if not, can I pre-fill the username and password fields and then have javascript perform the login form submission,thereby giving each user automatic (read only) access from a generic 'account' I create?

Thanks

I've changed the access masks so that "NO ACCESS" and "READ ONLY ACCESS" has 'read' set to TRUE.

But when I try to access the URL of an existing forum it just prompts me to login instead of allowing me to 'read' / view the material there.

if it matters, im using version 1.9.3.

again, what Im after is a solution where a general / anonymous user is allowed to see all the content / material / forums and underlying posts. whether it is through javascript to 'login' the user automatically (on page load) or through something in the forum admin (rules for user access to content).

But did you also assign the Access Masks to the Guest Role?

1. Go to Admin -> Settings -> Forums (yourforumdomain.com/yaf_admin_forums.aspx)
2. Click on Edit on the Forum you wish to Edit
3. On the Bottom Of the Page There is the "Edit Forum" Area where you find a List of all Roles (Groups) of your Forum and on the Right Are the Access Masks.
4. You need to assign the Read Only Access Mask to the Guests Role

sorry, forgot to include that -- yes, for each forum I have the Guest Role set to READ ONLY ACCESS. Any other ideas for what I need to try? Thanks for any help you can provide - its greatly appreciated!

Can you take a look at the Host Settings, it looks like you turned on the Option "Require User Login" under Login Settings.

WOW. i hadn't been logging in as the HOSTADMIN - so i wasnt seeing the 'host settings' option... all is taken care of now, thanks so much for your help.