How to make forum content viewable only to registered members?

by PocketAces August 20th 2013, 10:48 pm

I tried searching in the FAQ and in the search toolbar, but couldn't find any help. I'd like to make it so that the entire forum is viewable only to registered members. Not just the threads themselves, but everything from memberlist to categories, etc. Basically, I want it so that people coming to the site have to either sign-in or register before being able to see anything at all.

Speaking of registering, every member has to be confirmed by an admin/moderator before the account is active right? If that's not set by default, then how would I make it so? Thanks in advance guys.

by Ange Tuteur August 20th 2013, 11:01 pm

Hello PocketAces,

To modify permissions of a forum go to..
Admin Panel > General > Forum > Categories and Forums

Then modify the permissions of a forum by clicking the permissions button.( How to make forum content viewable only to registered members? Perms

How to make forum content viewable only to registered members? Perms

) While in there you will uncheck all options for guests and save. Do remember that this only applies to the forum you're modifying, you will have to apply these settings to all other forums as well.

To make your forum even more private navigate to..
Admin Panel > Users & Groups > Special Rights

Put all options to members only and save. This will prevent viewing of the forum however, you will still need to modify your forum permissions as users will still be able to read topics if they have an url.

by PocketAces August 20th 2013, 11:10 pm

Wow, I didn't expect an answer so quick. Thanks for the detailed help Seth!

by Ange Tuteur August 20th 2013, 11:14 pm

You're welcome, I'm happy to be of assistance. Good luck with your forum. Wink

by PocketAces August 20th 2013, 11:14 pm

Actually, could I trouble you for one more thing? I just want to confirm that by default, new members registering have to have their accounts approved by either an admin and a moderator. If not, how would I change that setting?

by Ange Tuteur August 20th 2013, 11:19 pm

To change member account activation navigate to..
Admin Panel > Users & Groups > Users > User Options

Find the option entitled 'New accounts activation' and choose how you want member accounts to be activated. There's three options:
No activation: accounts are instantly active
User: The user will receive a conformation email to activate their account
Admin: The admin chooses if the registrant can join the forum

by Ikerepc August 20th 2013, 11:27 pm

But if you choose admin, only admin will be able to confrime user registration. Moderators can't, because they haven't acess to admin panel.

by Ange Tuteur August 20th 2013, 11:29 pm

Zyon wrote:But if you choose admin, only admin will be able to confrime user registration. Moderators can't, because they haven't acess to admin panel.

Of course, that is why it is called admin. Its mainly for forums that are selective of their members, or have premium content that they don't want leaked by untrusted members. Ah, and private clan type forums as well.

by Ikerepc August 20th 2013, 11:33 pm

Sorry for spam, I'm say that to warn PocketAces because he is writte admins and moderators. See what I'm bold in his quote

PocketAces wrote:Actually, could I trouble you for one more thing? I just want to confirm that by default, new members registering have to have their accounts approved by either an admin and a moderator. If not, how would I change that setting?

So it isn't possible to admin and moderators can comfrime members.