Hi,
I've recently registered the simplest form of a phpBb3 forum.
My problem is that it is so open, that anyone can see it before it is ready. I want to "launch" it myself to the web.
I need to hide this forum so the unregistered viewers don't see it.
Also, can I "hide" the forum so it won't pop up in a google search?

I read about locking the forum - but that's only for 24 hrs, I guess will need a week until I'm satisfied with launching my forum.

If this is impossible, does anyone know if I can hide all the forum categories etc but let the site be visible? Though that would be a lesser alternative to me.

Hope you can help me, thanks.

Hello,

Just hide all the forums/categories via permissions and that will hide the forum content entirely through permissions :
Admin Panel > General > Categories & Forums > Permissions
Uncheck the box that says 'View and Read' for guests
> Save

Do this to all forums. You can also put your forum to 'Holiday mode' and in 'Maintenance mode'
Admin Panel > General > Cofiguration:
Forum in construction: Yes (Just set the option every 24 hours)
Forum on holiday: Yes
> Save

You can also hide some other things by doing this:
Administration Panel > Users & Groups > Special Rights

Thanks so much everyone for your help! =)