I disabled the block list of blocksadmin.php and now just display the editor. It was a novice hack job but it seems to be working fine. Can an expert review the comment blockouts that I did and let me know if I will have problems when viewed on other platforms? Also is there an easier way to do this.

What you want to do ? It's not clear .. can attach screenshots

I have removed the block list shown on the bocksadmin.php page and just have the editor showing. I used comment tags to block out the HTML codes of blocksadmin.php and though it works fine I just wanted an expert to review what I did and let me know if there will be a problem when viewed on other platforms (mac, linux) and browsers.

I did some additional hack and now notice some errors which strangely does not stop the system from functioning but needs fixing;

The 'Block Type' drop list on the Add new block form starts with 'Side Block - Left and I moved Center Block - Center to that position so it now looks like this and fuctions correctly;

Center Block - Center
Side Block - Left
Side Block - Right
Center Block - Left
Center Block - Right

I edited files;
include/common.php


modules/system/admin/blocksadmin/blockform.php


The errors are

1. When I upload the changed files all the existing blocks switch positions.
- Center blocks move to the right
- right blocks move to the left
- Left blocks move to the center
When I switch them to the correct positions with the radio select they stay and display properly.

2. In the Groups settings;
- No center blocks show. Just the title 'Center'
- All the center blocks show in the right list (though they display correctly on the pages)
- Left block list display correct but they also duplicate in the right list (These also show correctly on the pages)


The blocksadmin list shows all blocks in their correct position.

I looked at files in modules/system/admin/groups but didn't see any obvious line to edit. It is probably there but I don't know how to interpret it.

Can anyone assist with this? Thanks.

I am not really clear on what it is you are trying to do, actually more so-I am not clear as to the what for or why you are trying to do what you are trying to do. But you ask: "Please Advise".

I advise not screwing around with the core files in such a drastic manner! Unless of course you are trying to create some sort of module? If not then I advise again. Don't mess with core files in such a drastic manner. When hacking up core files like that it makes it very difficult for any future upgrades and could even lead to module problems.

Best of Luck!

Quest

First off, when you do undertake hacking core files, be sure you back up your files and your database before you start. Secondly, it is best to do this on a test system you can reload without taking your production site down.

The reason your blocks moved is because of the changes you made - their positions are stored in the database and you moved them by changing the define("XOOPS_SIDEBLOCK_RIGHT",2); statements. And I would expect them to display properly if you edited their positions and saved the changes back to the db.

Your other problem probably comes from commenting out variable definitions that are necessary -

/* define("XOOPS_CENTERBLOCK_BOTTOMLEFT",7); */
/* define("XOOPS_CENTERBLOCK_BOTTOMRIGHT",8); */
/* define("XOOPS_CENTERBLOCK_BOTTOM",9); */

If a page encounters missing variables, it will probably fail to display properly.

Maybe I should change the question to 'How do I fix this'. My initial changes are wotking fine. Here is what I ultimately want to achieve;

I installed the Blcksadmin module ( I think by PHPPP)

1. When I click the Administration menu I go directly to the blocksadmin module's index which displays nicely, just the custom blocks along with the group permissions so I can set access permissions without going through system > groups. All other modules are listed separately so the block list is not cluttered and confusing.

2. I placed a form button at the top of the Blocksadmin module's header that takes me to the System > blocksadmin page where I have removed the original blocks list and now just the 'Add New Block' form is displayed. (This is what I originally asked advise. It works fine)

3. I only use Left - Center - Right columns so I removed the bottom center columns from the display ( the blocksadmin module didn't have those either) and shifted the list positions of the Block Type drop list in the Add New Block form. (This is where I now have errors but not destructive)

4. I put an insert in the Groups table of the database which now automatically give new block and module access to anonymous group. It is very rare that I have a content I don't want them to see so it reduces the work and frustration to remember to set this.

I felt this was a neccessary hack (for me) and searched many sites to find this as I thought others (including the creators of Blocksadmin which started the whole idea) would want this as it seem so much more organized and simpler.

See the images of the chnages here

I have a test area on my server setup so you can see exactly how it is working and get a better understanding. If you are willing I'll PM the access. Just let me know.

So is there any assistance on this? Should this be post in the Core Hack forum?

Prollem solved. I had to edit class/xoopsblock.php lines 317, 319, 353, 355.

All works excellent now.

Xoops support forum is the best there is. They let you solve problems on your own :)

Some problems are not always easy to solve.. but I'm glad you did.

I don't suppose you could post the changes you made - in case other users could find them of use?