The Web.Config file contains several <appSettings> key values that you will need to update to ensure the forum functions correctly. The Web.Config file can be found within the root of your forum folder. You should edit the Web.Config within Notepad or similar ASCII editor. The settings that will need to be updated before InstantForum.NET will function correctly are detailed below.

Database Connection String

This is very important!

<add key="InstantASP_ConnectionString" value="SERVER=localhost;UID=username;PWD=password;DATABASE=InstantForum40;"/>

This should be updated to contain a valid connection string to your InstantForum.NET SQL Server or MSDE database. A typical connection string consists of four parts which will all need to be updated to use your SQL Server connection details.

SERVER=TheSQLServerName
UID=YourSQLUsername
PWD=YourSQLPassword
DATABASE=TheForumDatabase

For example, say your forum database is called "InstantForum", installed on a remote server for this example lets say "SQL.MYDOMAIN.COM" and you have a dedicated SQL Server account with username "Jon", password "Bob". You would need to update the connection string as shown below to accomodate these details...

SERVER=SQL.MYDOMAIN.COM;UID=Jon;PWD=Bob;DATABASE=InstantForum;

Exception Email-Address

Application exceptions raised within InstantForum.NET can be logged in a number of ways. The InstantASP_ExceptionLogMethod <appSettings> allows you to choose how exceptions are logged either via email, locally to a file (Exceptions.config) or directly to the server event log.

If you choose to receive error messages via email which is the default setting you should update the InstantASP_ExceptionEmailAddress <appSettings> as shown below...

<add key="InstantASP_ExceptionEmailAddress" value="YOUR@EMAILADDRESS.COM"/>

You should replace YOUR@EMAILADDRESS.COM with the email address you wish to receive forum exceptions messages on.

That's It!

These are the only changes required within the Web.Config file for an installation. Other <appSettings> do exist within the Web.Config file however they can typically be left as default. For a complete reference of all the configuration settings within the Web.Config file please refer to the Understanding the Web.config file section of this guide.

Other key application settings such as configuring SMTP details, board name, time zone & default language can be adjusted within the InstantForum.NET administration area.

To learn how to access the administration area please follow the link below.

Step 5 : Admin Control Panel »

---