External Database Authentication Reloaded

MEG

How do I use the “Other” encryption method?

Sometimes you will need to use “Other” as an encryption method when all other methods do not meet your specific need. When you find yourself in this situation, you will need to add
your own custom code into the “Hash Code” input field. You have access to the following variables: $password2, $username, $password. $username and $password are the info needed from your external database.

Now let’s say for example I am using a system that combines the username and password and then hashes it with md5. In the “Hash Code” input field, I would need to enter the following custom code:

$password2 = md5($username.$password);

My admin account for WP doesn’t work anymore!

We’re authenticating externally, right? Make sure the admin account username in the external source, matches the admin username in WordPress. Once it’s in there you’ll be able to log in as admin with no problems. If you can’t do this, delete the plugin and it’ll restore access using your WP admin account.

Can I still create accounts within WordPress?

You could, but they don’t work properly as it’s only checking the external database for login accounts.

Can I update user information within WordPress?

No.

My external database’s passwords are hashed with a salt/datestamp/phases of the moon/etc

Choose “Other” as your encoding method, then enter the method you use in the “Other” textbox as PHP code. If it involves more than the username and password, though, you may need to modify the plugin source code.

I’m locked out!

Delete or rename the plugin; if it’s a DB connection-related error most likely you have the wrong connection, etc. information for the external database.