's something to do with bolting the backdoor after the horse has thrown stones at a glasshouse?

One thing you have to watch out for with backdoor fun is that there is a lot of empty space around, and the place isn't too well lit. You have to be careful what you might stumble over - oops...

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: JennyO
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 10:18 AM

GUEST, I know how you feel! That's why I bookmarked the alternative sites. I get very twitchy without my Mudcat.

Jenny (who actually DOES have a life, although it might not look like it)

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 10:24 AM

Thanks Jenny,I fall over all the time in the dark especially this site at present.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Peace
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 10:26 AM

So what's the problem, does anyone know? Not complaining, just askin'.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 10:31 AM

though if you want to buy something specifically for the job..

a perennial favourite for slide blues players are Danelectro 6 strings with the magic blues power of lipstick pickups..
[full range of sounds from clear chiming to gnarly snarly..]
http://www.provide.net/~cfh/dano.html

an origional 50's or 60's U2
or double cut-away [the Jimmy Page favourite..]
if you can find one in good shape you can afford

or a much more affordable and better made recent Korean reissue..
now out of production, so prices fell dramatically
but are now starting to rise again as collectors move in on
the mint condition ones for sale on ebay..

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Peace
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 10:32 AM

Huh? Do you have anymore?

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 10:33 AM

What the bloody 'ell are you talkin 'bout punkfolkrocker? it's not a karaoke.

eric

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 10:35 AM

Tech problems...!!!!!????

WHAT !!!!!!

that was meant to be posted in

"Help me to find a slide-blues guitar." thread

??????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Peace
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 10:37 AM

And I posted it to there only to see you already had. However, my question to you stands: "Got anymore?" LOL

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: JennyO
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 10:37 AM

Toldja it was hard to find your way around in here...:-)

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 01:27 PM

Whats 'A Life' ??

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 04:29 PM

YOu can lead a horse to water but a pencil must be led...

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 05:03 PM

so Lynne you miss MudCAT well to get in is in front of your face but of course you miss the gossip which is so important to your life.Forget the gossip and turn your capabilities to the music threads instead where you are well educated to help when need be.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 03:03 AM

Why do you insist on posting as GUEST? it's perfectly obvious to those of us who know you, who you are...your semi-literacy gives you away. Had you posted it under your own name I would have taken it as a jokingly friendly comment, but the fact that you feel it necessary to hide behind the anonimity of "Guest" proves that you are no friend and that the comment was not meant in a pleasant way.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 03:58 AM

Mother just crashed at about 1:45 AM Alberta time.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 04:09 AM

happened again 9.00am UK time. Are we overloading from work?

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 05:12 AM

7.45pm here in Oz when it crashed. There does seem to be a pattern. For us, it is happening in the evening, just when we want to be looking. Then it seems to come back on very late, when most of us have gone to bed (except for me sometimes because I'm a night-owl). Oh well, at least the numbers are working. Buddy isn't.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,JennyO
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 05:13 AM

That was me at 5.12am. Not used to being a GUEST.

Jenny

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,Sandra in Sydney
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 06:33 AM

here on 207.103.108.99 (or Mudcat forum as my bookmark calls it) we are Guests, tho I suppose logging-in would solve the problem.

Maybe I'll log in @ work tomorrow to see what happens. Better make sure I email myself all the mudcat addresses so I can get to Mudcat.

sandra

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 06:48 AM

Has anyone talked to Max?

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,sandra
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 07:16 AM

Joe has spoken to Max - from what I remember Max is reading the manuals of the new stuff (hardware?? software??) he bought recently. You could search on Joe's posts to find the relevent threads/s

sandra

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 07:19 AM

Yes, I spoke with Max a couple days ago. Here (in a related thread) is what I learned.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,JennyO
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 07:48 AM

Sandra, I think you'll find that you can't log in on this one. Nothing on the drop down menu works without some altering. And even if you did manage to get to the login page with some tweaking, you can't take your cookie with you.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,sandra
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 08:24 AM

hello, Joe

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 09:46 AM

Is it possible to search from here (207.103.108.99)?

Davetnova

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 09:59 AM

I'm testing this link right now...Supersearch which gives you the main search page -=

and the answer appears to be no - at least not currently.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,JennyO
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 10:04 AM

Hmm. That's exactly where I got to as well, MMario, but everything seems to lead back to www.mudcat.org

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,JennyO
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 10:16 AM

However, the DT is working :-)

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,Bruce Murdoch
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 10:36 AM

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,Bassic
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 11:00 AM

Erudite as ever Brucie ;-)

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 11:09 AM

;-)

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,Rapaire
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 11:20 AM

Them Albertans are folks of a few words.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 12:00 PM

Back and logged on through the old link.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 12:20 PM

Hiya Bassic, how's life in Hessle.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 13 Jan 05 - 02:23 AM

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 13 Jan 05 - 03:19 AM

So apart from quittin' bitchin', is there anything we can do to help?

LTS

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST, Allan C.
Date: 13 Jan 05 - 08:49 AM

Liz, I asked Max the same question. He explained that the main problem is that he is still trying to learn all of the functions of some of the new software. However, (he said, almost parenthetically,)"My dream is to have redundancy." In other words, if the Mudcat had a full fledged backup server, there wouldn't be any down time. As it is, anytime there is a problem, the Mudcat has to be disabled in order to work on it.

My underststanding is that the "redundancy" could be a reality if the Mudcat were more solvent. Max is still working to get the tax thing worked out so that those on this side of the pond can deduct our contributions. This process, itself, is not without expense; i.e. consulting with accountant and a lawyer. Meanwhile, Max's dream is far from becoming a reality.

The current income is barely sufficient to sustain the status quo. The acquisition of the server that replaced the ailing "Shorty" was completely funded by a single donation. (It is difficult to imagine what sort of tin cans and strings Max might be working with now, had this not happened.) There are some few people who actually make use of the Amazon link for their purchases as well as using some of the other links through which the Mudcat receives a small percentage. Sadly, not many of us take advantage of this means of funding the Mudcat. Most of the funding for the Mudcat comes directly through the generous giving of a dismally small number of members.

Now, I will have to say that (to my knowledge) Max, himself, has rarely, if ever, asked for funds. In fact, it is rather difficult to get him to admit that he needs any more than he has. (Most of the years of the Mudcat's existence have seen shortfalls that I suspect were alleviated by money out of Max's own pocket.) It is not hard to imagine that there is always a necessity for some small or even large bits of hardware or else some sort of software to make the Mudcat to run more smoothly. Funding is always an issue.

I know that folkies, almost by definition, generally aren't well-to-do and therefore, aren't usually in the position of being greatly philanthropic. However, even small sums donated from time to time would be a boon to the overall financial picture. In fact, I strongly urge those who will be receiving a tax refund again this year, to consider sending a wee bit of it to the Mudcat.

I know I have rambled a little here; but I hope I have said what needs to be said. Please help to fund the Mudcat.

I'll step down from the soapbox now.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,sandra in sydney
Date: 14 Jan 05 - 07:06 AM

money can be sent via Dick Greenhaus which I'll do on Monday & I've just sent an email to my work address to remind me

sandra (getting older & more forgetful)

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 12:02 AM

There is SELDOM a problem....you are probably attempting to access through the wrong server....may I suggest you change ISP's?

Sincerely,

Gargoyle

or at least change browsers.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,Bewitched bothered, and bewildered.
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 04:41 AM

Gee thanks Garg; that's like reeeeally helpfull man!

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,MCP
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 07:01 AM

For the last week or so www.mudcat.org becomes unavailable at about 08:30 UK time, but access is available via IP address ...99. I suspect that something is timed to run at around 03:30 mudcat time that makes the www.mudcat.org address unavailable. It becomes available again in the afternoon UK (maybe 14:30 UK or after).

Mick

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,foolestroupe
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 08:26 AM

My test probes currently show all known permutations of the Mudcat addresses as 'unavailable' - even the one I am getting in thru now - but I can get in thru the 'magic numbers' - as this post proves.... bloody weird...

Viz - all entries the same as this line
[http://207.103.108.99/        HTTP Error: Operation cancelled (12017)]
except
[http://www.mudcat.org/threads.cfm Error: Request timed out (35761)]

Robin

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,JennyO
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 08:56 AM

When I try Ping, http://www.mudcat.org/threads.cfm answers normally, as if it was up. Weird!

With Buddy, it says "Ping returned an error"

And of course, with these numbers, Ping answers normally too.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 09:23 AM

While I appreciate your version of the funding story being relevant tot he tech problems Allan, it isn't the One True Right Truth of the matter.

Max doesn't ask for money because he doesn't want to be held accountable for it. It's that simple. The funding issue with Mudcat could easily have been solved years ago, people have volunteered to do the work it would take to set up a proper funding channel and keep track of the accounts, that sort of thing. But Max has stubbornly refused to do it. Like I said, this is a guy who doesn't want to be held accountable.

People who love this place and are lead to believe that sending Max money to "fix" the problems deserve to know that, IMO. If they send money they will never know what does or doesn't get done with it, it may or may not fix the current spate of technical problems (which Max is apparently saying now is a software learning curve issue, which isn't something that can be fixed by sending him donations, he just has to take the time to figure out the problem), you won't be able to deduct your donations from taxes (which most people here don't seem to care about anyway, they just want their internet chat fix), and you likely won't ever hear a "thank you" from anyone.

Some of us, Allan, have been down this well worn road before.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,MBSLynne
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 11:05 AM

Well it's still not back up at 4.05......

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 11:33 AM

Its back now Lynne

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,JennyO
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 11:37 AM

Hello Lynne - why not come over to Backdoor Tavern 99? Drinks are on the house, and some loony is handing out free CD's...

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 11:48 AM

Mudcat may be up, but my ISP now seems to be having problems. Can't win.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 12:05 PM

Great idea Jenny! I'll see you there!!

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Max
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 12:07 PM

ALERT: The recent mudcat problems are due to Search Engine Robots and Adware/Spyware installed on mudcat members' computers. Specifically something called FunWebProducts. There is an article about it here: http://www.nwfusion.com/newsletters/web/2003/1208web2.html. Apparently its driving Web Masters crazy all over the world.

I have gotten the Robots under control, now please do your part.

I encourage everyone to download and run spybot to rid your computer of this, and probable hundreds more adware and spyware software.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: JennyO
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 12:13 PM

See you in a few hours Lynne. Gotta go to bed now - it's way past my bedtime.

Jenny

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Amos
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 12:28 PM

Here is a table of different cures for spyware. If you are running OSX, you're not at all likely to be part of this problem.

Spyware Tool Comparisons.

Regards,

A

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 12:29 PM

I use both Spybot and Ad Aware for the malware.

Also, people should be using a good anti-virus software too. I use this freebie download on all my computer lab computers at school.

It isn't that tough to update them regularly and run these programs daily.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Sorcha
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 12:33 PM

Thanks for the note, Max. Not at home right now, but will check when I get there.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 12:59 PM

Thanks Max, I knew there had to be a good reason, can you set your server up to detect and reject any Catter who has this on their 'Pooter'? Or am I being late again and you've already done it?
Giok

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 01:05 PM

Spybot means not having to say you're sorry!

Phew..I've got it so I don't have to feel guilty!!

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 01:08 PM

As someone relatively new to computers I can enjoy taking them to pieces but all this software inadequacy is making me p***ed off. I am glad to know that access problems with mudcat are not at my end.

Maybe everyone should run Linux and Firefox or some such Gates-free combination until he can produce programs that are not full of holes. Seen the latest exploit under XP? It gets around SP2 apparently.

I found this recently - it may be 'old hat' to all you tech people but I had a troubled night thinking about all the updates I should load but am damned if I am going to risk a computer that works for an updated one that doesn't. These problems of spyware etc etc should be sorted out in robust products - not left to millions of users to deal with. I have just spent half a day trying to get W98(2) to accept a modem at some place else than COM1. It offers me COM5 - which doesn't even exist in the Registry.

I am afraid a lot of people will be staying with out of date software (even more full of holes than XP) until they have confidence that their next expensive purchase will actually WORK.

Happy reading http://www.mdgx.com/web.htm

Steve in Sidmouth http://www.seered.co.uk

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 01:13 PM

Spybot means not having to say you're sorry!

Phew! I've got it so I don't have to feel guilty!

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 01:15 PM

Forgot to say - I am enjoying (??) a free month trial with AOL. Almost unworkable within ebay sometimes - page cannot be found etc etc. Other times it is fine. They have an inbuilt spy/adware detection programme that checked 25,000 files (+) on my main internet machine and found nothing. It's the first time I have checked in over two years so infection must be pretty rare except on broadband connections??? Or maybe it depends which naughty websites you visit???

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 02:20 PM

I don't understand why I would have different speed/URL access at different times, regardless of having run or not run any anti-spy or anti-bot or anti-ware scans.

~S~

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 02:31 PM

For those who have had Spybot for a while, a reminder that just like your AV it does need regular updates. I thought I was fairly current, but a fresh update added a few signatures.

When you first open Spybot, with default installation, the UPDATES button is grayed out, but it should appear after you run a scan and fix what's found. Click for updates, select all of what's available, and they should download and install, and Spybot will open for a new scan. A current scan should show about 21,000 threats in the progress bar when your run a scan. If yours shows fewer, you should get updated.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Alba
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 02:47 PM

I'm covered thank goodness and updated automatically.
It doesn't solve the problem but thanks for letting us know what is causing it Max.
Blessings
Jude

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 03:32 PM

Thanks Max for your advice.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,Alba
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 03:48 PM

I spoke the words and Murphy's Law happens....
what the heck is happening
when I went away and checked my systems and came back to Mudcat via my Fav button I got this! :Access by FunWebProducts adware denied:
aghhhhhhhh what does that mean. I have scanned all my Files and Hard drive and have found nothing with this funwebblahblah in there.
Helllllp
Jude

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: EagleWing
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 04:29 PM

Steve from Sidmouth says "Maybe everyone should run Linux and Firefox or some such Gates-free combination until he can produce programs that are not full of holes. Seen the latest exploit under XP? It gets around SP2 apparently."

Linux and firefox etc are probably just as full as holes - it's just that the people who make the nasties go for GatesWare because that way they hit the greatest number of people. If everyone changed over to firefox we'd very soon discover that it's just as vulnerable.

Frank L.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 04:53 PM

Copy from PC World - the article is available on the internet - just don't ask me to explain it.

IE Flaw Exploited

Security firm identifies exploit technique for known browser hole.

Matthew Broersma, Techworld.com
Friday, January 07, 2005
Internet Explorer has become an even bigger security risk--even under Windows XP SP2--with the publication of a new and extensive exploit.

Security researchers have warned that the exploit, which takes advantage of known loopholes in SP2, could allow an attacker to run script code on a user's system via a specially crafted Web page.

Known Hole

The holes involved have been known publicly for more than two months, but previous exploit techniques required the user to take actions such as dragging an image from one part of a Web page to another. The new exploit--a demonstration of which has been published by Danish security firm Secunia--is fully automated, requiring the user only to visit a Web page in Explorer. Other browsers and operating systems aren't affected.

"There now is a 'reliable' working exploit that can compromise an SP2 system by just visiting a Web page," says Secunia chief technology officer Thomas Kristensen. Secunia has raised its warning level to its highest, "extremely critical."

Security group Greyhats warned of the new type of exploit in an advisory in late December. Secunia then upgraded its advisory to "extremely critical" and published a demonstration based on a proof-of-concept by a researcher known as ShredderSub7. US-CERT, the U.S. computer security alert organization, has also published an advisory on the issue.

Issues Identified

Microsoft has warned users to turn off IE's 'Drag and drop or copy and paste files' option as a partial solution. The danger can also be lessened by setting security levels to high for the 'Internet' zone or, as several security firms pointed out, using another browser.

The exploit is the first major weakness in SP2 to have surfaced. Microsoft is promoting SP2, released last summer, as a solution to many of Windows' worst security problems.

Researchers have identified three separate but related issues in IE: a bug in the validation of certain drag-and-drop events, and zone restriction errors with embedded HTML Help ActiveX controls. The first problem can be avoided by disabling the 'Drag and drop or copy and paste files' option, but the new exploit doesn't rely on this particular bug, researchers said.

The HTML Help control exploit bypasses one of SP2's key features, the 'Local Machine' zone lock down, designed to make it far more difficult for attackers to execute script on a local system.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 06:15 PM

Since finding mudcat my spam has reached gargantuan proportions. And the strangest thing is the number of emails i get with 'hull' in the to or message line.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,MCP
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 07:09 PM

SiS - I think the Help vulnerability has been fixed in an update I had a few days ago. (KB890175) (but I have just turned off Drag/Drop...!)

Mick

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 07:18 PM

The positioning has changed for the text on the Mudcat front page. Was this by accident or on purpose? It leaves a big blank gap between the apparently absolutely positioned segments of text. The Google ads are where they always were, but now the two columns of Mudcat business are on the other side of the page. It looks odd.

SRS

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Bassic
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 07:24 PM

I suspect that has happened to make way for Max`s alert re the Adware problem which is now on the lower left side of the "front page". I suspect this will just be a temporary measure.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Bill D
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 07:25 PM

here is one more tool to control uninvited 'stuff' from messing about on your machine : SSM- System Safety Monitor

I have used it for 5-6 months now, and it doesn't need to do much, because the OTHER programs I use prevent most crap from being installed...but SSM tells you when programs you did not expect are trying to run...and how they are being started. The site hints that they will begin to charge for the program soon...I dunno, but it is free for the moment.

copied from that website: (which may be slow)

"System Safety Monitor (SSM) is an application-firewalling tool (it is not a "firewall" in traditional understanding, so there shouldn't be any conflicts with your network firewalls). SSM controls which programs are running on your computer and what they are doing. For example, SSM can prevent so called "DLL Injection". Also, SSM will notify you whenever a program you want to start was modified. In addition, SSM can constantly check your registry and alert you, when an important modification was made.

Features
# Allows you to control which programs and applications can be opened on your computer. Alerts you whenever a program, you want to run was modified.
# Allows you to control calls to some OS functions which is used in "DLL Injection" and Keystroke logging utilities (keyboard spies).
# Allows you to control driver installation (including non-traditional ways exploited in malicious drivers - rootkits)
# Allows you to control low-level activity such as accessing "\Device\PhysicalMemory" object
# Prevents unauthorized code-injection activity, so no application will be allowed to use another legitimate one for malicious activity.
# Allows you to control which programs are allowed to start other, and wich cannot be started by others. For example, you may allow your browser to be started only by Explorer.exe but not by any other untrusted application.
# Offers a choice of two modes - User and Administrator. In Administrator mode you can set your preferences to control programs. Access to this mode can be protected with an encrypted password to prevent anyone changing your settings. In User mode no changes can be made to your settings.
# Supervises changes to important registry keys when installing new programs.
# Will block or alert on any attempt to change guarded registry keys.
# Allows you to control which programs run at system startup.
# Maintains a list of running applications and allows you to terminate any application immediately.
# Have a services-guard module which monitors installed system services in NT and notifies you when new services are added
# Also monitors (also in real time) start menu and startup ini-files sections; Internet Explorer settings (including BrowserHelperObjects)
# Allows you to block specific windows (including websites) from opening.
# Can be set to run automatically on system startup.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: JennyO
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 07:47 PM

Ah yes, SRS, I see what you mean. There is this big blank bit running down to the left of centre. Looks very odd. Probably wouldn't have noticed it for ages if you hadn't mentioned it cos I always go straight into the forum and bypass that page.

I see Bassic has sorta beaten me to it. I also noticed Max's warning about the adware was there and would assume the page is still "under construction" and will get rearranged again soon.

Jenny

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Alba
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 11:11 PM

Well now. Im back....only took me 6 hours to get it sorted but....I did.
For an extremly Technically challenged Mudcatter I have to say I am feeling good......like I know that it would now...I feel good....ect
All nasties are now GONE......yippppppppeeeeeeeee
Just wanted to share this with anyone (probably noone) who might care.
Blessings to all, and double to Max for Info.
Cyber Space the final frontier!
Jude

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 12:49 AM

Like the original Netscape (Mozzilla) MS war...(and it was bloody, and it was was awful, and the smell of rotting corpses were hidden in the eromatic-spiced-censors of the fed)

Currently, especially, but also (since, and before big-name engines went public) there is a battle of the BOTS -

My recent experiences with FireFox requesting server priviages moves its architecture into LimeWire, Napster, ad-server, x-slime, etc. etc.

In my opinion, most ISP users should ALL be sent a little, monthly "BUG" for them to work-out and defuse.....consider it an IQ test....or a surfing Mr. Gore's "information super-hyway" SoBrieTy tEst. <[p>

The heartland of the net still exists .... it just isn't where it was three - five - seven years ago.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 01:07 AM

Noooooooooooooooooooo doooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooubt.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,eric the red
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 04:29 AM

OK Alba, HOW ?

eric

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 04:46 AM

Spent an hour on the phone helping another Catter get back on last night. Installed and ran Spybot, found 95 "nasties" including FunWeb. Healed the "nasties" and imunised, still no access to MC. Went to Add/Remove Programmes and checked for any installed programmes from the list in the article refered to in Max`s warning. Found MyWeb Speedbar there and uninstalled it. Access to MC restored. Guess Alba been through similar process.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 04:57 AM

I have just got using the back door method, thanks for that.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,MBSLynne
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 01:07 PM

Urghhhhh! Haven't been able to get in AT ALL today until now, and it's still only via the back door...I feel like a fish without water!!

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 01:28 PM

I have been using the Front Door all afternoon.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Alba
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 01:44 PM

Yip Eric....as Guest 4:46am says...that's basically what I had to do.
I cleared out a lot of....'sh...stuff and then checked my add remove programme list and removed more stuff then did a search for anything that might be lurking and removed that.
It seems my Comp is running better too so....
Back door today though can't get in the front door...but I am coming in as Alba!! and not Guest anymore....stranger and stranger......~~~~twilight zone music in the background~~~~~~~
will wait and see.
Good luck Eric.....:>)if you haven't already got it your comp sorted.
Blessings and Best Wishes
Jude

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 01:55 PM

Spy Bot didn't find anything. But Ad-aware found two items.

Art

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 02:03 PM

In the business section of the paper today-
"Staying safe online has gotten too complicated for the average user," America Online spokesman Andrew Weinstein said.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Jeri
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 04:33 PM

I downloaded a newer version of Spybot than what I had, I downloaded the updates, ran it, and was clean. THEN I downloaded, updated and ran Ad-Aware, and it found 24 items. (20 related to 'Hi-Wire' and 4 links to scumware sites.) Sheesh.

Anyway, I got all updated and then my modem fried. I assume it did, since it keeps telling me there's no dial tone even after a few cold and warm re-boots (and nearly a re-boot with a real boot), fiddling with plugs, etc. My ancient (Win 95) laptop and an indestructable US Robotics Sportster modem seem to acknowledge a dial tone.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Sorcha
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 09:20 PM

OK, when I got home, I ran Spybot....no funweb. Having some other probs, so tried to run it again...got an error msg, parameters incorrect. Uninstalled, re installed, and it did the same thing. Any ideas?

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 11:43 PM

Neither Norton nor Spybot picking up anything like it.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 04:30 AM

Seems to be working perfectly today, 17/01/05 9.0am

Whoever fixed it [ max ] well done.

eric

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 06:43 AM

Sorcha -

Spybot install has been so clean for me that I haven't really looked into what you can do to foul it up. The only behavior I have observed is that it occassionally runs into permissions problems. It often says a particular one or two malware components can't be removed if it's run under anything other than an Administrator login. IF YOU HAVE CREATED MORE THAN ONE USER IDENTITY, or otherwise have an Administrator account set up, it may be necessary to log in as Administrator for successful install. With most programs, you'll get an error message saying "You don't have permission to do that" or something similar, but Spybot does have the almost unique "feature" of being able to bomb due to insufficient permissions without producing the normal message.

Jeri -

Modems are one of the components most susceptible to "frying" their Input/Output parts due to external electrical influences, so it is possible that yours has died. The most common other failure, though, is in the little pigtail lead you use to plug it into your 'phone jack. These cords can look perfectly fine and lose a line quite easily. If you haven't already done so, at least try a different phone wire before resorting to more drastic measures. If you've changed the connection, make sure that you haven't plugged into an ethernet jack instead of the phone jack on the computer. They look very similar, and are often located side-by-side, although the ethernet plug is a little larger. The smaller phone plug can be inserted in an ethernet socket, but of course won't make the connection.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,sandra in sydney
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 07:08 AM

the only way I can get in is via this lot of numbers - 207.103.108.99, neither mudcat.org or buddy work for me.

I wish my very own help desk would get back from holidays, I dunno anything. I'm on a very new iMac waiting for the CD containing all the files from my deceased Compaq laptop to be installed & have no idea if any of the above nasties apply to my system. Maybe I could send this very long thread to a Mac using techo friend ...

sandra

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Mooh
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 07:28 AM

Got my kid to run Spybot etc and she found 272 invasions (for lack of a better term). McAfee, of course, was blind to them all. Suddenly all is right in our cyberworld, for now. Because McAfee caught the occassional adware, we thought we were safe. This has been an education and then some.

Max is the Mudcat prophet, priest, and king. Whatever his funding, his motivations, his accountability (as was mentioned above), he does a superhuman job of this and so when there're problems, I just sit back and wait for the next miracle. His work is incomprehensible to me.

It's the 21st century blues theme, God bless him.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Jeri
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 09:22 AM

John, thanks. I bought that computer in Oct 98, so it was just a matter of time before something went that I didn't feel like fixing. The modem, by the way, was the newest thing on there. It doesn't have an ethernet jack, and the same line that didn't work in that one is working fine in the external modem I'm now using. Line OK. The modem tries to dial, and says there's no dial tone, so it's the connection between the line and the modem. If the line is OK, and the modem's mostly OK, and I don't have an ethernet jack, there's one other thing it might be that's related to stupidity.

Yep. I just checked, and in the flurry of plugging and unplugging yesterday resulted in the phone 'out' line being still stuck in the phone 'in' jack. Phone still worked, but the phone likely doesn't care what it's stuck in as long as there's a connetion. It's amazing how one's IQ can be improved by walking away for a while. (Then coming back and doing the stuff you thought only 'stupid' people should try.) I'll see if fixing this works when I get off line.

Netscape v. 4.04 does NOT handle Mudcat well! Stone knives...

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 10:50 AM

Although I know most people posting at Mudcat are luddites when it comes to this stuff (hence the disappearance and reappearance of Mudcat looking like magic, and Max the magician to them), I think it is all the more important for websites like this to provide this information to it's users regularly. A permanent link at the top of the page to a message explaining this in a nutwouldn't hurt at all

As I recall, it wasn't all that long ago that Clinton, I think, complained of the contamination here at Mudcat, though I can't recall now if he was complaining about malware or viruses via the PMs? Can't remember.

Anyone who believes these days that you only have to worry about this stuff if you surf porn and other "bad" sites is seriously deluded.

This stuff is the basics of computer operation these days. If you don't know how to do these things, you shouldn't be allowed on the damn internet! Not really, but one's own ignorant bliss can cause others a lot of grief. It would be good if people got up to speed on some of this stuff if for no other reason than they want to keep Mudcat online. The nasty stuff can wipe out a computer (like the Mudcat servers!) in no time flat.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Sorcha
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 11:04 AM

Spybot seems to run just fine now. No idea what was going on.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 11:19 AM

Got new upgrades from Spyware Doctor today. It seems, along with Norton, to do a good job.

I like to get my news from the NY Times. Their online version seems to be loaded with hitchhikers; there seems to be a lot for the 'doctor' to remove. Washington Post is better. My hometown rag wants Activex (sp?) activated, but I refuse.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 02:35 PM

Since I installed the Spyware Blaster there are some pages that won't load, but they're usually small things, like images enlarged. Makes me wonder what baggage is coming along with that image. So far there hasn't been any reason to disable the SpywareBlaster.

SRS

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 02:56 PM

" As I recall, it wasn't all that long ago that Clinton, I think, complained of the contamination here at Mudcat"

Close... I received a 'bot' email from a [e-mail] email addy... so it either came from that person themselves, or from someone with the bot infection with that person in their email addy book... And I posted here so they'd notice, run their viri scanners and clean up their acts...

"If you don't know how to do these things, you shouldn't be allowed on the damn internet!"
To a certain degree I have to say I agree... But people drive without knowing anything about their cars... and they renovate their homes without knowing anything about tools or building codes...   These are the same people who slide through barely icy intersections on bald tires, and burn down whole neighbourhoods because of faulty wiring...

The worst part about the PC ignoranus is when they 'claim' to be 'proud' of the fact that they're ignorant... But then they whine and suck when their favowite wittwe message board goes down, because they infected it with viri, and other internet garbage...

So to some respect, ya.. it'd be nice to see people have to take a test and earn the right to surf the net... prove they can do it without perpetuating viri and spam and garbage... If they fail, make 'em use Web-TV... Or a Mac...

The internet would be a MUCH quieter place, I can tell ya that...

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,MCP
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 03:50 PM

Guest of 10:50. While it may be a problem for some users not all the non-availablity of Mudcat was caused by adware/spyware. My own machine doesn't have and has not had any detectable malware (and I'm no Luddite - one of my degrees is in this stuff; I have 3 malware detectors and nothing shows in any of them. FunWeb products don't and never have been on this machine). Mudcat really was unavailable (and unpingable on the one time I tried) - the only site I couldn't reach, and based on the number of posts when it became available to me it was a common problem (in the UK at least).

I agree that having visible hints for users might not be a bad idea though. The subject of malware has appeared in several threads, but not everyone will bother reading tech-related threads, so the news-headline at the top of the page is a good idea.

Mick

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Jan 05 - 02:38 AM

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,eric the red
Date: 18 Jan 05 - 08:27 AM

www.mudcat.org down again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,sandra in sydney
Date: 18 Jan 05 - 08:30 AM

welcome to 207.103.108.99 where Members are Guests!

sandra

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,Giok in the blizzard.
Date: 18 Jan 05 - 09:20 AM

I can't access my PM file to get an address I want boo hiss ;~(
Giok

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,Shed with roof off and sides blown down
Date: 18 Jan 05 - 10:42 AM

I dont think I'm alone on this but Mcat has forgotten my login but when I try to reregister it remembers my email address and says I'm already a member So I enter the login and again its not recognised

Is this everyones experiance

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 18 Jan 05 - 11:37 AM

Shed -

So mudcat remembers your email address, but your login doesn't work.

That probably means that mudcat has forgotten your password - or maybe you're not spelling like you did before.

The usual is to post a request for a "forgotten password" and let the 'cat send you what it thinks you should be using. Note that it can only be sent to the email address you used when you joined, so if you've changed addresses you will NOT receive it at your new one. If your original email addy doesn't work now, you'll need to send an email to Pene or Joe O. See the "Contact Us" at the verrry bottom of the Quick Links roller.

I don't know how strict mudcat passwords are, but most passwords are at least "case sensitive." For some, an A with CapsLock set is NOT the same thing as an A made using Shift-a. For some, a digit on the NumPad is NOT the same thing as the same digit from the keyboard top row. It does make it tough to remember exactly what you used - especially if you log in several places with different "strictness" rules.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: vectis
Date: 18 Jan 05 - 04:43 PM

I've been unable to get into Mudcat via the front door for several days now. In the end I put spybot on and ran it. It found a few nasties which I removed and suddenly I'm straight on via the front door again.
Coincidence or was I being blocked because of something i was carrying on my poor little pooter?

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 18 Jan 05 - 05:22 PM

So Mudcat'll block you for having 'ware' on your PC, but not for being a flaming, trolling, anonymous a$$hole... Or Martin Gibson....

As if one was in some way worse than the other...

*shakes head*

LOL

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Chris Maltby
Date: 18 Jan 05 - 07:22 PM

Back from Tassie now and the wonderful Cygnet Folk Festival. For Sandra-in-Sydney's sake, all you Mac users are probably immune from the spyware that Max is blocking. The other problems with access are harder to diagnose from what people have described as symptoms. Perhaps it's just the regular server being too busy to respond, while the buddy one is less of a target...

If those sypware tools cause extra traffic, plus the number of new search engines which seem to ignore the usual advice about which links to follow it's no wonder that there is an overloading problem. A search robot will fetch pages as fast as it can get them, so it doesn't take a lot of that to soak up a server. Full marks to Max for sorting that out as well as putting the block on dopes who install spyware...

Anyway, it's working fine for me (Mozilla on Linux).

Chris

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Bill D
Date: 18 Jan 05 - 08:00 PM

NOTE-NOTE...please note! 'Sometimes' when you lose your cookie and go to have it reset, it will say you have been found and reset, but when you go to the forum, it doesn't seem to have taken, and you are still a 'guest'. This can happen if your browser is using a catched copy of the site! (meaning that it is using the same settings as before. In THIS case, the 'refresh' button is of no use, and you will need to reLOAD the page for the cookie to be recognized.

I made this mistake with my old Opera browser awhile back, and thought there was some arcane setting or firewall interfering....but when I just **reloaded** immediately after redoing my cookie, it worked fine.

Hope this saves someone some trouble...

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Jeri
Date: 18 Jan 05 - 08:36 PM

Bill, unless Opera's different (and I'm too lazy to look), 'refresh' and 'reload' are exactly the same.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Bill D
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 12:25 AM

no, I don't think so, Jeri...refresh at the top of Mudcat works within the site, and asks for the newest threads to be displayed using the settings IN your browser (if that makes any sense) whereas 'reload' tells the browser to open the page as if it were just finding it, looking for relevant cookies as it does.

This what fooled me....I would reset my cookie, it would tell me the job was done, and even note how many PMs I had...but when I went to the forum, I was still a 'guest'. Drove me crazy, (though I just used a different browser and went right on)...then one day, I grumpily hit 'reload', and LO! it found my cookie and logged me in!

...so, my revelation was just accidently doing the right thing, and sorta deducing..(or maybe 'inducing' in this case) that 'refresh' had not bothered to look at the cookie that was just set..

Now...if that is all wrong, I sure like to know what it was, 'cause at the time, I PMd Jeff and he didn't know what was wrong...

Thus, I suggest at least trying it if one runs into the 'can't reset cookie' problem...ya' never know!

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 05:32 AM

Well it's about 10-30 AM in sunny Scotland, [snow blindness beckons] and this is the first day I've been able to log on to .org at this time for ages.
Thanks Max.
Giok.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 05:33 AM

HOORAY!!!!!! I got in in the day time via the front door for the first time in three weeks!!! Perhaps the lunch club will be back in Mudchat??

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,MBSLynne
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 07:18 AM

Bugger!! I spoke too soon. There I was, settled down with me lunch to have a nice chat for the first time in weeks. Two other people had just joined me, and BAM! It all fell down again! That's like giving a kid a lolly then snatching it away just as they're going to lick it!!

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: GUEST,sandra in sydney
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 08:14 AM

well, I'm still a guest on the IP bookmark (207.103.108.99).

None of my other 4 bookmarks work (mudcat.org is bookmarked twice, & i also have buddy & the IP address). I also put www.mudcat.org into google & received the same 'Site under Construction' message as I got for the mudcat.org bookmarks. At least buddy gave a message saying it couldn't be found!

So I dunno, but I'm sure I'll find out sometime this weekend when Chris visits to fix things up.

sandra

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 08:28 AM

Got back in again just after I posted the last message and have only just left so it seems to be ok at the moment

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 08:32 AM

I have had no problems with the site all morning!!!!!.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Wolfgang
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 08:35 AM

'refresh' and 'reload' are exactly the same (Jeri)

On one of my computers 'reload' makes multiple Mudcat posts whereas 'refresh' doesn't. On the other, both are the same. Don't ask me why.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Snuffy
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 09:33 AM

Where is reload in IE? I can find several refresh options but no reload.

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Jeri
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 06:06 PM

That's the 'refresh' I was talking about, Snuffy. Depending on what browser you use, it's either 'refresh' or 'reload' - it does the same thing. That's what I thought Bill was talking about, but he was talking about 'refresh' on the Mudcat page. I gots it now!

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 07:35 PM

Re "refresh" vs "reload"

The normal refresh may download a new page from the server or may just reload one from Temporary Internet Files on your machine. There's no clear way to tell it which to do. You can make settings in IE Tools to tell it to "always check for new versions," but this setting never seems to "stick" for me.

Although it's not too clearly stated, at least one Microsoft Knowledge Base article suggests using the F5 key to "reload" a page in IE. This is the same "reload" key you can use in Windows Explorer when, as occasionally happens for example, when you add a folder in the right window the folder doesn't show up immediately in the left window. It is supposed to force the program to re-read the source. No guarantees, but try it if you like.

Another possible option is to go to IE Tools - Internet Options - General Tab, and in the Temporary Internet Files section, delete all Temporary Internet Files. This should clear all the pages in memory so that IE won't have one to call up and will have to re-load the page if you do a refresh. Again, no guarantees, but it's a sort of "good theory."

John

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 07:49 PM

Not a problem, but just curious. When I restart my computer, Spyware Doctor removes all cookies, etc. that have tried to hitchhike. When I enter Mudcat, I am notified that two cookies have been removed. Anyone know what they are?

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 11:46 PM

JiK

re "delete all Temporary Internet Files" - if you look directly in that folder, there are dozens of subdirectories. Do you know what happens if they are all deleted? Any suggestions for a Kb article on the effects?

Subject: RE: Tech: Problems with Mudcat?
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 06:04 AM

Foolestroup -

What you see may depend on settings. You can set up in Windows Explorer to "view web pages as single file" and it may affect what you see in the Temporary Internet Files folder. Each web page may display as a script and a folder with the same name containing any embedded graphics for that script. Other than that, there should be no sub-folders in Temp Int Files, if you're using only IE as a browser.

I don't know whether Windows may make separate folders if you use more than one browser, although there's no obvious reason why it should.

Assuming that you're looking in the ...\username\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files folder, you'll also see cookies. "Delete Temporary Files" in IE should not delete any cookies - only files with "page content." There's a separate button in IE - Tools - Internet Options to delete cookies. If you "Delete Cookies," you'll lose all your cookies, and you will have to log in again.

By definition, a "Temporary File" is one that's only intended to survive until you close the program that made it. With normal setup, closing IE should clear them all, but since other programs may depend on IE (and/or related Messenger) services, they sometimes fail to clear, and may "accumulate." By design, Windows won't delete a Temp file that's necessary for any program that's currently running. Any "needed" Temporary file will be created by the program that needs it, the next time the program is opened or, in the case of Temporary Internet Files, the next time the page is downloaded.

Most temporary files used by Windows have a file name that says that they are a temporary file. Generally, a filename that starts with the leading "~" character, and/or has a .tmp file extension is a "temporary file." The Temporary Internet Files folder is required because it is a "temporary archive of files" but the files themselves are only "temporarily there." The filenames would be valid as "regular" files if placed elsewhere. Their "temporary" use is only identified by where they are, not by their filename. This ambiguous identity is one of the reasons why it's preferable to use the "Delete Files" button in your browser rather than by going to the location and manually deleting stuff. It's just easier on your brain.

There is usually an immediately adjacent folder that's just called "Temp" that is also a sort of "special" thing. It is an archive of downloaded program stuff, saved as a backup for use by System Restore and/or other maintenance. This folder does typically have quite a few subfolders. It will not be affected by the "Delete Temporary Internet Files" button in your browser. (And if you're looking with an older DOS, in DOS, the truncation of filenames may make it difficult to tell the difference between ...\username\Local Settings\Temp and ...\username\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files.) It's generally "safe" to delete things from the \Local Settings\Temp folder, but you may lose some "go back" capability.

John