Attachment system overhaul

[Dave]

Members,

We are currently in the middle of an overhaul of the Attachments system for attaching photos to your posts.
There are two main problems to be addressed:

1. The server timing out and not being able to process the photos. This can result in an error 500, blank screen or various other outcomes.
2. 'File exists - please rename your file' type of error messages.

The first issue we have a trial test solution in place and we will see how it works in practice. There is further testing to be done.
The second issue still exists, however we have devised a solution and are currently working through the steps to implement it. With 5500 files in the attachment directory, it is a large job.

If you encounter any error at any time, please send your photos to the address shown in this topic and we will attach them to your post.

Please note
We are also trialing a period where the server does not immediately try to reduce the size of large images. Instead we will do this processing later in batches offline.
Depending on the size of the attachment and the speed of your Internet connection, new attachments posted since 1st May 2020 may take longer to load and display.

Any comments or issues during this overhaul phase, please post below. We will advise when work is complete.

Dave
Admin

Updated details for emailing photos - Dave, 11Feb2021