SMF Files and Their Meanings

Root
The root directory of the forum.


 * agreement.txt - What registrars have to agree by in order to successfully Register on any SMF forum, when the "Show and require agreement letter when registering" option enabled.
 * index.php - The file used to show your forum to visitors.
 * install.php - The file used to setup the initial SMF forum. This file configures database information, Forum information and the initial administrator's account. Can be a security threat if left dormant.
 * upgrade.php - Upgrades any version of an SMF Forum to a newer version. Can be a security threat if left dormant.
 * repair_settings.php - Edits the paths to different directories, URLs and database connection information. Can be a security threat if left dormant.
 * license.txt - As the operator of an SMF forum, you have to agree to the terms contained in this file.
 * Settings.php - Contains information about the forum, server settings, database connection information, etc.
 * Settings_bak.php - A backup of "Settings.php".
 * SSI.php - Some functions from your Forum to be used on your website, if you wish (i.e. login system, show last posts, etc.).
 * ssi_examples.php - Examples of how to integrate SSI's functions in a PHP file.
 * ssi_examples.shtml - Examples of how to integrate SSI's functions in an SHTML file.
 * readme.html - A wealth of information about SMF, what's required to it, etc.

attachments
The directory where attachments are stored in a default installtion.


 * index.php - Does not allow contents of the directory to be listed.

avatars
The directory where avatar packages are stored. Avatars uploaded by users are instead stored in the directory.


 * index.php - Does not allow contents of the directory to be listed.

cache
In this directory are stored files generated by SMF for caching informations.


 * index.php - Does not allow contents of the directory to be listed.

Packages
In this directory are stored the packages to be used through the package manager.


 * index.php - Does not allow contents of the directory to be listed.
 * installed.list - The list of currently installed packages (packages installed through the Package Manager).
 * server.list - A list of packages' servers to which you can connect and get new or updated packages.
 * backup - A directory where are store the backups created by SMF every time a mod is installed or removed.

Smileys
Here are stored the smiley packs, one per each subdirectory.


 * index.php - Does not allow contents of the directory to be listed.

Themes
In this directory are contained all the themes installed in the forum, one theme for each subdirectory.


 * index.php - Does not allow contents of the directory to be listed.