Fileserver split

[Delphy]

Hi All,

Apologies for the extended downtime today, but since the situation with the downloads lately has been so dire, I decided to implement the split-fileserver plan I've had in the works for some time.

You may recall that when we introduced the MTS2 Supporter/Donator schemes a while back, one of the perks for monthly subscribers was to be a special fileserver only for them. I have now implemented this functionality, so you will see changed links for downloading files and (should) hopefully give you better downloads.

This is available to members of the 3 donation groups, as well as the Featured Creators and MooMoo award winners (and staff, obviously :))

Since this uses authentication to verify you are in the correct usergroup:

if you find download links do not work you must log out and then log back in again for the cookies to get set correctly.

Update:

I've updated the error pages to give you a better idea of whats happening. Those of you getting 404 errors please paste the exact URL that gives a 404.

Those of you who get "not authorised" must log out and log back in!. It will not work until you do so.

Those of you who where getting redirected to login.php, check you aren't blocking cookies from "special.modthesims2.com". This wont happen now though as I put up a new error page.

Thanks for all your support and I hope you have a good day.

Regards
Delphy

[BlueSoup]

Yippee! Just in time for my donation to start back up. :)

Edit: Hrm, I did log out and then back in and I still get an "Unauthorized" message when I try to download.

[AbstractSIMmer187]

Awww thankies Delphy, woot i just love all these updates, you really are a blessing ;)

Yup it also works for me but it seems to run a bit slow.

[Lupusdragon]

I tried logging out and then logging back in, but the download links still do not work for me. Should I try again?

[Delphy]

Oops, forgot to upload the file with the donation usergroups in it - try again and it should work ok.

[liegenschonheit]

Silly Delphy :P

Being a MooMoo/Featured gets a real perk! Woo!

[Delphy]

Okay the servers seem to be behaving so I'm off to bed - my fingers hurt. Let me know about performance and any issues and I'll take a look tommorow.

Regards
Delphy

[tiggerypum]

liegenschonheit,
Fancier profile pages and our undying adoration isn't a real perk? *cries*
;)

[liegenschonheit]

Very true, those are nice perks as well. I forgot about the fancier profiles because I rarely use mine >.<

[jenfold]

I've logged out and back in - but the site's still telling me I'm not authorised when I click to try to download a rar or zip file. Oh well,:( will try again tomorrow.

[Delphy]

Okay sorry jen, the cookies for featured/moomoo weren't being set properly (damn fingers!)... you'll have to logout and back in again, sorry...

[kwillag]

I just logged out and in twice and it still says I'm not authorized to DL, but no worries, I'll try again later. Keep up the great work Delphy.

[daysies]

I just logged out and in twice and it still says I'm not authorized to DL, but no worries, I'll try again later. Keep up the great work Delphy.
ROFL! i got that same message, too! and i'm staff! :P log out, close MTS2, open MTS2 in another window, log back in, try to download something... if you get that message again, just refresh the window that gives you the "not authorized message"! i just did all that, in that order, and i was able to download.

[karen82869]

Hmm. I had the same problem. Refresh did work (thanks Daysies!), but downloads are taking me quite a while... which kind of defeats the purpose of the split. lol

Not really a big deal to me, right now. I'd really like to see poor Delphy get some sleep and rest his fingers! :)

[corvidophile2]

Thanks Delphy!!

I must be of the lucky ones i never had any problems downloading whatsoever.Even in rough times i can get files they just kick off slower than usually.

[-Starbuck-]

LOL ok. I read what daysies said to do and I must say I felt like I was in dance class. Sing in, click link, refresh, sign out. Open a new window..sign in, click link, refresh, sign out. (Yes, I'm easily amused.) I did that about 6 or 7 times. Actually, I don't even get the error you guys are getting. Everything is the same. No biggie, though :) Just wanted to let you guys know. And, Delphy...awesome! Thanks :D

[tiggerypum]

Until recently I would have said the same, that I always could get downloads... but I recently tried to download many times and either couldn't get through or then the files arrived incomplete (thus corrupt and wouldn't unrar) I'll take a bit 'slow' over that any day. I can be patient for my downloads, as long as they arrive intact :) Of course we're continuing to work towards improving the servers, but an additional server is no small investment, although it might be what's needed. We're already at something like 7 machines to keep the site running.

[SillyBonn]

I've logged out, back in.. logged out & manually cleared cookies before logging back in.. closed and restarted browser.. and I'm still getting 404 Not Found every time I try to download something. :(

It may make my search for a job just a bit more urgent if I can't download here anymore. ;)

[dunner1]

Same here: Logged out, closed the window, opened a new one, logged back in and hit Refresh, but the downloads still say "404: File Not Found".

Oh well, that's no biggie... I'll just wait patiently until it can be fixed and I'll check it later. :D

[worship4ever0227]

It works for me, but a bit slow...

[Makai]

I can't download any file either. It tells me that I am not allowed or authorized to download from this site.

I was afraid it was something I did.

Love the site and will continue to support it.

Makai

PS THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU......

[challenger58]

Hey...I just became a monthly supporter. Love this site and thought it was time I showed my support in ways other than just downloading like crazy. However, after reading all of the comments I am afraid to log out and log back in, but here goes.
Thanks Delphy to you and others who have provided us with wonderful creations and game help.

[Christine11778]

I did what daysies said to do and it worked fine for me as a matter of fact I noticed the download seemed to go a lot faster. :)

[CokeBuilder]

Thanks for taking the time to impliment this system Delphy! We appreciate it! :D

[falesha]

I don't know if this problem relates to the newest change, one of the previous changes, or none of the above.

Previously (as in, before tonight) I would go to the downloads page, click on the "see all downloads" link at the bottom, and I'd actually see all downloads.

Tonight, when I click on "see all downloads" I am still shown ONLY the downloads from the past two weeks. The see all downloads link does nothing except clear whatever I've put into the filter on the left.

I tried logging out and back in, using a new browser window, clearing my browser cache, and redoing all of the above. I also tried it with various filter options checked. Still shows only the things from the past two weeks.

Am I missing something, or is this a glitch, or is it simply no longer possible to truly see ALL available downloads?

[plasticbox]

No downloads for me, either -- I get a blank page titled "http://www.modthesims2.com/login.php?file=434234" when I try, both before and after re-logging-in.

But uploads are a lot faster for me now -- no idea if that's a side effect of the server split, but it's a *much* appreciated improvement in any case. Thanks. I have too many downloads anyway =).

[Delphy]

falesha, you can still see all downloads within specific sections by going into that particular section. The main downloads page (currently) only shows stuff from the past 2 weeks - it's in my next changelog to fix this.

everybody else,

I've updated the error pages to give you a better idea of whats happening. Those of you getting 404 errors please paste the exact URL that gives a 404.

Those of you who get "not authorised" must log out and log back in!. It will not work until you do so.

Those of you who get redirected to login.php, check you aren't blocking cookies from "special.modthesims2.com".

[Inge Jones]

It's working fine for me. I just downloaded a pet bed I didn't want - in lightning fast time - and I had logged out and in again this time.

Did I answer the right one this time? :bunny:

[plasticbox]

Those of you who get redirected to login.php, check you aren't blocking cookies from "special.modthesims2.com".

Resolved. Thanks.

[aukestrel]

It's working just fine for me after logging out and logging back in as instructed. I can't believe all the time you put into this. Go you!

[LynnMar]

thanks Delphy, I was finally able to download afblouseheel by Helene http://www.modthesims2.com/member/showthread.php?t=206999 by logging out and back in.
I have been trying to get it for three days now and kept getting the 404 or this download is offline. thanks for explaining what to do.

[worldruined]

404 error - http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=214009

Seems like a bunch of people are getting it, even after logging in/out and all of that.

[IndiaSong]

404 error: http://files.modthesims2.com/getfile.php?file=438594

[Delphy]

You only have to login and out if you are in the usergroups affected. Normal people wont.

I'm looking at the 404 errors now, thanks.

[Inge Jones]

When I try that link it just tells me downloads are off temporarily try later.

[Delphy]

Thats becuase I was working on them Inge to fix the 404s ;)

Should now be working again :)

[Mihura]

With a simple refresh on the "special.mo..." page I have be able to download the beautiful (pub ;) ) lipsticks of HP.

But yep the downloads are faster. Thank you for all your efforts for this :lovestruc MTS2 Delphy ! :)


Cela ne doit pas être une panacée de gérer un tel site alors bravo ! :beer:
It must be difficult to manage a such site so bravo ! :beer:

[poundingheart]

Thanks Delphy for all your hard work and wonderful site. I hope you had a good rest.

[CTNutmegger]

OMG!! I got a perk, I think it's the first one I ever got in my whole 61 years :lol: thank you sweety :lovestruc Everything seems to be working for me. :D

[holymacarony]

I have a question - will MTS2 never again work for those who aren't supports/featured/MooMoo?

I've tried everything you said, but...it just doesn't work, so I thought "Maybe this site is just for the top-guys now" :lol:

[Delphy]

holy, of course it'll still work for the normal people. There have been over 3000 people on the site all day (in fact we broke our record earlier on), so the usual downloads will be slow still.

[falesha]

The main downloads page (currently) only shows stuff from the past 2 weeks - it's in my next changelog to fix this.



Glad to hear that, I was afraid this was a permanent and intentional change. I don't usually come looking for specific things--I only know what I want when I see it. :)

[Qypsy]

:help: I haven't been able to download anything. I, too, am getting the message: "Guests aren't allowed to access files. Only MTS2 members". I am a member and I have logged in. I have also tried clearing cookies, logging off and logging in again and I still get the same message. Any suggestions?? :(

[Delphy]

Since the main fileserver now also checks cookies, make sure you aren't running any cookie blockers that would stop that, and if so, allow "files.modthesims2.com" to access them.

[Inge Jones]

If there are some donators or special users who for any reason don't want to take advantage of the new server, perhaps because they don't want to allow cookies, would it be a good idea if there was a way to opt out and use the normal server? I mean without relinquishing their status of course.

Or maybe there could be an automatic fall-back if the special server cannot be reached for any reason?

[Delphy]

Inge, I'm not sure why anybody would want to not use the special one, since it's way quicker. You have to allow cookies to use MTS2 anyway for logins and so on, so it's not that big a deal.

It's also more likely the main fileserver will fail rather than the secondary one since the main one is way more loaded.

[Eggs]

Do one-time donators get access to the special server?

[Delphy]

Eggs, no only monthly donators.

[c0otiepi3]

Mm Ok, Sound interesting but i'll have to deal

[Gameaholic]

Great solution for montly supporters, but what about the NON monthly supporters ?
I cant monthly supported trough a subscription due to the lack of a creditcard.
but with bank transfers i can do it manualy, wich i intend to do. Now i have donated
a respecable amount for January and hope to repeat that Febuary, so my question, what about me ? and many others who ( might ) donate in that manner ?

any toughts or slight clues as to how those supporters can actuly "download" something ?

[javroyai]

Thanks Delphy

[Delphy]

gameaholic,

You download just as you have been since MTS2 was founded. Nothing in that area has changed. :)

[Gameaholic]

Well, the thing is i haven been able to download ANYTHING yet.
No mods, files, lots or anything i tried manual download , getright, dap,
and your own Q-something. Nothing has worked, now you have a SPLIT server
so that contributing members have priorty download, my question was, does that
mean i can expect to be able to download "something" anytime soon ?

[Delphy]

Well if you can't use *anything* (and I would be extremely suprised if that was true) to download, then perhaps the issue isn't with the site? I mean, we have literally thousands of people each day downloading from here...

The split just gives the subscribers an alternative. It is not limiting anything. We are not putting anything available to subscribers only. It's exactly the same system we've had in place for the last year - just with the special one added.

[silverdreams]

Aren't monthly supporter accounts supposed to be ad-free? I still see ads. I did try logging out and then logging back in, but they're still there.

[SnowStorm]

I tried logging out and back in and I'm getting:

Firefox can't find the server at qxfiles.modthesims2.com. for http://qxfiles.modthesims2.com/files/3/3/3/0/0/MTS2_442438_wes_h_UniMeshExporter407A.zip

[anx]

Hi, have you set up any other way to donate? My husband refuses to let me use a credit card online so no paypal. I could send a check or money order. If you don't want your address listed you could set up a PO Box just for this. I love your site and want to keep it running. Thank you.

[Delphy]

silverdreams, go into your User Tools -> Edit Options screen. You'll see the checkbox there. Some people wanted to see the ads regardless of subscription, hence why the manual option.

SnowStorm, qxfiles is used only for Q-Xpress links - you shouldn't be trying to use that for normal downloads.

anx, you can always buy stuff from amazon or cafepress if you like. We currently don't have a PO box, no.

[VAMPY BITES V^^^^V]

Loged out,signed back in,I didn't see any changes. :blink:
Downloads are still slow,didn't find or get the new server download page. Or whatever it's called. LOL

:cry: Help. :(


"S"
V^^^^V

MTS2 Fan Club
Monthly subscription to support the site, with larger avatar available

[Delphy]

Vampy, you dont have the donator icon underneath, so the site must not think you are a supporter, hence the issues...

Can you PM me the paypal email you used, and the TX ID and I'll check it

Thanks

[VAMPY BITES V^^^^V]

:D Sent. :D


"S"
V^^^^V



Vampy, you dont have the donator icon underneath, so the site must not think you are a supporter, hence the issues...

Can you PM me the paypal email you used, and the TX ID and I'll check it

Thanks

[exavia525]

I'm having a hard time downloading as well. I'm not a subscriber or anything, but everytime I try to download something it gives me the error reading after taking forever. I've logged in and out, restarted my computer, everything I can possibly think of. I'm a patient person, but there are so many cool downloads on here that I want for my game. Thanks for any help that can be given

[vaygirl]

I'm getting errors as well, it's a 503 Service Temporarily Unavailable error. I have not donated or anything...yet. I have a limited amount of "play money" this month and so, y'all will have to wait on the donation. I just keep clicking the link and maybe the sixth or seventh try, the download will go through. (I'm pretty infinately patient.) Anyway just letting you know my particular situation, and to let people know to keep trying.

Edit: The corrupt unzipping wasn't the site, it was something I was doing. (Doh!)

[Splatbaby]

I too am getting the error message 503 Service Temporarily Unavailable http://files.modthesims2.com/getfile.php?file=306440 and am unable to download anything,

[silverdreams]

Thanks, Delphy! I was able to make the ads disappear. :D I also changed some other options that I didn't even know about. LOL.

[child_of_air]

Well, I'm not getting either, but I keep getting this message: http://files.modthesims2.com/getfile.php?file=443746 It's really SUPER SUPER SUPER annoying, because it happens right after I download something, and I know you aren't doing work on the site. You guys seem to be having these problems ALOT lately, since before christmas. What's going on? I've donated to this site before, and I'd be willing to again, but only it will help this sort of thing from happening all the time, as it has almost every time I've come on here. :(

[Eggs]

Well, that link works fine for me.

[Amarra]

I try it since a couple of days now but I can't download anything still. All I get is this side => http://files.modthesims2.com/getfile.php?file=442987
It's not a 404 but a 503 error and In the beginning I thought it might have to do with me trying to download at a time on which too many people were on the side but I tried it in the middle of the night and on early mornings, no matter when it only shows the same statement over and over again.

Help?

EDIT: huh, interesting. The moment I wrote this and tried again (well I clicked approx. 12 times within a few seconds ) I indeed managed to download a file, it didn't come over completely and shows me a error when I try to open it but at least I am that far now.

[SingingGirl]

I've been getting this message whenever I try to download something.
"Service Temporarily Unavailable
The server is temporarily unable to service your request due to maintenance downtime or capacity problems. Please try again later."
I do wait a while, and then try to download them again, but the funny thing is, some files download, other's give me that message...Any ideas as to what's going on?

[xmasqueen]

Apache/1.3.34 Server at files.modthesims2.com Port 80

This is the error message I'm getting. I haven't been able to download and I've logged out and in a couple of times.

[Nick]

Unable to use Paypal...blah blah blah, so I get the "Service Temp Unavailable...Try later" thingy, also.
But, I never have to wait more then a minute (or about 3 or 4 trys), before I'm connected for my download, so I don't consider this a big problem. I'm finding that it's a short wait for the download. Usualy, by the third consecative try, I always get it.
11:21 Sunday morning/ 3,216 online.
The speed of navigating around the site is outstanding today.

[Delphy]

503 errors mean the server is overload (hence the capacity problems bit of the message)

Just refresh a few times. :)

[child_of_air]

Will it always be like this though? Is it just something we're going to have to get used to?

I ask because I had to refresh 12 times before I was able to get my file, and it seems to happen just about everytime I get on, regardless of when I get on.

[joe]

I am having problems too. The downloads won't work unless I press the refresh button several times. I've spent at least an hour at one time trying to get a download.

[alavenderp]

The links don't work for me either. I even tried logging out and in.
this is what always shows up
http://files.modthesims2.com/getfile.php?file=360450

[acm1mommy]

I payed for my monthly subscription logged out refreshed logged back in and I still get not authorised message when I try to download

[AudCand]

No matter what I try to download, I always get the not authorised message. I have logged out, logged back in, even adjuced my interne options but nothing works. I think I will just go ahead and try to create another account here and see if that works.

[IgnorantBliss]

AudCand, did you try closing down the browser after you logged out? Daysies also mentioned refreshing the window that says you're not authorized might let you download again. Please, don't create a new account, duplicate accounts are not allowed and the problem has already been solved for most people.

[Kimdelee]

Am what I am reading is now only people who donate can DL? or am I readking this wrong...

[Sims&Slayer666]

Am what I am reading is now only people who donate can DL? or am I readking this wrong...

No, this is a free website, Delphy is dedicated to keeping it free. You can use any part of the site. It's just that people who choose to donate to MTS2 monthly are allowed a separate file server to show they are appreciated

[AudCand]

I am still getting the not authorised message! It stinks that I cannot download, I really miss this site. I have tried everything, I have not made another account. I have tried to access the downloads on the site from several computers. I really hope the problem gets fixed soon.

[Delphy]

AudCand, are you using some sort of cookieblocker? Have you logged out and then back in?

There isn't a major problem - it's something to do with your setup. :)

[AudCand]

I have all cookies enabled, no firewall, no blockers of any kind. I have tried to download from this site from multiple computers, and I still keep getting the Not Authorised message. I hate to be a bother, but this is my favorite site.