I'm being logged out non-stop

Factual Questions
1

I’ve read the sticky thread re logging out; I can’t seem to find the fix discussed in that thread.

I am using Firefox as a browser, with ZoneAlarm Pro as a firewall, AVX free as anti-virus.

Three days ago, while attempting to link from one thread to another, the entire SDMB blew up in my face; after a lot of sheer garbabe appearing on the screen, I received a message concerning a database error and how it didn’t recognize me anymore. In apparently not only doesn’t recognize me, it hates me deeply and personally and refuses to allow me to be logged in automatically and refuses to allow me to remain logged in for more than about fifteen minutes—if I become engrossed in a thread, I get bootted off. Prior to the episode of three days gone, I was logged in automatically and never got kicked off.

The “Saved Passwords” function in Firefox actually saves my user name for the SDMB but steadfastly refuses to save my password.

WTF is going on and how can I overcome this problem?

2

I dunno what’s happening - BUT I’ll tell you where I’d start:

(1) clear out the cache/etc - see if that fixes or changes the situation.

(2) see if the Dope works with IE (or if you get the same problems).

(3) reinstall Firefox and restart computer.

Good luck.

3

Also I’d check my security settings in Firefox and make sure they haven’t gone bonkers.

4

This is a new problem to us; hadn’t heard of this being an issue to folks since our other situation three or four software upgrades ago.

Please report back and let us know what works for you, if anything.

Unfortunately, since this situation is not of our creation, I’m not at all sure about how to keep it from happening; it’s nothing we’re doing one way or the other, it’s the same install we’ve had for months.

I’m sorry, wish we could be more help to you here.

TubaDiva

5

I have updated Firefox, run AdAware, Spybot, AVX Virus scan, Microsoft Spyware scan, cleared cache, defragged hard drive, verified security settings, and re-started computer, all with no benefit at all. As before, Password Manager remembers my user name for the SDMB but steadfastly refuses to remember the password—I’ve even changed passwords; didn’t help. Password Manager remembers all other passwords I’ve asked it to remember, including some I changed as a test. I have also tried IE Explorer to no avail. Sure is frustrating.

Do you think moving this thread to another forum would be beneficial? If not, I guess we should just close it.

6

Since tubadiva has said that in her opinion it’s not a problem with the board software , I’ve moved this to General Questions.

Let’s see if the bright people over there can help.

samclem GQ moderator

7

This might be a cookie issue. From what you say, it is possible that your cookies are being cleared by your browser(s) and/or a cookie cleaning software (such as a 3rd party anti-adware/spyware software).

Go to your browser settings and select “allow all cookies”, and also add http://www.straightdope.com and http://boards.straightdope.com to your safe list and see if that helps. Also try setting your security level in your browser to the lowest for a few minutes and see if that helps.

I’m unclear on the “database error” you are seeing. A screenshot would help in understanding the error.

Are you able to stay logged in to any other message board site that use vBulletin? Try signing up at some other website that uses vBulletin and see if you are staying logged in there.

8

I’m able to stay logged into SDMB without using the Password Manager. Presumably it’s using a cookie instead. So perhaps xash’s suggestion about alowing cookies might help.

9

This is a suggestion akin to “Well, did you check to see if it’s plugged IN?”, but I didn’t see anyone else mention it, so I’m throwing it out there. Next to where you log in, there is a checkbox which says “Remember Me”. Make sure that box is checked. If it isn’t, that’s your problem.

10

DO NOT UPDATE FIREFOX. Completely uninstall and reinstall.

11

Cookies seem to be okay—I got rid of Firefox and then re-installed it: didn’t help.

The database error I got was a one-time thing; it happened when the thing crashed and hasn’t happened since.

I guess I will try contacting FireFox directly to see if they have any suggestions; if not, I suppose I will end up restoring the entire system.

Thanks for the inputs.

12

Have you had any trouble with other websites that “cookie” your login? When I first started using Firefox a couple weeks ago, I had some problems with cookies disappearing. The last week or so has been fine though.

13

Also, if you use any funky characters in your name or password (other than a-z or A-Z) you might want to get rid of them.

See this thread:

14

The problem seems to have been fixed. I shredded the original download, got another and used it to reinstall: I THINK this is what fixed the problem. At any rate, I am no longer being logged off the SDMB.

I also wiped out ZoneAlarmPro—I’ve had issues with it several times. In its place, I re-activated the Windows XP firewall; I hope that is an adequate firewall.

Thanks to everyone for the inputs.

15

The problem seems to have been fixed. I shredded the original download, got another and used it to reinstall: I THINK this is what fixed the problem. At any rate, I am no longer being logged off the SDMB.

I also wiped out ZoneAlarmPro—I’ve had issues with it several times. In its place, I re-activated the Windows XP firewall; I hope that is an adequate firewall.

Thanks to everyone for the inputs.