I am deeply sorry for my absence. It seems I had a run of bad luck these past few months. When one problem is solved, another one surfaces. I apologize to everyone, especially the dedicated staff and members that have been keeping the morale high.
After a massive power surge from a thunderstorm (I think that’s what is was? no other explanation), a few of the casualties were my home server and my notebook. Over the past few weeks I have been using an old stashed away pII 233 Mhz w/32MB of RAM (NEC Ready 9738) that did not have an operating system. Luckly, linux came to the rescue (sort of anyway). Although, the machine was not capable of supporting a “windows” like interface, I was at least able to access the net with internet using the 33.6KBps modem….slow but still works. I was using a command-line interface similar to MS-DOS….definitely not fun 
. I wasn’t able to post or communicate, however I was able to download web pages and read the source code to see what was going on. Now, I know this sounds completely hopeless but I was able to still login and administer the iPBFree servers to some degree.
Anyhow, I just got a new Dell yesterday. I am still waiting on my personal server, it should be here this week. I am currently reloading the operating system back to windows XP because Vista is horrendously quirky. Those mac commercials are true…those ”Windows needs your permission to continue” dialogs are really annoying and a lot of programs don’t work properly. You can go to this site if you want to stop those dialogs, http://www.tweak-uac.com/. Can’t really help on the programs that don’t work (the program computability thing in the program properties does not work all the time). If you are power user, don’t use it. I will be back on the forums later this evening (it is currently 7AM, so about 12 hours from now) after I reload the backups.
Again, I am sorry for inconvenience and trouble I have caused members in my absence. If you have outstanding member issues, please bump the post so that I know the issue still has interest in being solved.
Note: There are several blog posts that will follow that I have not posted yet. I will post each every 6-12 hours so that people will have time to read and digest the information.
Hi Vipul,
My apologies to you personally. I have been upset by lack of communication from you and you know that I always respected you and this service. Please except my apologies as to this. I was scared to death I would loose my forum that I tried so hard to build up and create a name not only for me but also for you because I offer lots of things for the IPBFree user. Again I am so sorry now that I understand what happened. Same happened to my Dad, so I believe that it is very possible for a thunderstorm to surge everything. It happened to him twice and second time his computer was off but plugged into the wall outlet and still it killed his system. He now is using his backup which is a laptop. Hope everything works out for you. Glad to have you back at least even if you can only post to log occasionally until all is back to norm for you. Please except my sincere apology and wishes to you. I still am and will always provide for IPBFree forums.
Regards
Gail
Left by gail on October 23rd, 2007
Hi Vipul,
Glad you never abandoned us like over at ZB they’ve seemed to have stopped all hopes for there.
I joined IPBFree for all the great support and features you offer. How ever am sure as to most users we want to know when the new release is coming.
I am patient it was supposible meant to be November but i doubt that will happen due to every that’s happened to you.
Anyways please get back in touch soon and hopefully everything turns out for the better for you
.
Take care,
Scott.
Left by Scott on October 23rd, 2007
I would like to thank you for this post and for continuing to try to improve after your unexpected absence, a small message would be appreciated next time however. (Library’s, internet cafe’s anything just as long as we know you’ll be gone.)
Left by Matt on October 23rd, 2007
Ah. Good to see you back Vipul. I have only seen you a few times before you “dissapeared”. I am glad you’re back. And I never doubted your return.
I am also glad you were still able to oversee things somewhat. And take care of the problems, and that virus.
Great luck, and good to see you,
Taylor
Left by Taylor on October 23rd, 2007
I’m very glad that everything was okay, except for your computer situation. Needless to say, every member will be relieved to read this update from you.
Please take your time with everything, as I’m sure you’ll have a lot to catch up to. I’m so happy that IPBFree is okay now!
Left by badtzmaru on October 23rd, 2007
Ahh seems that you’re here finally! Disregard my e-mail sent a few hours ago
. Anyways, good to see you back!
I hope people love your new plans and updates. Well, I’ll catch you later.
Left by Streek Dime on October 23rd, 2007
Hey vipul! I love iPBFree and i am GLAD you were able to fix the virus/trojan problem last week. I know how frustrating it must have been to not be able to get in touch with us. I can’t wait until phalanx is in the works my friend. I hope you are in great help and ready to rock the boat!
Love ya pal!
2xist
Left by 2(x)ist on October 23rd, 2007
Glad to see you have returned, and thanks for the hard work that you have done during all that has happened, it is much appreciated by all I’m quite sure.
I am however sorry that you most likely had to see so much negativity as well, but I’m sure you won’t let that bring you down.
Thanks for your time and all you’ve done for us.
-Sin.
Left by Sindacious on October 24th, 2007
VIPUL!!!!!!!!!!
:D:D:D:D:D nice having you back,that sux…lmao your linux is like from the tirux age xDD poor you 
! macs own big time, I’ll try bumping the topics that concern you.
T.J
btw, the report system on the homepage isn’t working it keeps bouncing back an error email.
Left by XxxDevilsxxX on October 24th, 2007
Vipul I would like to make a public apology to you and the staff here at ipbfree. I said I would if you returned, and it is with great relief that I do so.
You have returned and proved I was wrong apparently. Thanks for the great updates in the Blog, that is great info for us. It is lack of information that causes panic and uncertainty.
Again, my humble apologies to you, the staff, and the other members of iPBfree.
Looking forward to growth and enjoyment in the service.
Sincerely
Windwalker
Left by Windwalker on October 24th, 2007
Thank you for posting and getting back!
I’m sorry if you saw some of the things people posted, but me and many others were defending you while you couldn’t.
We are all looking forward to Phalanx, but with this long absence I don’t think anyone can blame you if we see a delay. Your job is hard enough as it is. The work you did on Linux is greatly appreciated and we’re glad to have you back!
I would also like to say congratulations for making such an amazing freeforum based site, it amazes me how well it is put together, and im not leaving.
This is so hardcore!
~Matt
Left by Matt(51723) on October 24th, 2007
Hi Vipul,
I too would like to make a public apologises, It is great to see you back.
I do hope a back up plan has been put in place now. Just incase you cant get on the net.
We all need to learn from these lessons.
Welcome Back
Mel
Left by Little Wolf on October 25th, 2007
Hi, glad that you’re back.
Though I don’t have much to say, but, keep up the good work ^_^
~GameSky
Left by GameSky on October 29th, 2007
Great to see you back. the minor problems I have are not worth mentioning Again it’s great you’re back
(((hugs)))
Jackie
Left by Jackie on October 31st, 2007
Very glad to see you back! I’m sure we all understand…….life sometimes gets in the way! LOL Thanks again for all your hard work and dedication! My members and I absolutely love the IPBfree boards!!
Left by Tree on November 1st, 2007
Welcome back Vipul
All the people that spent their time moaning have been quick to change their views
You quite clearly rock and stuff, so keep up the great work and consider releasing Phalanx on Christmas Day - how totally awesome would we all find that?????
Anyway, welcome back. *respects Vipul*
Left by Toast on November 3rd, 2007