this is the single most wierd problem we have had with the forums so far.
i have extensively error checked both the cookie loading and instantmessage.php code and found no problems, and i have also checked the database for any issues.
there are none that i can find :-\
i then took the liberty of bypassing the password checking and essentially logging in as you, EX_GRUNT, and I loaded the instant message page with no problems.
there are a couple of things you could try:
- log out then log back in
- delete cookies
in IE go tools -> options -> delete cookies
- try logging in from a different computer
the hacker message you saw was not from the forum - there is no 'hacker' checking in the forum code - that is done by the actual server itself i believe.
I am out of my league when it comes to the server itself, mainly because i am on the other side of the world from it, but please try the three things listed above and let me know here how you go.
note: this is the first time i have ever bypassed a users password, or accessed the instant message table in the database. please rest assured that i did so for testing only and all instant messages are held in the strictest confidence by OFPEC staff.
as an aside: passwords are encrypted on the server so I don't actually know what your password is, EX_GRUNT - i had to actually bypass the password check in the forum code to conduct the tests.
one last thing: if the measures listed above do not work, please copy/paste the EXACT error message you receive here.
cheers
snYpir