How to lock the whole forum

[~°°Complicated°°~]

Hey guys, I know there have been topics similar to this one, but I haven't found an answer to this particular question: is there any way to lock the whole forum so that no one (expect the Admins of course) can't see anything, not even the design?
I would like to know is it possible to lock it up in a way that when someone comes on the forum there is only black background and the message that it's under maintenance.
Thanks in advance for the answer!

[Jophy]

Hello,

Not sure what's your real question:

is there any way to lock the whole forum so that no one (expect the Admins of course) can't see anything, not even the design?

You can do this through permissions

Admin Panel > General > Categories & Forums > Permissions(for the forum)
Make sure that the view and read box for members, moderators and other groups(if there is) is unchecked > Save

[~°°Complicated°°~]

Thanks for your answer but I already know that, I was wondering is there any way to lock it so they don't see anything, not only the categories and posts but the front page, the colors and pictures of the site, like the site doesn't currently exist while it's on maintenance. But now I don't need it anymore, thanks anyway!
The admins can delete this topic if they don't have the answer or don't understand my question either.

[lustromlingmech]

You happen to be lucky that I've seen this topic. There is a thing where you can declare your forum is under maintenance. Go to your admin panel, general, then configuration. There's an option that says, "forum under construction:" Click yes, then nobody but you will have access to it until 24 hours prior to the closing. You can click "customize" to customize the message that appears.

I haven't actually tried it, so I don't know how well it should fit your needs.

[Kaizer Lee]

The Under Construction sometimes gets a no so I suggest for you to check it once a day as well so in case it goes open, you can lock it but the above user's method is efficient so try it.

[Jophy]

Thanks for your answer but I already know that, I was wondering is there any way to lock it so they don't see anything, not only the categories and posts but the front page, the colors and pictures of the site, like the site doesn't currently exist while it's on maintenance. But now I don't need it anymore, thanks anyway!
The admins can delete this topic if they don't have the answer or don't understand my question either.

Topic Solved & Locked