FAQ
From AMember Pro Manual
Pre-Sales Questions
Is signup process completely automated with this software? Will I have to manually approve all orders?
Signup process is completely automated with aMember - you don't have to do anything. User will get access immediately after payment, as payment processor will let aMember know that transaction processed succesfully.
I currently have a web site that I am happy with. I would like to add a member only section to it however. Can I use your software within an existing web site?
Unlike other scripts, aMember doesn't force you to change your website. It will reside in separate folder, all your content still the same, you will just put some links to signup/login pages, and some folders on your site (you choose which!) will ask user visitor to enter username/password.
I would like more details on how your software can prevent account sharing
Due to nature of Internet and HTTP protocol, it is impossible to completely prevent password sharing. For example, it is impossible to deny access immediately when 2 users are logged-in with the same username in the same time. It is impossible to detect, and it will cause nothing but troubles. Anyway, it is not a trouble if someone wants to provide account access to a friend. If you deny this, it is anyway possible to store HTML pages and/or images from your site and send to friend.
However, there is really dangerous situation - if someone bought access to your site, and published username/password somewhere on public website or in the forum. aMember has great protection against this situation. It counts different IP used by each member account for specified period of time. If configured IP limit is reached, it is counted as account sharing, and account will be locked immediately. Admin has ability to unlock account, or even disable locking for some accounts.
Integration plugins, how it works, do I need any?
You may find up-to-date information regarding integration plugins here
How to start?
Q.: I am in the process of building a membership website. I have the design in my head and on paper. I just haven't done it in html yet. Where should I start? Should I completely build my website, then contact aMember about setting up the membership part? Or, would it be better if I contacted aMember before I do anything with my website?
A.: In fact, it does not make sense when install aMember Pro. You can get it installed just after you have got a hosting account and domain. Or it can be installed when your site is almost ready. All you need to do - just place all "members-only" content into a separate folder. Later it will be protected with aMember to be accessible for paid and non-expired members only. aMember itself will be installed into another separate folder, and will provide signup and profile editing pages for your members. Design of aMember Pro pages can be easily changed to match your website.
How long does it take after order?
Q.: How long does it take after order to get aMember Pro installed and working?
A.: Immediately after order, you will receive e-mail message from our ordering system confirming your order. Then just login to https://www.amember.com/amember/member.php and submit installation request. It will be executed within 24 hours. We will install aMember Pro and make initial configuration of the script. Please also plan 24-48 hours for yourself to understand the script, try it and make sure it is working as you desire. We will be happy to help you with it!
Can I edit source code? Is the script completely encrypted?
No. aMember Pro contains only 2 encrypted files: amember/rconfig.inc.php and amember/plugins/db/mysql/mysql.inc.php These files are internal, and do not contain any code suitable for customization. However, if you ever need to customize something inside these files, just contact aMember Pro support and we will be happy to help.
On the contrary, aMember Pro Trial is 100% encoded, but you can anyway edit templates, because templates are plain HTML files.
Installation, Move and Upgrade:
One site - Multiple domains
Q.: I have multiple domains under one site and that kind of restriction isn't going to work with us. Is there a way to have a license that doesn't have that restriction?
A.: It is very easy to resolve. You just need to make redirect to main domain. Put the following .htaccess file into amember/ folder:
RewriteEngine on RewriteCond % !^www\.example\.com RewriteRule ^(.*)$ http://www.example.com/$1 [R=permanent,L]
Of course, replace "example.com" with your own domain name. It will redirect users from any other domain to your main domain. You may also want to do this for your entire website - it is better for SEO.
How to rename aMember folder
Q.: Can I rename folder "amember" to lets say "members"? If so, what needs to be done?
A.: Yes, it is possible and easy.
- Just go to aMember CP -> Setup, and change "Root URL" and "Secure Root URL".
- Now actually rename folder "amember" to "members" (or anything else you like).
- Then go to http://www.yoursite.com/members/admin/ -> Protect Folders, and re-protect all folders. If you don't do this, protected folders will not work.
Move aMember to new host
- If you have any integration plugins enabled, please disable them aMember Cp->Setup->Plugins and save plugin settings (from aMember CP->Setup->plugin and aMember CP -> Manage Products) somewhere to restore it on the new server.
- Backup everything - both files and MySQL database. It is important. To backup aMember Pro database you may use aMember CP-> Backup, or even better use webhosting control panel database tools (they usually have phpMyAdmin installed).
- Copy aMember files to new server.
- Create MySQL database and database user on the new server using webhosting control panel tools. Don't forget to give MySQL user all access to created MySQL database.
- Restore MySQL database content on the new server (it will have another database name, not a problem) using webhosting control panel database tools.
- Edit (on the new server) amember/config.inc.php - put new database settings.
- Go to aMember CP on the new server, try to run aMember CP -> Rebuild Db. If it gives your error messages regarding file permissions, chmod folders amember/data/ and amember/data/new_rewrite/ to 777.
- Go to aMember Cp -> Protect Folders and protect your folders again. Remove old .htaccess files if necessary.
How to upgrade to paid version from trial version?
UPGRADE FROM TRIAL TO PRO
- Please download aMember Pro from https://www.amember.com/amember.php
- Please overwrite all files with Pro version. It is necessary to replace all files. Not-replaced trial files will expire soon. You may keep templates folder unchanged if you have customized templates. All database info and settings keeps in place after upgrade.
- Use this tool : http://www.amember.com//downloads/fixlicense.zip (according to readme) to set new license key. You can copy&paste license key from here: http://www.amember.com/amember/member.php
- If version have been changed between your trial and Pro installation (for example you had 3.0.0 trial installed, but after order you downloaded version 3.0.2), you also need to run upgrade script to update database structure: http://www.yoursite.com/amember/admin/upgrade_db.php
How to upgrade aMember Pro to newer version
If you are upgrading inside a branch (for example, from 3.0.2 to 3.0.4, go to http://www.amember.com/amember/member.php ), you will be able to download an "upgrade kit" for your version (in your case you would need a kit for 3.0.2). You will also find upgrade instructions near the download link.
If you are upgrading from 2.x.x to 3.x.x, then upgrade procedure is little more compex, and described here
Where can I find installation instructions for aMember Pro (Trial) ?
Have a look to aMember Pro manual.
Setting-up Protection
I'm not asked for login when I open my protected folder
Q.: I've protected my members-only folder as it described in the aMember Pro manual, but it doesn't ask me for username and password.
A.: Try to close all browser windows and access your folder directly. It is only right way to check your protection.
If you are not asked for password, go to http://www.yoursite.com/amember/logout.php (to make sure you did not choose "Remember Password" and it is not remembered in cookies).
If you still not asked for username and password, check that you've followed manual, and files are really protected. aMember doesn't protect anything automatically - this 5-minutes process is up to you, use aMember Cp -> Protect Folders.
.htaccess file disappears
Q.: .htaccess files disappear when uploaded to my website. And any directory that the .htaccess file has been in can not be deleted. Why does it happen?
A.: Yes, it's possible. On Unix files, beginning with dot . considered hidden. It's not a problem. Just overwrite this file each time if you need change it. Some FTP programs allows you to work with hidden files anyway.
Payments processing
I would like to use aMember Pro, but my payment processor is not supported. Is it possible to make integration?
Usually it is possible. Please contact your payment processor and ask them for integration docs, then go to https://www.amember.com/support/ and send us integration docs.
Paypal: Several sites / several IPN URLs
Q.: I've got a doubt about how the paypal system works. Right now i have 1 paypal account and 4 sites running paypal_r. When a recurring bill gets processed lets ay for a 1 month subscription how will paypal handle this with 4 sites? Wiill the proper script be informed about the recurring bill?
A.: Yes, it works as expected. aMember pass correct IPN URL for every purchase, PayPal remembers it, and uses for all following post related with this purchase/subscription. This way any number of sites may use single PayPal account and it will work. No matter what you have configured as IPN URL in PayPal account settings. You can configure it for some third-party script and it will work.
Paypal: User cancelled subscription, but access is not revoked
Q.: User cancelled his PayPal subscription, but his access is not revoked. It should be IMMEDIATELY!
A.: No, it should not be immediately. Paypal is very puntual when it is working with subscriptions and user will lose access when PAID period expires. It is very reasonable - he cancelled future rebilling, he did not get refund.
Paypal: aMember doesn't mark member as paid when he pays
Please check the following: 1. Go to aMember CP -> Setup -> PayPal and make sure that email matches your primary Paypal account email. 2. Go to aMember CP -> Error Log you should see dumps of PayPal IPN messages. Scroll down. Do you see record regarding this payment? Do you see any errors? If nothing helps, please contact us via helpdesk.
CCBill: I'm getting error messages about Datalink problems
It usually happens because ccBill guys did not configure your account correctly. Do the following:
- Download http://www.amember.com/downloads/ccbill_debug.zip script, unpack and upload file ccbill_debug.php to your amember/ folder
- Open in your browser URL http://www.yoursite.com/amember/ccbill_debug.php
You will see what aMember sends to ccBill, from which IP address, and what ccBill returns. Pass this information to ccBill support so they can change wrong settings (usually DataLink IP Address is wrong).
Integration Plugins / Affiliate Program Integrations
Integration with bulletin boards/forums (ex.: phpBB3, vBulletin3, ...)
Q.: I want to order aMember and integrate integrate a membership section to my website, can aMember be integrated with a forum on my website?
A.: Yes, it is possible and free installation included. There are 2 ways of integration:
- We just protect your forum so only registered members can access it. User will have completely separate accounts in aMember and phpBB. It is easy to do and no additional plugins for aMember needed.
- We can to import your BB script users to aMember, generate and e-mail new passwords for them. After that, all signups must go through aMember, and aMember will manage phpBB users database. You can configure some forums in your BB to members only, some forums can be available to customers ordered some product in aMember, and some forums may be kept available for guests. It is not easy to do, it needs some time and efforts, but it will look like there is single registration system on your website.
More information about integration plugins.
Integration with Ultimate Affiliate
Q.: Hi i recently purchased GroundBreak Ultimate Affiliate script. My problem is they want you to put in a script for the paypal button and use a special IPN. I have already inserted the paypal IPN in the config for amember. The problem im having now is where do i insert the paypal script code since there is no paypal button now.
A.:
- Edit file amember/plugins/payment/paypal_r/paypal_r.inc.php
'custom' => $member_id,to
'custom' => $_COOKIE['Cookie_Name'],
(substitute real affiliate cookie name from UA settings instead of Cookie_Name.
- Go to aMember CP -> Setup -> PayPal recurring. Set Relay IPN POST to http://www.yoursite.com/cgi-bin/affiliates/paypal.cgi Of course, file paypal.cgi must be installed and configured as described here.
Integration with iDevAffiliate script
You may edit file amember/thanks.php and add the following lines:
$idevamount = $pm['amount']; $idevtracking = $pm['receipt_id']; include ("/path/to/idevaffiliate/sale.php");
add these lines just before closing ?> Beware to replace /path/to/idevaffiliate/ to actual UNIX path (NOT URL path!) to your iDevAffiliate installation. Please seek in iDevAffiliate control panel or contact iDevAffiliate support to find out right path. If path is incorrect, integration will not work and error message will be displayed. This way, anytime when order is made via aMember, sale.php file from IDevAffiliate distribution will be called. Now you must enter "idevamount" and "idevtracking" into the iDevAff admin center as the pass-thru variable names. Please run a test sale to ensure everything works as it should.
Can you create a new integration plugin?
First, make sure you understand how integration plugins are working. Please read this article about integration. Second, make sure your plugin is not already implemented, have a look to list of implemented integrations.
If not, and you really want this plugin implemented, please submit a ticket with the following:
- script URL (if free/open-source), or script source (if paid), or ftp info, so we can check it on your website;
- what do you expect from integration.
We will review the script in 48 hours, and get back to you with quote and time estimate for integration.
I need an integration plugin with OsCommerce, X-Cart or other shopping cart software
First, lets determine what you expect from this integration. If you expect integration for checkout process - for example, peoples are ordering something in your shopping cart, then get access to aMember - such integration is currently impossible. aMember itself does the same functions as a shopping cart, so it will be complete mess.
However, if you just need "users database" integration, like described here, yes - it is possible. We have an integration plugin for X-Cart and OsCommerce, these plugins will add aMember users to X-Cart or OsCommerce users database (and that is all it can do). If you need such a plugin, contact us via helpdesk.
Templates/Design Customizations:
Separate signup pages
Q.: How to have different sign-up pages for individual products (membership types) or groups of products
A.: You can readily create custom pages for an individual product, or group products together on a sign-up page.
To do so you need to understand the concept of 'price groups'. When adding or editing products you have the option of entering a number in the field Price Group. Adding a negative number, eg -1, -65, -92, allows you to show all products with the same price group value like this: http://site.com/amember/signup.php?price_group=-1 which will display ONLY products in price group -1. If price group is negative, the product will not be displayed on the signup page. You can have as many price groups as you like:
- you can give an individual product a unique price group ID, and thus its own unique sign-up page
- you can group products by giving them the same ID.
Price groups allow you to have a different sign-up form displayed for different price groups, but sometimes you want different text on the page before the form also. You can do this too, by editing your signup template and using something like this:
{if $smarty.request.price_group == -1} Some stuff about products in price group -1 {elseif $smarty.request.price_group == -13} Some stuff about products in price group -13 {elseif in_array($smarty.request.price_group, array(-51,-52))} Some stuff about products in price groups -51 and -52 Some stuff about products for which no price group is specified. {/if}
This is a very powerful and flexible way of dividing up your products and giving each a unique sign-up page.
Add fields just to several products
You need to do the following: 1. Add fields at aMember CP -> Add Fields, but don't make them automatically visible in signup form (it is controlled in fields settings), and don't make it required (it is unfortunately impossible). 2. Then manually add fields to signup form template: amember/templates/signup.html . You can take any existing field as example. 3. Try to make signup and make sure your fields are working and fill-in corresponding fields in member profile. 4. Set your product price group to some negative number, so it will be hidden from regular signup form. For example, set it to "-12". 5. Add the following code into signup.html around your fields:
{if $smarty.request.price_group eq "-12"} ... your fields rows are between ... {/if}
6. Try to open http://www.yoursite.com/amember/signup.php and make sure you don't see your product and your new fields here. Then go to http://www.yoursite.com/amember/signup.php?price_group=-12 and try your signup form with additional fields.
Troubleshooting
Reset Admin Password
Q.: How do I change or reveal aMember Pro admin password, which I have forgotten?
A.: Please use the following fixadmin tool according to included readme. Make sure you remove the script from your website after use! Or anywhere will be able to change this password. Don't think nobody knows...
I'm getting "Cannot open ....htpasswd for write" error messages
Q.: I'm getting the following error messages: "Cannot open /home/some/public_html/amember/data/.htpasswd for write. Make directory /home/some/public_html/amember/data and this file writeable for PHP scripts. "
A.: It happened because your hosting or you changed permissions for some files in aMember folder. These files (.htpasswd and .htgroup) are hidden if you open it using FTP client, so please use your webhosting control panel file manager. Do the following:
- login into your webhosting control panel;
- open webhosting control panel file manager;
- open folder "amember", then open folder "data"
- if there are files exists : ".htpasswd" and ".htgroup", chmod these files to 666 (read and write allowed for all)
- if there are no ".htpasswd" and ".htgroup" files exists in "data" folder, chmod folder to 777 (read, write and execution allowed for all)
- then click to aMember Control Panel -> Rebuild Db, it should work without any error messages.
If you have any problems with following these steps, try to contact your webhosting support. If nothing helps, feel free to contact CGI-Central support at https://www.cgi-central.net/support/ with your aMember CP login info and FTP info.
Error "Unable to fetch result of test from ..."
Q.: While using aMember CP -> Protect Folders, I see the following error message: "Unable to fetch result of test from ..." What does it mean and how to fix this error?
A.: To ensure that protection method will work on YOUR hosting, aMember tries to run some tests. Several tests require cURL library or cURL executable. If you see this issue, it means that your PHP has been complied without cURL support. Please try to do the following:
- Go to aMember Cp -> Setup/Configuration , and try to set "cURL path" configuration value. Try to set it to "/usr/bin/curl" and press Save. If you don't see red error message in the top of screen, it means that configuration saved successfully and problem is resolved. Try to run aMember CP -> Protect Folders again.
- If you see red error message (about not-working curl), contact your webhosting support and ask them to install cURL PHP extenstion or install command-line version of cURL and send you path to cURL executable.
Users are not receiving e-mail sometimes
Q.: Signup e-mails works sometimes and then stops for a period of time, some memebers get emails and others do not.
A.: aMember itself cannot do that just part of time. It does it or not. But it depends not only from aMember, it also depends on your webhosting e-mail server and its configuration. When an e-mail is not delivered when it should, contact your webhosting support to find out in e-mail logs:
"Why E-mail coming from e-mail <youremailhere> does not come to received <clientemailhere> at <exact time and timezone here> and could they paste part of maillog file for this time? also ask them if they have any limitations to e-mails sending."
The described above situation looks like there is a limit of e-mail messages that can be sent every hour configured on web hosting.
Also, there is an important thing to know - signup e-mail will be sent to every customer only one time at first signup. All the following orders for this customer does not generate signup e-mails.