Bill,

For the problem of sometimes getting the forum, other times getting the old forum address, you probably need to clear out your browser cache. It depends on which version of which browser you are running to do this, but sometimes the computer gets impatient and will display and older version that is stored locally on your computer. If you clear the cache. this should fix the problem.

I miss the last 50 visitors too. It is not a feature of this new software. I have been looking for an add-on that will do this, but so far, no luck.

On the automatic log-in is supposed  recognize your computer and log you in as soon as you arrive. It works great for me, but one thing you have to do is NOT click on log out when you leave. This de-activates the automatic log-on feature. If you are inactive for more than 5 minutes, your name is removed from the currently online list, but the session length is set for 60 minutes. The 60 minutes only applies in you aren't using the automatic log-on feature. So in a nutshell, when you are done on the forum, just go to the next web site or shut off your computer, etc, and the forum will remove you from the online list after 5 minutes.

If you still have problems, then either your Internet security setting is too high and removing the cookie that logs you on, or some other program is. I'm using Netscape without any trouble, but haven't tried Internet Explorer with the automatic feature as of yet. 

If this doesn't make it work, let me know what browser you are using and I'll try to get you going.