Nevermind. found the issue...
search button is my friend 
1 2008-06-21 12:14
Re: installed Private_Message_Mod-1.2.3 and now can't log in/out (2 replies, posted in PunBB 1.2 troubleshooting)
2 2008-06-21 12:04
Topic: installed Private_Message_Mod-1.2.3 and now can't log in/out (2 replies, posted in PunBB 1.2 troubleshooting)
i have installed the program a couple times now. followed the instructions to the "T" each time. most of the code i had to paste was "require.. external file". so the possible of error on my part is slim.
basically, after install, i can't log out, and it seems no one is logging in. the logout link just refreshes the index.
i'd hate to have to edit files that were precompiled for upload, so does anyone know the solution. or a better messaging system to use?