diff --git a/src/GNUmakefile.common b/src/GNUmakefile.common
index c1961ff..8b16f71 100644
--- a/src/GNUmakefile.common
+++ b/src/GNUmakefile.common
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ ${UUID}:
 ${CUTEST}:
 		cd ${DEPSDIR}/cutest-1.5 && make
 
-HDRS:=		bbs.h
+HDRS:=		bbs.h bluewave.h mail_utils.h
 OBJS:=		inih/ini.o bbs.o main.o users.o main_menu.o mail_menu.o \
 		doors.o bbs_list.o chat_system.o email.o files.o settings.o \
 		lua_glue.o strings.o bluewave.o hashmap/hashmap.o menus.o \
diff --git a/src/bbs.h b/src/bbs.h
index 7a04af7..1e51fab 100644
--- a/src/bbs.h
+++ b/src/bbs.h
@@ -46,6 +46,14 @@
 #define IAC_SUPPRESS_GO_AHEAD 3
 #define IAC_ECHO 1
 
+struct ptr_vector {
+	size_t len;
+	size_t capacity;
+	void **ptrs;
+};
+
+static const struct ptr_vector EMPTY_PTR_VECTOR = {0, 0, NULL};
+
 struct fido_addr {
 	unsigned short zone;
 	unsigned short net;
@@ -91,8 +99,7 @@ struct mail_conference {
 	int nettype;
 	int realnames;
 	int sec_level;
-	int mail_area_count;
-	struct mail_area **mail_areas;
+	struct ptr_vector mail_areas;
 	struct fido_addr *fidoaddr;
 	int maginode;
 };
@@ -110,8 +117,7 @@ struct file_directory {
 	char *path;
 	int sec_level;
 	int display_on_web;
-	int file_sub_count;
-	struct file_sub **file_subs;
+	struct ptr_vector file_subs;
 };
 
 struct archiver {
@@ -194,21 +200,15 @@ struct bbs_config {
 	int ipguard_timeout;
 	int ipguard_tries;
 
-	int mail_conference_count;
-	struct mail_conference **mail_conferences;
-	int door_count;
-	struct door_config **doors;
-	int file_directory_count;
-	struct file_directory **file_directories;
-	int text_file_count;
-	struct text_file **text_files;
+	struct ptr_vector mail_conferences;
+	struct ptr_vector doors;
+	struct ptr_vector file_directories;
+	struct ptr_vector text_files;
 
 	char *config_path;
-	int archiver_count;
-	struct archiver **archivers;
+	struct ptr_vector archivers;
 
-	int protocol_count;
-	struct protocol **protocols;
+	struct ptr_vector protocols;
 };
 
 struct sec_level_t {
@@ -268,14 +268,6 @@ struct blog_entry_t {
 	time_t date;
 };
 
-struct ptr_vector {
-	size_t len;
-	size_t capacity;
-	void **ptrs;
-};
-
-static const struct ptr_vector EMPTY_PTR_VECTOR = {0, 0, NULL};
-
 extern void init_ptr_vector(struct ptr_vector *vec);
 extern void ptr_vector_clear(struct ptr_vector *vec);
 extern void *ptr_vector_get(struct ptr_vector *vec, size_t i);
diff --git a/src/bluewave.c b/src/bluewave.c
index 55da216..f791e2f 100644
--- a/src/bluewave.c
+++ b/src/bluewave.c
@@ -6,11 +6,14 @@
 #include <fcntl.h>
 #include <sqlite3.h>
 #include <sys/wait.h>
-#include "bluewave.h"
+
 #include "jamlib/jam.h"
-#include "bbs.h"
 #include "libuuid/uuid.h"
 
+#include "bluewave.h"
+#include "bbs.h"
+#include "mail_utils.h"
+
 extern struct bbs_config conf;
 extern struct user_record *gUser;
 extern int mynode;
@@ -158,24 +161,24 @@ int bwave_scan_area(int confr, int area, int areano, int totmsgs, FILE *fti_file
 		return totmsgs;
 	}
 
-	jb = open_jam_base(conf.mail_conferences[confr]->mail_areas[area]->path);
+	struct mail_area *ma = get_area(confr, area);
+	jb = open_jam_base(ma->path);
 	if (!jb) {
-		dolog("Error opening JAM base.. %s", conf.mail_conferences[confr]->mail_areas[area]->path);
+		dolog("Error opening JAM base.. %s", ma->path);
 		if (msghs != NULL) {
 			free_message_headers(msghs);
 		}
 		return totmsgs;
-	} else {
-		all_unread = 0;
-		if (JAM_ReadLastRead(jb, gUser->id, &jlr) == JAM_NO_USER) {
-			jlr.LastReadMsg = 0;
-			jlr.HighReadMsg = 0;
-			jlr.UserCRC = JAM_Crc32(gUser->loginname, strlen(gUser->loginname));
-			jlr.UserID = gUser->id;
-			all_unread = 1;
-		} else if (jlr.LastReadMsg == 0 && jlr.HighReadMsg == 0) {
-			all_unread = 1;
-		}
+	}
+	all_unread = 0;
+	if (JAM_ReadLastRead(jb, gUser->id, &jlr) == JAM_NO_USER) {
+		jlr.LastReadMsg = 0;
+		jlr.HighReadMsg = 0;
+		jlr.UserCRC = JAM_Crc32(gUser->loginname, strlen(gUser->loginname));
+		jlr.UserID = gUser->id;
+		all_unread = 1;
+	} else if (jlr.LastReadMsg == 0 && jlr.HighReadMsg == 0) {
+		all_unread = 1;
 	}
 
 	if (all_unread == 0) {
@@ -299,7 +302,6 @@ void bwave_create_packet() {
 	int area_count;
 	tWORD flags;
 	int lasttot;
-	int bpos;
 	int last_ptr = 0;
 	int stout;
 	int stin;
@@ -323,8 +325,9 @@ void bwave_create_packet() {
 
 	init_ptr_vector(&areas);
 
-	for (i = 0; i < conf.mail_conference_count; i++) {
-		for (j = 0; j < conf.mail_conferences[i]->mail_area_count; j++) {
+	for (size_t i = 0; i < ptr_vector_len(&conf.mail_conferences); i++) {
+		struct mail_conference *mc = ptr_vector_get(&conf.mail_conferences, i);
+		for (size_t j = 0; j < ptr_vector_len(&mc->mail_areas); j++) {
 			if (msgbase_is_subscribed(i, j)) {
 				tot_areas++;
 			}
@@ -361,27 +364,27 @@ void bwave_create_packet() {
 	hdr.subject_len = 71;
 	memcpy(hdr.packet_id, conf.bwave_name, strlen(conf.bwave_name));
 
-	snprintf(buffer, 1024, "%s/node%d", conf.bbs_path, mynode);
+	snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%s/node%d", conf.bbs_path, mynode);
 
 	if (stat(buffer, &s) != 0) {
 		mkdir(buffer, 0755);
 	}
 
-	snprintf(buffer, 1024, "%s/node%d/bwave/", conf.bbs_path, mynode);
+	snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%s/node%d/bwave/", conf.bbs_path, mynode);
 
 	if (stat(buffer, &s) == 0) {
 		recursive_delete(buffer);
 	}
 	mkdir(buffer, 0755);
 
-	snprintf(buffer, 1024, "%s/node%d/bwave/%s.FTI", conf.bbs_path, mynode, conf.bwave_name);
+	snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%s/node%d/bwave/%s.FTI", conf.bbs_path, mynode, conf.bwave_name);
 
 	fti_file = fopen(buffer, "wb");
 
-	snprintf(buffer, 1024, "%s/node%d/bwave/%s.MIX", conf.bbs_path, mynode, conf.bwave_name);
+	snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%s/node%d/bwave/%s.MIX", conf.bbs_path, mynode, conf.bwave_name);
 	mix_file = fopen(buffer, "wb");
 
-	snprintf(buffer, 1024, "%s/node%d/bwave/%s.DAT", conf.bbs_path, mynode, conf.bwave_name);
+	snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%s/node%d/bwave/%s.DAT", conf.bbs_path, mynode, conf.bwave_name);
 	dat_file = fopen(buffer, "wb");
 
 	s_printf("\r\n");
@@ -408,42 +411,41 @@ void bwave_create_packet() {
 	area_count++;
 
 	if (totmsgs < conf.bwave_max_msgs) {
-
-		for (i = 0; i < conf.mail_conference_count; i++) {
-			for (j = 0; j < conf.mail_conferences[i]->mail_area_count; j++) {
-				if (conf.mail_conferences[i]->mail_areas[j]->read_sec_level <= gUser->sec_level && conf.mail_conferences[i]->mail_areas[j]->qwkname != NULL && msgbase_is_subscribed(i, j)) {
+		for (size_t i = 0; i < ptr_vector_len(&conf.mail_conferences); i++) {
+			struct mail_conference *mc = ptr_vector_get(&conf.mail_conferences, i);
+			for (size_t j = 0; j < ptr_vector_len(&mc->mail_areas); j++) {
+				struct mail_area *ma = get_area(i, j);
+				if (ma->read_sec_level <= gUser->sec_level && ma->qwkname != NULL && msgbase_is_subscribed(i, j)) {
 					lasttot = totmsgs;
 					totmsgs = bwave_scan_area(i, j, area_count + 1, totmsgs, fti_file, mix_file, dat_file, &last_ptr);
-					s_printf(get_string(195), conf.mail_conferences[i]->name, conf.mail_conferences[i]->mail_areas[j]->name, totmsgs - lasttot);
+					s_printf(get_string(195), mc->name, ma->name, totmsgs - lasttot);
 					//if (lasttot == totmsgs) {
 					//	continue;
 					//}
 
-					flags = 0;
 					area = (INF_AREA_INFO *)malloz(sizeof(INF_AREA_INFO));
 
 					snprintf(area->areanum, sizeof area->areanum, "%d", area_count + 1);
+					strlcpy(area->echotag, ma->qwkname, sizeof area->echotag);
+					strlcpy(area->title, ma->name, sizeof area->title);
 
-					strlcpy(area->echotag, conf.mail_conferences[i]->mail_areas[j]->qwkname, sizeof area->echotag);
-
-					strlcpy(area->title, conf.mail_conferences[i]->mail_areas[j]->name, sizeof area->title);
-
-					if (conf.mail_conferences[i]->mail_areas[j]->write_sec_level <= gUser->sec_level) {
+					flags = 0;
+					if (ma->write_sec_level <= gUser->sec_level) {
 						flags |= INF_POST;
 					}
 
-					if (conf.mail_conferences[i]->mail_areas[j]->type == TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA) {
+					if (ma->type == TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA) {
 						flags |= INF_NO_PUBLIC;
 						flags |= INF_NETMAIL;
 						flags |= INF_ECHO;
 					}
 
-					if (conf.mail_conferences[i]->mail_areas[j]->type == TYPE_ECHOMAIL_AREA || conf.mail_conferences[i]->mail_areas[j]->type == TYPE_NEWSGROUP_AREA) {
+					if (ma->type == TYPE_ECHOMAIL_AREA || ma->type == TYPE_NEWSGROUP_AREA) {
 						flags |= INF_NO_PRIVATE;
 						flags |= INF_ECHO;
 					}
 
-					if (conf.mail_conferences[i]->mail_areas[j]->type == TYPE_LOCAL_AREA) {
+					if (ma->type == TYPE_LOCAL_AREA) {
 						flags |= INF_NO_PRIVATE;
 					}
 
@@ -485,7 +487,6 @@ void bwave_create_packet() {
 
 	if (totmsgs > 0) {
 		// create archive
-		bpos = 0;
 		if (gUser->bwavestyle) {
 			thetime = time(NULL);
 			localtime_r(&thetime, &time_tm);
@@ -494,29 +495,41 @@ void bwave_create_packet() {
 				gUser->bwavepktno = time_tm.tm_wday * 10;
 			}
 
-			snprintf(archive, 1024, "%s/node%d/%s.%s%d", conf.bbs_path, mynode, conf.bwave_name, weekday[time_tm.tm_wday], gUser->bwavepktno % 10);
+			snprintf(archive, sizeof archive, "%s/node%d/%s.%s%d",
+			         conf.bbs_path, mynode, conf.bwave_name, weekday[time_tm.tm_wday], gUser->bwavepktno % 10);
 		} else {
-			snprintf(archive, 1024, "%s/node%d/%s.%03d", conf.bbs_path, mynode, conf.bwave_name, gUser->bwavepktno);
+			snprintf(archive, sizeof archive, "%s/node%d/%s.%03d", conf.bbs_path, mynode, conf.bwave_name, gUser->bwavepktno);
 		}
 
-		for (i = 0; i < strlen(conf.archivers[gUser->defarchiver - 1]->pack); i++) {
-			if (conf.archivers[gUser->defarchiver - 1]->pack[i] == '*') {
-				i++;
-				if (conf.archivers[gUser->defarchiver - 1]->pack[i] == 'a') {
-					sprintf(&buffer[bpos], "%s", archive);
-					bpos = strlen(buffer);
-				} else if (conf.archivers[gUser->defarchiver - 1]->pack[i] == 'f') {
-					sprintf(&buffer[bpos], "%s/node%d/bwave/%s.INF %s/node%d/bwave/%s.MIX %s/node%d/bwave/%s.FTI %s/node%d/bwave/%s.DAT", conf.bbs_path, mynode, conf.bwave_name, conf.bbs_path, mynode, conf.bwave_name, conf.bbs_path, mynode, conf.bwave_name, conf.bbs_path, mynode, conf.bwave_name);
-					bpos = strlen(buffer);
-				} else if (conf.archivers[gUser->defarchiver - 1]->pack[i] == '*') {
-					buffer[bpos++] = '*';
-					buffer[bpos] = '\0';
-				}
-			} else {
-				buffer[bpos++] = conf.archivers[gUser->defarchiver - 1]->pack[i];
-				buffer[bpos] = '\0';
+		struct archiver *arc = ptr_vector_get(&conf.archivers, gUser->defarchiver - 1);
+		assert(arc != NULL);
+		char *b = buffer;
+		size_t blen = sizeof buffer;
+		for (const char *p = arc->pack; *p != '\0' && blen >= 1; ++p) {
+			if (*p != '*') {
+				*b++ = *p;
+				--blen;
+				continue;
 			}
+			p++;
+			size_t alen = 0;
+			if (*p == 'a') {
+				strlcpy(b, archive, blen);
+				alen = strlen(archive);
+			} else if (*p == 'f') {
+				snprintf(b, blen, "%s/node%d/bwave/%s.INF %s/node%d/bwave/%s.MIX %s/node%d/bwave/%s.FTI %s/node%d/bwave/%s.DAT",
+				         conf.bbs_path, mynode, conf.bwave_name, conf.bbs_path, mynode, conf.bwave_name, conf.bbs_path,
+				         mynode, conf.bwave_name, conf.bbs_path, mynode, conf.bwave_name);
+				alen = strlen(b);
+			} else if (*p == '*') {
+				*b++ = '*';
+				alen = 1;
+			}
+			b += alen;
+			blen -= alen;
 		}
+		*b = '\0';
+
 		if (sshBBS) {
 			stout = dup(STDOUT_FILENO);
 			stin = dup(STDIN_FILENO);
@@ -580,16 +593,18 @@ int bwave_add_message(int confr, int area, unsigned int dwritten, char *to, char
 	char buffer[256];
 	uuid_t magi_msgid;
 
-	jb = open_jam_base(conf.mail_conferences[confr]->mail_areas[area]->path);
+	struct mail_area *ma = get_area(confr, area);
+	jb = open_jam_base(ma->path);
 	if (!jb) {
-		dolog("Error opening JAM base.. %s", conf.mail_conferences[confr]->mail_areas[area]->path);
+		dolog("Error opening JAM base.. %s", ma->path);
 		return 1;
 	}
 
 	JAM_ClearMsgHeader(&jmh);
 	jmh.DateWritten = dwritten;
 	jmh.Attribute |= JAM_MSG_LOCAL;
-	if (conf.mail_conferences[confr]->realnames == 0) {
+	struct mail_conference *mc = get_conf(confr);
+	if (mc->realnames == 0) {
 		strlcpy(buffer, gUser->loginname, sizeof buffer);
 	} else {
 		snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%s %s", gUser->firstname, gUser->lastname);
@@ -603,7 +618,7 @@ int bwave_add_message(int confr, int area, unsigned int dwritten, char *to, char
 	jsf.Buffer = (char *)buffer;
 	JAM_PutSubfield(jsp, &jsf);
 
-	if (conf.mail_conferences[confr]->mail_areas[area]->type == TYPE_NEWSGROUP_AREA) {
+	if (ma->type == TYPE_NEWSGROUP_AREA) {
 		strlcpy(buffer, "ALL", sizeof buffer);
 		jsf.LoID = JAMSFLD_RECVRNAME;
 		jsf.HiID = 0;
@@ -625,21 +640,21 @@ int bwave_add_message(int confr, int area, unsigned int dwritten, char *to, char
 	jsf.Buffer = (char *)subject;
 	JAM_PutSubfield(jsp, &jsf);
 
-	if (conf.mail_conferences[confr]->mail_areas[area]->type == TYPE_ECHOMAIL_AREA || conf.mail_conferences[confr]->mail_areas[area]->type == TYPE_NEWSGROUP_AREA) {
+	if (ma->type == TYPE_ECHOMAIL_AREA || ma->type == TYPE_NEWSGROUP_AREA) {
 		jmh.Attribute |= JAM_MSG_TYPEECHO;
-
-		if (conf.mail_conferences[confr]->nettype == NETWORK_FIDO) {
-			if (conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->point) {
+		struct mail_conference *mc = get_conf(confr);
+		if (mc->nettype == NETWORK_FIDO) {
+			if (mc->fidoaddr->point) {
 				snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d:%d/%d.%d",
-					conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->zone,
-				        conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->net,
-				        conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->node,
-				        conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->point);
+					mc->fidoaddr->zone,
+				        mc->fidoaddr->net,
+				        mc->fidoaddr->node,
+				        mc->fidoaddr->point);
 			} else {
 				snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d:%d/%d",
-					conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->zone,
-				        conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->net,
-				        conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->node);
+					mc->fidoaddr->zone,
+				        mc->fidoaddr->net,
+				        mc->fidoaddr->node);
 			}
 			jsf.LoID = JAMSFLD_OADDRESS;
 			jsf.HiID = 0;
@@ -648,10 +663,10 @@ int bwave_add_message(int confr, int area, unsigned int dwritten, char *to, char
 			JAM_PutSubfield(jsp, &jsf);
 
 			snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d:%d/%d.%d %08lx",
-				conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->zone,
-			        conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->net,
-			        conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->node,
-			        conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->point,
+				mc->fidoaddr->zone,
+			        mc->fidoaddr->net,
+			        mc->fidoaddr->node,
+			        mc->fidoaddr->point,
 			        generate_msgid());
 
 			jsf.LoID = JAMSFLD_MSGID;
@@ -660,8 +675,8 @@ int bwave_add_message(int confr, int area, unsigned int dwritten, char *to, char
 			jsf.Buffer = (char *)buffer;
 			JAM_PutSubfield(jsp, &jsf);
 			jmh.MsgIdCRC = JAM_Crc32(buffer, strlen(buffer));
-		} else if (conf.mail_conferences[confr]->nettype == NETWORK_MAGI) {
-			snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d", conf.mail_conferences[confr]->maginode);
+		} else if (mc->nettype == NETWORK_MAGI) {
+			snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d", mc->maginode);
 			jsf.LoID = JAMSFLD_OADDRESS;
 			jsf.HiID = 0;
 			jsf.DatLen = strlen(buffer);
@@ -677,28 +692,28 @@ int bwave_add_message(int confr, int area, unsigned int dwritten, char *to, char
 			jsf.Buffer = (char *)buffer;
 			JAM_PutSubfield(jsp, &jsf);
 			jmh.MsgIdCRC = JAM_Crc32(buffer, strlen(buffer));
-		} else if (conf.mail_conferences[confr]->nettype == NETWORK_QWK) {
+		} else if (mc->nettype == NETWORK_QWK) {
 			jsf.LoID = JAMSFLD_OADDRESS;
 			jsf.HiID = 0;
 			jsf.DatLen = strlen(conf.bwave_name);
 			jsf.Buffer = (char *)conf.bwave_name;
 			JAM_PutSubfield(jsp, &jsf);
 		}
-	} else if (conf.mail_conferences[confr]->mail_areas[area]->type == TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA && conf.mail_conferences[confr]->nettype == NETWORK_FIDO) {
+	} else if (ma->type == TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA && mc->nettype == NETWORK_FIDO) {
 		jmh.Attribute |= JAM_MSG_TYPENET;
 		jmh.Attribute |= JAM_MSG_PRIVATE;
 
-		if (conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->point) {
+		if (mc->fidoaddr->point) {
 			snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d:%d/%d.%d",
-				conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->zone,
-			        conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->net,
-			        conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->node,
-			        conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->point);
+				mc->fidoaddr->zone,
+			        mc->fidoaddr->net,
+			        mc->fidoaddr->node,
+			        mc->fidoaddr->point);
 		} else {
 			snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d:%d/%d",
-				conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->zone,
-			        conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->net,
-			        conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->node);
+				mc->fidoaddr->zone,
+			        mc->fidoaddr->net,
+			        mc->fidoaddr->node);
 		}
 		jsf.LoID = JAMSFLD_OADDRESS;
 		jsf.HiID = 0;
@@ -727,10 +742,10 @@ int bwave_add_message(int confr, int area, unsigned int dwritten, char *to, char
 		}
 
 		snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d:%d/%d.%d %08lx",
-			conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->zone,
-		        conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->net,
-		        conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->node,
-		        conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->point,
+			mc->fidoaddr->zone,
+		        mc->fidoaddr->net,
+		        mc->fidoaddr->node,
+		        mc->fidoaddr->point,
 		        generate_msgid());
 
 		jsf.LoID = JAMSFLD_MSGID;
@@ -777,7 +792,6 @@ void bwave_upload_reply() {
 	char msgbuffer[1024];
 	char originlinebuffer[256];
 	int i;
-	int bpos;
 	UPL_HEADER upl_hdr;
 	UPL_REC upl_rec;
 	int j;
@@ -836,25 +850,32 @@ void bwave_upload_reply() {
 		return;
 	}
 
-	bpos = 0;
-	for (i = 0; i < strlen(conf.archivers[gUser->defarchiver - 1]->unpack); i++) {
-		if (conf.archivers[gUser->defarchiver - 1]->unpack[i] == '*') {
-			i++;
-			if (conf.archivers[gUser->defarchiver - 1]->unpack[i] == 'a') {
-				sprintf(&buffer[bpos], "%s", upload_filename);
-				bpos = strlen(buffer);
-			} else if (conf.archivers[gUser->defarchiver - 1]->unpack[i] == 'd') {
-				sprintf(&buffer[bpos], "%s/node%d/bwave/", conf.bbs_path, mynode);
-				bpos = strlen(buffer);
-			} else if (conf.archivers[gUser->defarchiver - 1]->unpack[i] == '*') {
-				buffer[bpos++] = '*';
-				buffer[bpos] = '\0';
-			}
-		} else {
-			buffer[bpos++] = conf.archivers[gUser->defarchiver - 1]->unpack[i];
-			buffer[bpos] = '\0';
+	struct archiver *arc = ptr_vector_get(&conf.archivers, gUser->defarchiver - 1);
+	assert(arc != NULL);
+	char *b = buffer;
+	size_t blen = sizeof buffer;
+	for (const char *p = arc->unpack; *p != '\0' && blen > 1; ++p) {
+		if (*p != '*') {
+			*b++ = *p;
+			--blen;
+			continue;
 		}
+		p++;
+		size_t alen = 0;
+		if (*p == 'a') {
+			strlcpy(b, upload_filename, blen);
+			alen = strlen(upload_filename);
+		} else if (*p == 'd') {
+			snprintf(b, blen, "%s/node%d/bwave/", conf.bbs_path, mynode);
+			alen = strlen(b);
+		} else if (*p == '*') {
+			*b++ = '*';
+			alen = 1;
+		}
+		b += alen;
+		blen -= alen;
 	}
+	*b = '\0';
 	if (sshBBS) {
 		stout = dup(STDOUT_FILENO);
 		stin = dup(STDIN_FILENO);
@@ -889,12 +910,12 @@ void bwave_upload_reply() {
 
 	unlink(upload_filename);
 
-	snprintf(buffer, 1024, "%s/node%d/bwave/%s.UPL", conf.bbs_path, mynode, conf.bwave_name);
+	snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%s/node%d/bwave/%s.UPL", conf.bbs_path, mynode, conf.bwave_name);
 
 	upl_file = fopen(buffer, "r");
 
 	if (!upl_file) {
-		snprintf(buffer, 1024, "%s/node%d/bwave/%s.upl", conf.bbs_path, mynode, conf.bwave_name);
+		snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%s/node%d/bwave/%s.upl", conf.bbs_path, mynode, conf.bwave_name);
 		upl_file = fopen(buffer, "r");
 		if (!upl_file) {
 			s_printf(get_string(196));
@@ -924,13 +945,12 @@ void bwave_upload_reply() {
 				continue;
 			}
 
-			bpos = 0;
-			for (i = 0; i < strlen(body); i++) {
-				if (body[i] != '\n') {
-					body[bpos++] = body[i];
-				}
+			char *b = body;
+			for (char *p = body; *p != '\0'; ++p) {
+				if (*p != '\n')
+					*b++ = *p;
 			}
-			body[bpos] = '\0';
+			*b = '\0';
 
 			snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%s/email.sq3", conf.bbs_path);
 
@@ -982,9 +1002,11 @@ void bwave_upload_reply() {
 			confr = -1;
 			area = -1;
 
-			for (i = 0; i < conf.mail_conference_count; i++) {
-				for (j = 0; j < conf.mail_conferences[i]->mail_area_count; j++) {
-					if (strcmp(conf.mail_conferences[i]->mail_areas[j]->qwkname, upl_rec.echotag) == 0) {
+			for (i = 0; i < ptr_vector_len(&conf.mail_conferences); i++) {
+				struct mail_conference *mc = ptr_vector_get(&conf.mail_conferences, i);
+				for (j = 0; j < ptr_vector_len(&mc->mail_areas); j++) {
+					struct mail_area *ma = ptr_vector_get(&mc->mail_areas, j);
+					if (strcmp(ma->qwkname, upl_rec.echotag) == 0) {
 						confr = i;
 						area = j;
 						break;
@@ -997,7 +1019,8 @@ void bwave_upload_reply() {
 
 			if (confr != -1 && area != -1) {
 				// import message
-				if (conf.mail_conferences[confr]->mail_areas[area]->write_sec_level <= gUser->sec_level) {
+				struct mail_area *ma = get_area(confr, area);
+				if (ma->write_sec_level <= gUser->sec_level) {
 					msg_attr = converts(upl_rec.msg_attr);
 
 					if (msg_attr & UPL_INACTIVE) {
@@ -1013,7 +1036,7 @@ void bwave_upload_reply() {
 					addr.node = 0;
 					addr.zone = 0;
 
-					if (conf.mail_conferences[confr]->mail_areas[area]->type == TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA) {
+					if (ma->type == TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA) {
 						if (!(msg_attr & UPL_NETMAIL)) {
 							continue;
 						}
@@ -1022,7 +1045,7 @@ void bwave_upload_reply() {
 						addr.node = converts(upl_rec.destnode);
 						addr.zone = converts(upl_rec.destpoint);
 						netmail = 1;
-					} else if (conf.mail_conferences[confr]->mail_areas[area]->type == TYPE_ECHOMAIL_AREA || conf.mail_conferences[confr]->mail_areas[area]->type == TYPE_NEWSGROUP_AREA) {
+					} else if (ma->type == TYPE_ECHOMAIL_AREA || ma->type == TYPE_NEWSGROUP_AREA) {
 						if (msg_attr & UPL_PRIVATE) {
 							continue;
 						}
@@ -1033,32 +1056,36 @@ void bwave_upload_reply() {
 						}
 					}
 
-					snprintf(msgbuffer, 1024, "%s/node%d/bwave/%s", conf.bbs_path, mynode, upl_rec.filename);
+					snprintf(msgbuffer, sizeof buffer, "%s/node%d/bwave/%s", conf.bbs_path, mynode, upl_rec.filename);
 
-					if (conf.mail_conferences[confr]->tagline != NULL) {
-						tagline = conf.mail_conferences[confr]->tagline;
-					} else {
-						tagline = conf.default_tagline;
+					tagline = conf.default_tagline;
+					struct mail_conference *mc = get_conf(confr);
+					if (mc->tagline != NULL) {
+						tagline = mc->tagline;
 					}
 
-					if (conf.mail_conferences[confr]->nettype == NETWORK_FIDO) {
-						if (conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->point == 0) {
-							snprintf(originlinebuffer, 256, "\r--- %s\r * Origin: %s (%d:%d/%d)\r", upl_hdr.reader_tear, tagline, conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->zone,
-							         conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->net,
-							         conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->node);
+					if (mc->nettype == NETWORK_FIDO) {
+						if (mc->fidoaddr->point == 0) {
+							snprintf(originlinebuffer, sizeof originlinebuffer, "\r--- %s\r * Origin: %s (%d:%d/%d)\r",
+							         upl_hdr.reader_tear, tagline,
+							         mc->fidoaddr->zone, mc->fidoaddr->net, mc->fidoaddr->node);
 						} else {
 
-							snprintf(originlinebuffer, 256, "\r--- %s\r * Origin: %s (%d:%d/%d.%d)\r", upl_hdr.reader_tear, tagline, conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->zone,
-							         conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->net,
-							         conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->node,
-							         conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->point);
+							snprintf(originlinebuffer, sizeof originlinebuffer, "\r--- %s\r * Origin: %s (%d:%d/%d.%d)\r",
+							         upl_hdr.reader_tear, tagline,
+							         mc->fidoaddr->zone,
+							         mc->fidoaddr->net,
+							         mc->fidoaddr->node,
+							         mc->fidoaddr->point);
 						}
-					} else if (conf.mail_conferences[confr]->nettype == NETWORK_MAGI) {
-						snprintf(originlinebuffer, 256, "\r--- %s\r * Origin: %s (@%d)\r", upl_hdr.reader_tear, tagline, conf.mail_conferences[confr]->maginode);
-					} else if (conf.mail_conferences[confr]->nettype == NETWORK_QWK) {
-						snprintf(originlinebuffer, 256, "\r--- $s\r * Origin: %s (%s)\r", upl_hdr.reader_tear, tagline, conf.bwave_name);
+					} else if (mc->nettype == NETWORK_MAGI) {
+						snprintf(originlinebuffer, sizeof originlinebuffer, "\r--- %s\r * Origin: %s (@%d)\r",
+						         upl_hdr.reader_tear, tagline, mc->maginode);
+					} else if (mc->nettype == NETWORK_QWK) {
+						snprintf(originlinebuffer, sizeof originlinebuffer, "\r--- $s\r * Origin: %s (%s)\r",
+						         upl_hdr.reader_tear, tagline, conf.bwave_name);
 					} else {
-						snprintf(originlinebuffer, 256, "\r");
+						snprintf(originlinebuffer, sizeof originlinebuffer, "\r");
 					}
 
 					sa = file2stralloc(msgbuffer);
@@ -1089,7 +1116,7 @@ void bwave_upload_reply() {
 		}
 	}
 
-	snprintf(buffer, 1024, "%s/node%d/bwave/", conf.bbs_path, mynode);
+	snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%s/node%d/bwave/", conf.bbs_path, mynode);
 	recursive_delete(buffer);
 
 	if (netmail == 1) {
diff --git a/src/files.c b/src/files.c
index bc9491e..804d872 100644
--- a/src/files.c
+++ b/src/files.c
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@
 #include "lua/lua.h"
 #include "lua/lualib.h"
 #include "lua/lauxlib.h"
+
 extern struct bbs_config conf;
 extern int gSocket;
 extern int sshBBS;
@@ -47,6 +48,41 @@ struct tagged_file {
 	int fid;
 };
 
+static struct file_directory *get_dir(size_t d) {
+	struct file_directory *dir = ptr_vector_get(&conf.file_directories, d);
+	assert(dir != NULL);
+	return dir;
+}
+
+static struct file_directory *user_dir(struct user_record *user) {
+	assert(user != NULL);
+	return get_dir(user->cur_file_dir);
+}
+
+static struct file_sub *get_sub(size_t d, size_t s) {
+	struct file_directory *dir = get_dir(d);
+	struct file_sub *sub = ptr_vector_get(&dir->file_subs, s);
+	assert(sub != NULL);
+	return sub;
+}
+
+static struct file_sub *user_sub(struct user_record *user) {
+	assert(user != NULL);
+	return get_sub(user->cur_file_dir, user->cur_file_sub);
+}
+
+static void open_sub_db_or_die(sqlite3 **db, char *sub) {
+        char buffer[PATH_MAX];
+        snprintf(buffer, PATH_MAX, "%s/%s.sq3", conf.bbs_path, sub);
+        if (sqlite3_open(buffer, db) != SQLITE_OK) {
+                dolog("Cannot open database: %s", sqlite3_errmsg(*db));
+                sqlite3_close(*db);
+                exit(1);
+        }
+        assert(db != NULL);
+        sqlite3_busy_timeout(*db, 5000);
+}
+
 struct tagged_file **tagged_files;
 int tagged_count = 0;
 
@@ -122,12 +158,10 @@ char *upload_path;
 char upload_filename[1024];
 
 FILE *ZOpenFile(char *name, u_long crc, ZModem *info) {
-
 	FILE *fptr;
-	struct stat s;
 
 	snprintf(upload_filename, 1023, "%s/%s", upload_path, basename(name));
-	if (stat(upload_filename, &s) == 0) {
+	if (access(upload_filename, F_OK) == 0) {
 		return NULL;
 	}
 
@@ -287,7 +321,6 @@ void upload_zmodem(struct user_record *user, char *upload_p) {
 char *get_file_id_diz(char *filename) {
 	char *description;
 	char buffer[1024];
-	struct stat s;
 	int bpos;
 	int i;
 	FILE *fptr;
@@ -315,8 +348,10 @@ char *get_file_id_diz(char *filename) {
 		return NULL;
 	}
 
-	for (i = 0; i < conf.archiver_count; i++) {
-		if (strcasecmp(&filename[ext], conf.archivers[i]->extension) == 0) {
+	struct archiver *arc = NULL;
+	for (i = 0; i < ptr_vector_len(&conf.archivers); ++i) {
+		arc = ptr_vector_get(&conf.archivers, i);
+		if (strcasecmp(&filename[ext], arc->extension) == 0) {
 			arch = i;
 			break;
 		}
@@ -325,41 +360,45 @@ char *get_file_id_diz(char *filename) {
 	if (arch == -1) {
 		return NULL;
 	}
+	assert(arc != NULL);
 
-	snprintf(buffer, 1024, "%s/node%d", conf.bbs_path, mynode);
-	if (stat(buffer, &s) != 0) {
+	snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%s/node%d", conf.bbs_path, mynode);
+	if (access(buffer, X_OK) != 0) {
 		mkdir(buffer, 0755);
 	}
 
-	snprintf(buffer, 1024, "%s/node%d/temp", conf.bbs_path, mynode);
-	if (stat(buffer, &s) == 0) {
-
+	snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%s/node%d/temp", conf.bbs_path, mynode);
+	if (access(buffer, F_OK|W_OK) == 0) {
 		if (recursive_delete(buffer) != 0) {
 			return NULL;
 		}
 	}
-
 	mkdir(buffer, 0755);
 
-	bpos = 0;
-	for (i = 0; i < strlen(conf.archivers[arch]->unpack); i++) {
-		if (conf.archivers[arch]->unpack[i] == '*') {
-			i++;
-			if (conf.archivers[arch]->unpack[i] == 'a') {
-				sprintf(&buffer[bpos], "%s", filename);
-				bpos = strlen(buffer);
-			} else if (conf.archivers[arch]->unpack[i] == 'd') {
-				sprintf(&buffer[bpos], "%s/node%d/temp/", conf.bbs_path, mynode);
-				bpos = strlen(buffer);
-			} else if (conf.archivers[arch]->unpack[i] == '*') {
-				buffer[bpos++] = '*';
-				buffer[bpos] = '\0';
-			}
-		} else {
-			buffer[bpos++] = conf.archivers[arch]->unpack[i];
-			buffer[bpos] = '\0';
+	char *s = buffer;
+	size_t blen = sizeof buffer;
+	for (const char *p = arc->unpack; *p != '\0' && blen > 1; ++p) {
+		if (*p != '*') {
+			*s++ = *p;
+			--blen;
+			continue;
 		}
+		p++;
+		size_t slen = 0;
+		if (*p == 'a') {
+			strlcpy(s, filename, blen);
+			slen = strlen(s);
+		} else if (*p == 'd') {
+			snprintf(s, blen, "%s/node%d/temp/", conf.bbs_path, mynode);
+			slen = strlen(s);
+		} else if (*p == '*') {
+			*s++ = '*';
+			slen = 1;
+		}
+		s += slen;
+		blen -= slen;
 	}
+	*s = '\0';
 
 	if (sshBBS) {
 		stout = dup(STDOUT_FILENO);
@@ -384,7 +423,6 @@ char *get_file_id_diz(char *filename) {
 	free(args);
 
 	if (sshBBS) {
-
 		dup2(stout, STDOUT_FILENO);
 		dup2(sterr, STDERR_FILENO);
 		dup2(stin, STDIN_FILENO);
@@ -394,13 +432,13 @@ char *get_file_id_diz(char *filename) {
 		close(sterr);
 	}
 
-	snprintf(buffer, 1024, "%s/node%d/temp/FILE_ID.DIZ", conf.bbs_path, mynode);
+	snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%s/node%d/temp/FILE_ID.DIZ", conf.bbs_path, mynode);
 	description = file2str(buffer);
 	if (description == NULL) {
-		snprintf(buffer, 1024, "%s/node%d/temp/file_id.diz", conf.bbs_path, mynode);
+		snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%s/node%d/temp/file_id.diz", conf.bbs_path, mynode);
 		description = file2str(buffer);
 		if (description == NULL) {
-			snprintf(buffer, 1024, "%s/node%d/temp", conf.bbs_path, mynode);
+			snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%s/node%d/temp", conf.bbs_path, mynode);
 			recursive_delete(buffer);
 			return NULL;
 		}
@@ -417,7 +455,7 @@ char *get_file_id_diz(char *filename) {
 	}
 	description[bpos] = '\0';
 
-	snprintf(buffer, 1024, "%s/node%d/temp", conf.bbs_path, mynode);
+	snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%s/node%d/temp", conf.bbs_path, mynode);
 	recursive_delete(buffer);
 
 	return description;
@@ -436,7 +474,9 @@ int do_download(struct user_record *user, char *file) {
 	char iac_binary_will[] = {IAC, IAC_WILL, IAC_TRANSMIT_BINARY, '\0'};
 	char iac_binary_do[] = {IAC, IAC_DO, IAC_TRANSMIT_BINARY, '\0'};
 
-	if (conf.protocols[user->defprotocol - 1]->internal_zmodem) {
+	struct protocol *defproto = ptr_vector_get(&conf.protocols, user->defprotocol - 1);
+	assert(defproto != NULL);
+	if (defproto->internal_zmodem) {
 		if (sshBBS) {
 			ttySetRaw(STDIN_FILENO, &oldit);
 			ttySetRaw(STDOUT_FILENO, &oldot);
@@ -456,30 +496,30 @@ int do_download(struct user_record *user, char *file) {
 		return 1;
 	} else {
 		bpos = 0;
-		for (i = 0; i < strlen(conf.protocols[user->defprotocol - 1]->download); i++) {
-			if (conf.protocols[user->defprotocol - 1]->download[i] == '*') {
+		for (i = 0; i < strlen(defproto->download); i++) {
+			if (defproto->download[i] == '*') {
 				i++;
-				if (conf.protocols[user->defprotocol - 1]->download[i] == '*') {
-					download_command[bpos++] = conf.protocols[user->defprotocol - 1]->download[i];
+				if (defproto->download[i] == '*') {
+					download_command[bpos++] = defproto->download[i];
 					download_command[bpos] = '\0';
 					continue;
-				} else if (conf.protocols[user->defprotocol - 1]->download[i] == 'f') {
+				} else if (defproto->download[i] == 'f') {
 					sprintf(&download_command[bpos], "%s", file);
 					bpos = strlen(download_command);
 
 					continue;
-				} else if (conf.protocols[user->defprotocol - 1]->download[i] == 's') {
+				} else if (defproto->download[i] == 's') {
 					if (!sshBBS) {
 						sprintf(&download_command[bpos], "%d", gSocket);
 						bpos = strlen(download_command);
 					} else {
-						s_printf(get_string(209), conf.protocols[user->defprotocol - 1]->name);
+						s_printf(get_string(209), defproto->name);
 						return 0;
 					}
 				}
 
 			} else {
-				download_command[bpos++] = conf.protocols[user->defprotocol - 1]->download[i];
+				download_command[bpos++] = defproto->download[i];
 				download_command[bpos] = '\0';
 			}
 		}
@@ -521,7 +561,7 @@ int do_download(struct user_record *user, char *file) {
 				write(gSocket, iac_binary_do, 3);
 			}
 		}
-		runexternal(user, download_command, conf.protocols[user->defprotocol - 1]->stdio, arguments, conf.bbs_path, 1, NULL);
+		runexternal(user, download_command, defproto->stdio, arguments, conf.bbs_path, 1, NULL);
 
 		free(arguments);
 	}
@@ -539,12 +579,12 @@ int do_upload(struct user_record *user, char *final_path) {
 	char **arguments;
 	DIR *inb;
 	struct dirent *dent;
-	struct stat s;
 	int len;
 	char iac_binary_will[] = {IAC, IAC_WILL, IAC_TRANSMIT_BINARY, '\0'};
 	char iac_binary_do[] = {IAC, IAC_DO, IAC_TRANSMIT_BINARY, '\0'};
 
-	if (conf.protocols[user->defprotocol - 1]->internal_zmodem) {
+	struct protocol *defproto = ptr_vector_get(&conf.protocols, user->defprotocol - 1);
+	if (defproto->internal_zmodem) {
 		if (!sshBBS) {
 			if (telnet_bin_mode == 0) {
 				write(gSocket, iac_binary_will, 3);
@@ -557,37 +597,37 @@ int do_upload(struct user_record *user, char *final_path) {
 		return 1;
 	} else {
 
-		if (conf.protocols[user->defprotocol - 1]->upload_prompt) {
+		if (defproto->upload_prompt) {
 			s_printf(get_string(210));
 			s_readstring(buffer3, 256);
 			s_printf("\r\n");
 		}
 		bpos = 0;
-		for (i = 0; i < strlen(conf.protocols[user->defprotocol - 1]->upload); i++) {
-			if (conf.protocols[user->defprotocol - 1]->upload[i] == '*') {
+		for (i = 0; i < strlen(defproto->upload); i++) {
+			if (defproto->upload[i] == '*') {
 				i++;
-				if (conf.protocols[user->defprotocol - 1]->upload[i] == '*') {
-					upload_command[bpos++] = conf.protocols[user->defprotocol - 1]->upload[i];
+				if (defproto->upload[i] == '*') {
+					upload_command[bpos++] = defproto->upload[i];
 					upload_command[bpos] = '\0';
 					continue;
-				} else if (conf.protocols[user->defprotocol - 1]->upload[i] == 'f') {
-					if (conf.protocols[user->defprotocol - 1]->upload_prompt) {
+				} else if (defproto->upload[i] == 'f') {
+					if (defproto->upload_prompt) {
 						sprintf(&upload_command[bpos], "%s", buffer3);
 						bpos = strlen(upload_command);
 					}
 					continue;
-				} else if (conf.protocols[user->defprotocol - 1]->upload[i] == 's') {
+				} else if (defproto->upload[i] == 's') {
 					if (!sshBBS) {
 						sprintf(&upload_command[bpos], "%d", gSocket);
 						bpos = strlen(upload_command);
 					} else {
-						s_printf(get_string(209), conf.protocols[user->defprotocol - 1]->name);
+						s_printf(get_string(209), defproto->name);
 						return 0;
 					}
 				}
 
 			} else {
-				upload_command[bpos++] = conf.protocols[user->defprotocol - 1]->upload[i];
+				upload_command[bpos++] = defproto->upload[i];
 				upload_command[bpos] = '\0';
 			}
 		}
@@ -626,7 +666,7 @@ int do_upload(struct user_record *user, char *final_path) {
 
 		snprintf(upload_path, 1024, "%s/node%d/upload/", conf.bbs_path, mynode);
 
-		if (stat(upload_path, &s) == 0) {
+		if (access(upload_path, F_OK) == 0) {
 			recursive_delete(upload_path);
 		}
 
@@ -638,19 +678,19 @@ int do_upload(struct user_record *user, char *final_path) {
 				write(gSocket, iac_binary_do, 3);
 			}
 		}
-		runexternal(user, upload_command, conf.protocols[user->defprotocol - 1]->stdio, arguments, upload_path, 1, NULL);
+		runexternal(user, upload_command, defproto->stdio, arguments, upload_path, 1, NULL);
 
 		free(arguments);
 
-		if (conf.protocols[user->defprotocol - 1]->upload_prompt) {
+		if (defproto->upload_prompt) {
 			snprintf(upload_command, 1024, "%s%s", upload_path, buffer3);
-			if (stat(upload_command, &s) != 0) {
+			if (access(upload_command, W_OK|X_OK) != 0) {
 				recursive_delete(upload_path);
 				return 0;
 			}
 
 			snprintf(upload_filename, 1024, "%s/%s", final_path, buffer3);
-			if (stat(upload_filename, &s) == 0) {
+			if (access(upload_filename, F_OK) == 0) {
 				recursive_delete(upload_path);
 				s_printf(get_string(214));
 				return 0;
@@ -670,6 +710,7 @@ int do_upload(struct user_record *user, char *final_path) {
 			while ((dent = readdir(inb)) != NULL) {
 #ifdef __sun
 				snprintf(upload_command, 1024, "%s%s", upload_path, dent->d_name);
+				struct state s;
 				stat(upload_command, &s);
 				if (S_ISREG(s.st_mode)) {
 #else
@@ -678,7 +719,7 @@ int do_upload(struct user_record *user, char *final_path) {
 					snprintf(upload_command, 1024, "%s%s", upload_path, dent->d_name);
 					snprintf(upload_filename, 1024, "%s/%s", final_path, dent->d_name);
 
-					if (stat(upload_filename, &s) == 0) {
+					if (access(upload_filename, F_OK) == 0) {
 						recursive_delete(upload_path);
 						s_printf(get_string(214));
 						closedir(inb);
@@ -719,12 +760,12 @@ void upload(struct user_record *user) {
 	sqlite3 *db;
 	sqlite3_stmt *res;
 	int rc;
-	struct stat s;
 	char *err_msg = NULL;
 	char *description;
 	time_t curtime;
 
-	if (!do_upload(user, conf.file_directories[user->cur_file_dir]->file_subs[user->cur_file_sub]->upload_path)) {
+	struct file_sub *sub = user_sub(user);
+	if (!do_upload(user, sub->upload_path)) {
 		s_printf(get_string(211));
 		return;
 	}
@@ -752,17 +793,7 @@ void upload(struct user_record *user) {
 	} else {
 		s_printf(get_string(201));
 	}
-	snprintf(pathname, sizeof pathname, "%s/%s.sq3",
-	         conf.bbs_path, conf.file_directories[user->cur_file_dir]->file_subs[user->cur_file_sub]->database);
-
-	rc = sqlite3_open(pathname, &db);
-
-	if (rc != SQLITE_OK) {
-		dolog("Cannot open database: %s", sqlite3_errmsg(db));
-		sqlite3_close(db);
-		exit(1);
-	}
-	sqlite3_busy_timeout(db, 5000);
+	open_sub_db_or_die(&db, sub->database);
 	rc = sqlite3_exec(db, create_sql, 0, 0, &err_msg);
 	if (rc != SQLITE_OK) {
 		dolog("SQL error: %s", err_msg);
@@ -775,6 +806,7 @@ void upload(struct user_record *user) {
 	rc = sqlite3_prepare_v2(db, sql, -1, &res, 0);
 
 	if (rc == SQLITE_OK) {
+		struct stat s;
 		stat(upload_filename, &s);
 
 		sqlite3_bind_text(res, 1, upload_filename, -1, 0);
@@ -936,16 +968,8 @@ void download(struct user_record *user) {
 
 		do_download(user, tagged_files[i]->filename);
 
-		sprintf(buffer, "%s/%s.sq3", conf.bbs_path, conf.file_directories[tagged_files[i]->dir]->file_subs[tagged_files[i]->sub]->database);
-
-		rc = sqlite3_open(buffer, &db);
-
-		if (rc != SQLITE_OK) {
-			dolog("Cannot open database: %s", sqlite3_errmsg(db));
-			sqlite3_close(db);
-			exit(1);
-		}
-		sqlite3_busy_timeout(db, 5000);
+		struct file_sub *sub = get_sub(tagged_files[i]->dir, tagged_files[i]->sub);
+		open_sub_db_or_die(&db, sub->database);
 		rc = sqlite3_prepare_v2(db, ssql, -1, &res, 0);
 
 		if (rc == SQLITE_OK) {
@@ -1049,7 +1073,7 @@ void do_list_files(struct file_entry **files_e, int files_c) {
 						} else {
 							z = atoi(buffer);
 							if (z >= 0 && z < files_c) {
-								if (conf.file_directories[files_e[z]->dir]->file_subs[files_e[z]->sub]->download_sec_level <= gUser->sec_level) {
+								if (get_sub(files_e[z]->dir, files_e[z]->sub)->download_sec_level <= gUser->sec_level) {
 									match = 0;
 									for (k = 0; k < tagged_count; k++) {
 										if (strcmp(tagged_files[k]->filename, files_e[z]->filename) == 0) {
@@ -1104,7 +1128,7 @@ void do_list_files(struct file_entry **files_e, int files_c) {
 				} else {
 					z = atoi(buffer);
 					if (z >= 0 && z < files_c) {
-						if (conf.file_directories[files_e[z]->dir]->file_subs[files_e[z]->sub]->download_sec_level <= gUser->sec_level) {
+						if (get_sub(files_e[z]->dir, files_e[z]->sub)->download_sec_level <= gUser->sec_level) {
 							match = 0;
 							for (k = 0; k < tagged_count; k++) {
 								if (strcmp(tagged_files[k]->filename, files_e[z]->filename) == 0) {
@@ -1148,7 +1172,7 @@ void do_list_files(struct file_entry **files_e, int files_c) {
 		} else {
 			z = atoi(buffer);
 			if (z >= 0 && z < files_c) {
-				if (conf.file_directories[files_e[z]->dir]->file_subs[files_e[z]->sub]->download_sec_level <= gUser->sec_level) {
+				if (get_sub(files_e[z]->dir, files_e[z]->sub)->download_sec_level <= gUser->sec_level) {
 					match = 0;
 					for (k = 0; k < tagged_count; k++) {
 						if (strcmp(tagged_files[k]->filename, files_e[z]->filename) == 0) {
@@ -1256,16 +1280,9 @@ void file_search() {
 
 	if (!all) {
 		files_c = 0;
-		snprintf(buffer, PATH_MAX, "%s/%s.sq3", conf.bbs_path, conf.file_directories[gUser->cur_file_dir]->file_subs[gUser->cur_file_sub]->database);
+		struct file_sub *sub = user_sub(gUser);
+		open_sub_db_or_die(&db, sub->database);
 
-		rc = sqlite3_open(buffer, &db);
-		if (rc != SQLITE_OK) {
-			dolog("Cannot open database: %s", sqlite3_errmsg(db));
-			sqlite3_close(db);
-
-			exit(1);
-		}
-		sqlite3_busy_timeout(db, 5000);
 		rc = sqlite3_prepare_v2(db, sqlbuffer, -1, &res, 0);
 
 		if (rc != SQLITE_OK) {
@@ -1313,23 +1330,18 @@ void file_search() {
 		}
 	} else {
 		files_c = 0;
-		for (search_dir = 0; search_dir < conf.file_directory_count; search_dir++) {
-			if (conf.file_directories[search_dir]->sec_level > gUser->sec_level) {
+		for (search_dir = 0; search_dir < ptr_vector_len(&conf.file_directories); search_dir++) {
+			struct file_directory *dir = ptr_vector_get(&conf.file_directories, search_dir);
+			if (dir->sec_level > gUser->sec_level) {
 				continue;
 			}
-			for (search_sub = 0; search_sub < conf.file_directories[search_dir]->file_sub_count; search_sub++) {
-				if (conf.file_directories[search_dir]->file_subs[search_sub]->download_sec_level > gUser->sec_level) {
+			for (search_sub = 0; search_sub < ptr_vector_len(&dir->file_subs); search_sub++) {
+				struct file_sub *sub = ptr_vector_get(&dir->file_subs, search_sub);
+				if (sub->download_sec_level > gUser->sec_level) {
 					continue;
 				}
-				snprintf(buffer, PATH_MAX, "%s/%s.sq3", conf.bbs_path, conf.file_directories[search_dir]->file_subs[search_sub]->database);
+				open_sub_db_or_die(&db, sub->database);
 
-				rc = sqlite3_open(buffer, &db);
-				if (rc != SQLITE_OK) {
-					dolog("Cannot open database: %s", sqlite3_errmsg(db));
-					sqlite3_close(db);
-					exit(1);
-				}
-				sqlite3_busy_timeout(db, 5000);
 				rc = sqlite3_prepare_v2(db, sqlbuffer, -1, &res, 0);
 
 				if (rc != SQLITE_OK) {
@@ -1414,16 +1426,8 @@ void list_files(struct user_record *user) {
 			break;
 	}
 	s_printf("\r\n");
-	snprintf(buffer, PATH_MAX, "%s/%s.sq3", conf.bbs_path, conf.file_directories[user->cur_file_dir]->file_subs[user->cur_file_sub]->database);
-
-	rc = sqlite3_open(buffer, &db);
-	if (rc != SQLITE_OK) {
-		dolog("Cannot open database: %s", sqlite3_errmsg(db));
-		sqlite3_close(db);
-
-		exit(1);
-	}
-	sqlite3_busy_timeout(db, 5000);
+	struct file_sub *sub = user_sub(user);
+	open_sub_db_or_die(&db, sub->database);
 	rc = sqlite3_prepare_v2(db, sql, -1, &res, 0);
 	if (rc != SQLITE_OK) {
 		sqlite3_close(db);
@@ -1477,10 +1481,12 @@ void choose_subdir() {
 	struct ptr_vector subs;
 
 	init_ptr_vector(&subs);
-	for (i = 0; i < conf.file_directories[gUser->cur_file_dir]->file_sub_count; i++) {
-		if (conf.file_directories[gUser->cur_file_dir]->file_subs[i]->download_sec_level <= gUser->sec_level) {
+	struct file_directory *dir = user_dir(gUser);
+	for (i = 0; i < ptr_vector_len(&dir->file_subs); i++) {
+		struct file_sub *fsub = ptr_vector_get(&dir->file_subs, i);
+		if (fsub->download_sec_level <= gUser->sec_level) {
 			struct subdir_tmp_t *sub = (struct subdir_tmp_t *)malloz(sizeof(struct subdir_tmp_t));
-			sub->sub = conf.file_directories[gUser->cur_file_dir]->file_subs[i];
+			sub->sub = fsub;
 			sub->index = i;
 			ptr_vector_append(&subs, sub);
 		}
@@ -1491,7 +1497,7 @@ void choose_subdir() {
 	while (1) {
 		if (redraw) {
 			s_printf("\e[2J\e[1;1H");
-			s_printf(get_string(252), conf.file_directories[gUser->cur_file_dir]->name);
+			s_printf(get_string(252), user_dir(gUser)->name);
 			s_printf(get_string(248));
 			for (i = start; i < start + 22 && i < list_tmp; i++) {
 				if (i == selected) {
@@ -1613,10 +1619,11 @@ void choose_directory() {
 	struct ptr_vector dirs;
 
 	init_ptr_vector(&dirs);
-	for (i = 0; i < conf.file_directory_count; i++) {
-		if (conf.file_directories[i]->sec_level <= gUser->sec_level) {
+	for (i = 0; i < ptr_vector_len(&conf.file_directories); i++) {
+		struct file_directory *fdir = ptr_vector_get(&conf.file_directories, i);
+		if (fdir->sec_level <= gUser->sec_level) {
 			struct dir_tmp_t *dir = (struct dir_tmp_t *)malloz(sizeof(struct dir_tmp_t));
-			dir->dir = conf.file_directories[i];
+			dir->dir = fdir;
 			dir->index = i;
 			ptr_vector_append(&dirs, dir);
 		}
@@ -1748,49 +1755,39 @@ void clear_tagged_files() {
 }
 
 void next_file_dir(struct user_record *user) {
-	int i;
-	for (i = user->cur_file_dir; i < conf.file_directory_count; i++) {
-		if (i + 1 == conf.file_directory_count) {
-			i = -1;
-		}
-		if (conf.file_directories[i + 1]->sec_level <= user->sec_level) {
-			user->cur_file_dir = i + 1;
-			user->cur_file_sub = 0;
+	size_t n = ptr_vector_len(&conf.file_directories);
+	size_t start = user->cur_file_dir;
+	size_t i;
+	for (i = (start + 1) % n; i != start; i = (i + 1) % n) {
+		struct file_directory *dir = get_dir(i);
+		if (dir->sec_level <= user->sec_level)
 			break;
-		}
 	}
+	user->cur_file_dir = i;
+	user->cur_file_sub = 0;
 }
 
 void prev_file_dir(struct user_record *user) {
-	int i;
-	for (i = user->cur_file_dir; i >= 0; i--) {
-		if (i - 1 == -1) {
-			i = conf.file_directory_count;
-		}
-		if (conf.file_directories[i - 1]->sec_level <= user->sec_level) {
-			user->cur_file_dir = i - 1;
-			user->cur_file_sub = 0;
+	size_t n = ptr_vector_len(&conf.file_directories);
+	size_t start = user->cur_file_dir;
+	size_t i;
+	for (i = (start + n - 1) % n; i != start; i = (i + n - 1) % n) {
+		struct file_directory *dir = get_dir(i);
+		if (dir->sec_level <= user->sec_level)
 			break;
-		}
 	}
+	user->cur_file_dir = i;
+	user->cur_file_sub = 0;
 }
 
 void next_file_sub(struct user_record *user) {
-	int i;
-	i = user->cur_file_sub;
-	if (i + 1 == conf.file_directories[user->cur_file_dir]->file_sub_count) {
-		i = -1;
-	}
-	user->cur_file_sub = i + 1;
+	size_t n = ptr_vector_len(&conf.file_directories);
+	user->cur_file_sub = (user->cur_file_sub + 1) % n;
 }
 
 void prev_file_sub(struct user_record *user) {
-	int i;
-	i = user->cur_file_sub;
-	if (i - 1 == -1) {
-		i = conf.file_directories[user->cur_file_dir]->file_sub_count;
-	}
-	user->cur_file_sub = i - 1;
+	size_t n = ptr_vector_len(&conf.file_directories);
+	user->cur_file_sub = (user->cur_file_sub + n - 1) % n;
 }
 
 void file_scan() {
@@ -1809,30 +1806,24 @@ void file_scan() {
 	c = s_getc();
 
 	if (tolower(c) == 'y') {
-		for (i = 0; i < conf.file_directory_count; i++) {
-			if (conf.file_directories[i]->sec_level > gUser->sec_level) {
+		for (i = 0; i < ptr_vector_len(&conf.file_directories); i++) {
+			struct file_directory *dir = ptr_vector_get(&conf.file_directories, i);
+			if (dir->sec_level > gUser->sec_level) {
 				continue;
 			}
-			s_printf(get_string(140), i, conf.file_directories[i]->name);
+			s_printf(get_string(140), i, dir->name);
 			lines += 2;
 			if (lines == 22) {
 				s_printf(get_string(6));
 				s_getc();
 				lines = 0;
 			}
-			for (j = 0; j < conf.file_directories[i]->file_sub_count; j++) {
-				if (conf.file_directories[i]->file_subs[j]->download_sec_level > gUser->sec_level) {
+			for (j = 0; j < ptr_vector_len(&dir->file_subs); j++) {
+				struct file_sub *sub = ptr_vector_get(&dir->file_subs, j);
+				if (sub->download_sec_level > gUser->sec_level) {
 					continue;
 				}
-				snprintf(buffer, PATH_MAX, "%s/%s.sq3", conf.bbs_path, conf.file_directories[i]->file_subs[j]->database);
-				rc = sqlite3_open(buffer, &db);
-				if (rc != SQLITE_OK) {
-					dolog("Cannot open database: %s", sqlite3_errmsg(db));
-					sqlite3_close(db);
-
-					exit(1);
-				}
-				sqlite3_busy_timeout(db, 5000);
+				open_sub_db_or_die(&db, sub->database);
 				rc = sqlite3_prepare_v2(db, sql, -1, &res, 0);
 
 				if (rc != SQLITE_OK) {
@@ -1845,7 +1836,7 @@ void file_scan() {
 				if (sqlite3_step(res) != SQLITE_ERROR) {
 					new_files = sqlite3_column_int(res, 0);
 					if (new_files > 0) {
-						s_printf(get_string(141), j, conf.file_directories[i]->file_subs[j]->name, new_files);
+						s_printf(get_string(141), j, sub->name, new_files);
 						lines++;
 					}
 				}
diff --git a/src/lua_glue.c b/src/lua_glue.c
index 16183c2..94d774b 100644
--- a/src/lua_glue.c
+++ b/src/lua_glue.c
@@ -157,19 +157,29 @@ int l_bbsDisplayAutoMsg(lua_State *L) {
 }
 
 int l_getMailAreaInfo(lua_State *L) {
+	assert(gUser != NULL);
 	lua_pushnumber(L, gUser->cur_mail_conf);
-	lua_pushstring(L, conf.mail_conferences[gUser->cur_mail_conf]->name);
+	struct mail_conference *mc = ptr_vector_get(&conf.mail_conferences, gUser->cur_mail_conf);
+	assert(mc != NULL);
+	lua_pushstring(L, mc->name);
 	lua_pushnumber(L, gUser->cur_mail_area);
-	lua_pushstring(L, conf.mail_conferences[gUser->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[gUser->cur_mail_area]->name);
+	struct mail_area *ma = ptr_vector_get(&mc->mail_areas, gUser->cur_mail_area);
+	assert(ma != NULL);
+	lua_pushstring(L, ma->name);
 
 	return 4;
 }
 
 int l_getFileAreaInfo(lua_State *L) {
+	assert(gUser != NULL);
 	lua_pushnumber(L, gUser->cur_file_dir);
-	lua_pushstring(L, conf.file_directories[gUser->cur_file_dir]->name);
+	struct file_directory *dir = ptr_vector_get(&conf.file_directories, gUser->cur_file_dir);
+	assert(dir != NULL);
+	lua_pushstring(L, dir->name);
 	lua_pushnumber(L, gUser->cur_file_sub);
-	lua_pushstring(L, conf.file_directories[gUser->cur_file_dir]->file_subs[gUser->cur_file_sub]->name);
+	struct file_sub *sub = ptr_vector_get(&dir->file_subs, gUser->cur_file_sub);
+	assert(sub != NULL);
+	lua_pushstring(L, sub->name);
 
 	return 4;
 }
@@ -204,9 +214,13 @@ int l_messageFound(lua_State *L) {
 	s_JamMsgHeader jmh;
 	s_JamSubPacket *jsp;
 
-	jb = open_jam_base(conf.mail_conferences[conference]->mail_areas[area]->path);
+	struct mail_conference *mc = ptr_vector_get(&conf.mail_conferences, conference);
+	assert(mc != NULL);
+	struct mail_area *ma = ptr_vector_get(&mc->mail_areas, area);
+	assert(ma != NULL);
+	jb = open_jam_base(ma->path);
 	if (!jb) {
-		dolog("Error opening JAM base.. %s", conf.mail_conferences[conference]->mail_areas[area]->path);
+		dolog("Error opening JAM base.. %s", ma->path);
 		lua_pushnumber(L, 0);
 		return 1;
 	}
@@ -248,9 +262,13 @@ int l_readMessageHdr(lua_State *L) {
 	char *sender = NULL;
 	char *recipient = NULL;
 
-	jb = open_jam_base(conf.mail_conferences[conference]->mail_areas[area]->path);
+	struct mail_conference *mc = ptr_vector_get(&conf.mail_conferences, conference);
+	assert(mc != NULL);
+	struct mail_area *ma = ptr_vector_get(&mc->mail_areas, area);
+	assert(ma != NULL);
+	jb = open_jam_base(ma->path);
 	if (!jb) {
-		dolog("Error opening JAM base.. %s", conf.mail_conferences[conference]->mail_areas[area]->path);
+		dolog("Error opening JAM base.. %s", ma->path);
 		return 0;
 	}
 	z = JAM_ReadMsgHeader(jb, id, &jmh, &jsp);
@@ -312,9 +330,13 @@ int l_readMessage(lua_State *L) {
 
 	char *body = NULL;
 
-	jb = open_jam_base(conf.mail_conferences[conference]->mail_areas[area]->path);
+	struct mail_conference *mc = ptr_vector_get(&conf.mail_conferences, conference);
+	assert(mc != NULL);
+	struct mail_area *ma = ptr_vector_get(&mc->mail_areas, area);
+	assert(ma != NULL);
+	jb = open_jam_base(ma->path);
 	if (!jb) {
-		dolog("Error opening JAM base.. %s", conf.mail_conferences[conference]->mail_areas[area]->path);
+		dolog("Error opening JAM base.. %s", ma->path);
 		return 0;
 	}
 	z = JAM_ReadMsgHeader(jb, id, &jmh, NULL);
@@ -380,10 +402,10 @@ int l_postMessage(lua_State *L) {
 	int confr = lua_tointeger(L, 1);
 	int area = lua_tointeger(L, 2);
 	time_t dwritten = utc_to_local(time(NULL));
-	char *to = lua_tostring(L, 3);
-	char *from = lua_tostring(L, 4);
-	char *subject = lua_tostring(L, 5);
-	char *body = lua_tostring(L, 6);
+	const char *to = lua_tostring(L, 3);
+	const char *from = lua_tostring(L, 4);
+	const char *subject = lua_tostring(L, 5);
+	const char *body = lua_tostring(L, 6);
 	int sem_fd;
 
 	char buffer[256];
@@ -398,9 +420,13 @@ int l_postMessage(lua_State *L) {
 	char *tagline;
 	struct utsname name;
 
-	jb = open_jam_base(conf.mail_conferences[confr]->mail_areas[area]->path);
+	struct mail_conference *mc = ptr_vector_get(&conf.mail_conferences, confr);
+	assert(mc != NULL);
+	struct mail_area *ma = ptr_vector_get(&mc->mail_areas, area);
+	assert(ma != NULL);
+	jb = open_jam_base(ma->path);
 	if (!jb) {
-		dolog("Error opening JAM base.. %s", conf.mail_conferences[confr]->mail_areas[area]->path);
+		dolog("Error opening JAM base.. %s", ma->path);
 		return 0;
 	}
 
@@ -416,7 +442,7 @@ int l_postMessage(lua_State *L) {
 	jsf.Buffer = (char *)from;
 	JAM_PutSubfield(jsp, &jsf);
 
-	if (conf.mail_conferences[confr]->mail_areas[area]->type == TYPE_NEWSGROUP_AREA) {
+	if (ma->type == TYPE_NEWSGROUP_AREA) {
 		sprintf(buffer, "ALL");
 		jsf.LoID = JAMSFLD_RECVRNAME;
 		jsf.HiID = 0;
@@ -438,18 +464,20 @@ int l_postMessage(lua_State *L) {
 	jsf.Buffer = (char *)subject;
 	JAM_PutSubfield(jsp, &jsf);
 
-	if (conf.mail_conferences[confr]->mail_areas[area]->type == TYPE_ECHOMAIL_AREA || conf.mail_conferences[confr]->mail_areas[area]->type == TYPE_NEWSGROUP_AREA) {
+	if (ma->type == TYPE_ECHOMAIL_AREA || ma->type == TYPE_NEWSGROUP_AREA) {
 		jmh.Attribute |= JAM_MSG_TYPEECHO;
 
-		if (conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->point) {
-			sprintf(buffer, "%d:%d/%d.%d", conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->zone,
-			        conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->net,
-			        conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->node,
-			        conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->point);
+		if (mc->fidoaddr->point) {
+			snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d:%d/%d.%d",
+				 mc->fidoaddr->zone,
+			         mc->fidoaddr->net,
+			         mc->fidoaddr->node,
+			         mc->fidoaddr->point);
 		} else {
-			sprintf(buffer, "%d:%d/%d", conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->zone,
-			        conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->net,
-			        conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->node);
+			snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d:%d/%d",
+				 mc->fidoaddr->zone,
+			         mc->fidoaddr->net,
+			         mc->fidoaddr->node);
 		}
 		jsf.LoID = JAMSFLD_OADDRESS;
 		jsf.HiID = 0;
@@ -457,11 +485,12 @@ int l_postMessage(lua_State *L) {
 		jsf.Buffer = (char *)buffer;
 		JAM_PutSubfield(jsp, &jsf);
 
-		sprintf(buffer, "%d:%d/%d.%d %08lx", conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->zone,
-		        conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->net,
-		        conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->node,
-		        conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->point,
-		        generate_msgid());
+		snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d:%d/%d.%d %08lx",
+			 mc->fidoaddr->zone,
+		         mc->fidoaddr->net,
+		         mc->fidoaddr->node,
+		         mc->fidoaddr->point,
+		         generate_msgid());
 
 		jsf.LoID = JAMSFLD_MSGID;
 		jsf.HiID = 0;
@@ -469,8 +498,7 @@ int l_postMessage(lua_State *L) {
 		jsf.Buffer = (char *)buffer;
 		JAM_PutSubfield(jsp, &jsf);
 		jmh.MsgIdCRC = JAM_Crc32(buffer, strlen(buffer));
-
-	} else if (conf.mail_conferences[confr]->mail_areas[area]->type == TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA) {
+	} else if (ma->type == TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA) {
 		JAM_DelSubPacket(jsp);
 		JAM_CloseMB(jb);
 		free(jb);
@@ -492,30 +520,29 @@ int l_postMessage(lua_State *L) {
 	}
 
 	uname(&name);
-	if (conf.mail_conferences[confr]->tagline != NULL) {
-		tagline = conf.mail_conferences[confr]->tagline;
-	} else {
-		tagline = conf.default_tagline;
+	tagline = conf.default_tagline;
+	if (mc != NULL) {
+		tagline = mc->tagline;
 	}
 
-	if (conf.mail_conferences[confr]->nettype == NETWORK_FIDO) {
-		if (conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->point == 0) {
-			snprintf(buffer, 256, "\r--- MagickaBBS v%d.%d%s (%s/%s)\r * Origin: %s (%d:%d/%d)\r", VERSION_MAJOR, VERSION_MINOR, VERSION_STR, name.sysname, name.machine, tagline, conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->zone,
-			         conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->net,
-			         conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->node);
+	if (mc->nettype == NETWORK_FIDO) {
+		if (mc->fidoaddr->point == 0) {
+			snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "\r--- MagickaBBS v%d.%d%s (%s/%s)\r * Origin: %s (%d:%d/%d)\r",
+				 VERSION_MAJOR, VERSION_MINOR, VERSION_STR, name.sysname, name.machine, tagline,
+				 mc->fidoaddr->zone, mc->fidoaddr->net, mc->fidoaddr->node);
 		} else {
-			snprintf(buffer, 256, "\r--- MagickaBBS v%d.%d%s (%s/%s)\r * Origin: %s (%d:%d/%d.%d)\r", VERSION_MAJOR, VERSION_MINOR, VERSION_STR, name.sysname, name.machine, tagline, conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->zone,
-			         conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->net,
-			         conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->node,
-			         conf.mail_conferences[confr]->fidoaddr->point);
+			snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "\r--- MagickaBBS v%d.%d%s (%s/%s)\r * Origin: %s (%d:%d/%d.%d)\r",
+				 VERSION_MAJOR, VERSION_MINOR, VERSION_STR, name.sysname, name.machine, tagline,
+				 mc->fidoaddr->zone, mc->fidoaddr->net, mc->fidoaddr->node, mc->fidoaddr->point);
 		}
 	} else {
-		snprintf(buffer, 256, "\r--- MagickaBBS v%d.%d%s (%s/%s)\r * Origin: %s \r", VERSION_MAJOR, VERSION_MINOR, VERSION_STR, name.sysname, name.machine, tagline);
+		snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "\r--- MagickaBBS v%d.%d%s (%s/%s)\r * Origin: %s \r",
+		         VERSION_MAJOR, VERSION_MINOR, VERSION_STR, name.sysname, name.machine, tagline);
 	}
 
 	stralloc sa = EMPTY_STRALLOC;
 	stralloc_ready(&sa, strlen(body) + 2 + strlen(buffer));
-	for (char *p = body; *p != '\0'; ++p)
+	for (const char *p = body; *p != '\0'; ++p)
 		if (*p != '\n')
 			stralloc_append1(&sa, *p);
 	stralloc_cats(&sa, buffer);
@@ -538,7 +565,7 @@ int l_postMessage(lua_State *L) {
 	free(jb);
 	free(msg);
 
-	if (conf.mail_conferences[confr]->mail_areas[area]->type == TYPE_ECHOMAIL_AREA || conf.mail_conferences[confr]->mail_areas[area]->type == TYPE_NEWSGROUP_AREA) {
+	if (ma->type == TYPE_ECHOMAIL_AREA || ma->type == TYPE_NEWSGROUP_AREA) {
 		if (conf.echomail_sem != NULL) {
 			sem_fd = open(conf.echomail_sem, O_RDWR | O_CREAT | O_TRUNC, S_IWUSR | S_IRUSR | S_IRGRP | S_IROTH);
 			close(sem_fd);
@@ -616,9 +643,9 @@ void do_lua_script(char *script) {
 	}
 
 	if (script[0] == '/') {
-		snprintf(buffer, PATH_MAX, "%s.lua", script);
+		snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%s.lua", script);
 	} else {
-		snprintf(buffer, PATH_MAX, "%s/%s.lua", conf.script_path, script);
+		snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%s/%s.lua", conf.script_path, script);
 	}
 
 	L = luaL_newstate();
diff --git a/src/mail_menu.c b/src/mail_menu.c
index 486315e..0c8d95d 100644
--- a/src/mail_menu.c
+++ b/src/mail_menu.c
@@ -8,13 +8,16 @@
 #include <sys/utsname.h>
 #include <sys/file.h>
 #include <fcntl.h>
+
 #include "jamlib/jam.h"
-#include "bbs.h"
 #include "lua/lua.h"
 #include "lua/lualib.h"
 #include "lua/lauxlib.h"
 #include "libuuid/uuid.h"
 
+#include "bbs.h"
+#include "mail_utils.h"
+
 #ifdef __sun
 #include "os/sunos.h"
 #endif
@@ -99,7 +102,7 @@ unsigned long generate_msgid() {
 			dolog("Unable to open message id log");
 		}
 	}
-	sprintf(buffer, "%lX", lastid);
+	snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%lX", lastid);
 	return strtoul(&buffer[strlen(buffer) - 8], NULL, 16);
 }
 
@@ -108,27 +111,13 @@ void free_message_headers(struct msg_headers *msghs) {
 
 	for (i = 0; i < msghs->msg_count; i++) {
 		free(msghs->msgs[i]->msg_h);
-		if (msghs->msgs[i]->from != NULL) {
-			free(msghs->msgs[i]->from);
-		}
-		if (msghs->msgs[i]->to != NULL) {
-			free(msghs->msgs[i]->to);
-		}
-		if (msghs->msgs[i]->from != NULL) {
-			free(msghs->msgs[i]->subject);
-		}
-		if (msghs->msgs[i]->oaddress != NULL) {
-			free(msghs->msgs[i]->oaddress);
-		}
-		if (msghs->msgs[i]->daddress != NULL) {
-			free(msghs->msgs[i]->daddress);
-		}
-		if (msghs->msgs[i]->msgid != NULL) {
-			free(msghs->msgs[i]->msgid);
-		}
-		if (msghs->msgs[i]->replyid != NULL) {
-			free(msghs->msgs[i]->replyid);
-		}
+		free(msghs->msgs[i]->from);
+		free(msghs->msgs[i]->to);
+		free(msghs->msgs[i]->subject);
+		free(msghs->msgs[i]->oaddress);
+		free(msghs->msgs[i]->daddress);
+		free(msghs->msgs[i]->msgid);
+		free(msghs->msgs[i]->replyid);
 		free(msghs->msgs[i]);
 	}
 	if (msghs->msg_count > 0) {
@@ -139,21 +128,20 @@ void free_message_headers(struct msg_headers *msghs) {
 
 int msg_is_to(struct user_record *user, char *addressed_to, char *address, int type, int rn, int msgconf) {
 	char *myname;
-	struct fido_addr *dest;
-	int j;
-	int magi_dest;
 	if (rn) {
 		myname = str3dup(user->firstname, " ", user->lastname);
 	} else {
 		myname = strdup(user->loginname);
 	}
+	struct mail_conference *mc = ptr_vector_get(&conf.mail_conferences, msgconf);
+	assert(mc != NULL);
 	if (type == NETWORK_FIDO && address != NULL) {
 		if (strcasecmp(myname, addressed_to) == 0) {
-			dest = parse_fido_addr(address);
-			if (conf.mail_conferences[msgconf]->fidoaddr->zone == dest->zone &&
-			    conf.mail_conferences[msgconf]->fidoaddr->net == dest->net &&
-			    conf.mail_conferences[msgconf]->fidoaddr->node == dest->node &&
-			    conf.mail_conferences[msgconf]->fidoaddr->point == dest->point) {
+			struct fido_addr *dest = parse_fido_addr(address);
+			if (mc->fidoaddr->zone == dest->zone &&
+			    mc->fidoaddr->net == dest->net &&
+			    mc->fidoaddr->node == dest->node &&
+			    mc->fidoaddr->point == dest->point) {
 				free(dest);
 				free(myname);
 				return 1;
@@ -164,8 +152,8 @@ int msg_is_to(struct user_record *user, char *addressed_to, char *address, int t
 		return 0;
 	} else if (type == NETWORK_MAGI && address != NULL) {
 		if (strcasecmp(myname, addressed_to) == 0) {
-			magi_dest = atoi(address);
-			if (magi_dest == conf.mail_conferences[msgconf]->maginode) {
+			int magi_dest = atoi(address);
+			if (magi_dest == mc->maginode) {
 				free(myname);
 				return 1;
 			}
@@ -184,22 +172,21 @@ int msg_is_to(struct user_record *user, char *addressed_to, char *address, int t
 
 int msg_is_from(struct user_record *user, char *addressed_from, char *address, int type, int rn, int msgconf) {
 	char *myname;
-	struct fido_addr *orig;
-	int j;
-	int magi_orig;
 
 	if (rn) {
 		myname = str3dup(user->firstname, " ", user->lastname);
 	} else {
 		myname = strdup(user->loginname);
 	}
+	struct mail_conference *mc = ptr_vector_get(&conf.mail_conferences, msgconf);
+	assert(mc != NULL);
 	if (type == NETWORK_FIDO && address != NULL) {
 		if (strcasecmp(myname, addressed_from) == 0) {
-			orig = parse_fido_addr(address);
-			if (conf.mail_conferences[msgconf]->fidoaddr->zone == orig->zone &&
-			    conf.mail_conferences[msgconf]->fidoaddr->net == orig->net &&
-			    conf.mail_conferences[msgconf]->fidoaddr->node == orig->node &&
-			    conf.mail_conferences[msgconf]->fidoaddr->point == orig->point) {
+			struct fido_addr *orig = parse_fido_addr(address);
+			if (mc->fidoaddr->zone == orig->zone &&
+			    mc->fidoaddr->net == orig->net &&
+			    mc->fidoaddr->node == orig->node &&
+			    mc->fidoaddr->point == orig->point) {
 				free(orig);
 				free(myname);
 				return 1;
@@ -210,8 +197,8 @@ int msg_is_from(struct user_record *user, char *addressed_from, char *address, i
 		return 0;
 	} else if (type == NETWORK_MAGI && address != NULL) {
 		if (strcasecmp(myname, addressed_from) == 0) {
-			magi_orig = atoi(address);
-			if (magi_orig == conf.mail_conferences[msgconf]->maginode) {
+			int magi_orig = atoi(address);
+			if (magi_orig == mc->maginode) {
 				free(myname);
 				return 1;
 			}
@@ -243,149 +230,122 @@ struct msg_headers *read_message_headers(int msgconf, int msgarea, struct user_r
 
 	struct fido_addr *dest;
 	struct msg_headers *msghs = NULL;
+	struct mail_conference *mc = ptr_vector_get(&conf.mail_conferences, msgconf);
+	assert(mc != NULL);
+	struct mail_area *area = ptr_vector_get(&mc->mail_areas, msgarea);
+	assert(area != NULL);
 
-	jb = open_jam_base(conf.mail_conferences[msgconf]->mail_areas[msgarea]->path);
+	jb = open_jam_base(area->path);
 	if (!jb) {
-		dolog("Error opening JAM base.. %s", conf.mail_conferences[msgconf]->mail_areas[msgarea]->path);
+		dolog("Error opening JAM base.. %s", area->path);
 		return NULL;
 	}
 
 	JAM_ReadMBHeader(jb, &jbh);
 
-	if (jbh.ActiveMsgs > 0) {
-		init_ptr_vector(&vec);
-		msghs = (struct msg_headers *)malloz(sizeof(struct msg_headers));
-		msghs->msg_count = 0;
-		k = 0;
-		for (i = 0; k < jbh.ActiveMsgs; i++) {
-
-			memset(&jmh, 0, sizeof(s_JamMsgHeader));
-			z = JAM_ReadMsgHeader(jb, i, &jmh, &jsp);
-			if (z != 0) {
-				dolog("Failed to read msg header: %d Erro %d", z, JAM_Errno(jb));
-				continue;
-			}
-
-			if (jmh.Attribute & JAM_MSG_DELETED) {
-				JAM_DelSubPacket(jsp);
-				continue;
-			}
-
-			jamm = (struct jam_msg *)malloz(sizeof(struct jam_msg));
-
-			jamm->msg_no = i;
-			jamm->msg_h = (s_JamMsgHeader *)malloz(sizeof(s_JamMsgHeader));
-			memcpy(jamm->msg_h, &jmh, sizeof(s_JamMsgHeader));
-			jamm->from = NULL;
-			jamm->to = NULL;
-			jamm->subject = NULL;
-			jamm->oaddress = NULL;
-			jamm->daddress = NULL;
-			jamm->msgid = NULL;
-			jamm->replyid = NULL;
-
-			for (z = 0; z < jsp->NumFields; z++) {
-				if (jsp->Fields[z]->LoID == JAMSFLD_SUBJECT) {
-					jamm->subject = strndup(jsp->Fields[z]->Buffer, jsp->Fields[z]->DatLen);
-				} else if (jsp->Fields[z]->LoID == JAMSFLD_SENDERNAME) {
-					jamm->from = strndup(jsp->Fields[z]->Buffer, jsp->Fields[z]->DatLen);
-				} else if (jsp->Fields[z]->LoID == JAMSFLD_RECVRNAME) {
-					jamm->to = strndup(jsp->Fields[z]->Buffer, jsp->Fields[z]->DatLen);
-				} else if (jsp->Fields[z]->LoID == JAMSFLD_DADDRESS) {
-					jamm->daddress = strndup(jsp->Fields[z]->Buffer, jsp->Fields[z]->DatLen);
-				} else if (jsp->Fields[z]->LoID == JAMSFLD_OADDRESS) {
-					jamm->oaddress = strndup(jsp->Fields[z]->Buffer, jsp->Fields[z]->DatLen);
-				} else if (jsp->Fields[z]->LoID == JAMSFLD_MSGID) {
-					jamm->msgid = strndup(jsp->Fields[z]->Buffer, jsp->Fields[z]->DatLen);
-				} else if (jsp->Fields[z]->LoID == JAMSFLD_REPLYID) {
-					jamm->replyid = strndup(jsp->Fields[z]->Buffer, jsp->Fields[z]->DatLen);
-				}
-			}
-			JAM_DelSubPacket(jsp);
-
-			if (jamm->subject == NULL) {
-				jamm->subject = strdup("(No Subject)");
-			}
-			if (jamm->from == NULL) {
-				jamm->from = strdup("(No Sender)");
-			}
-			if (jamm->to == NULL) {
-				jamm->to = strdup("(No Recipient)");
-			}
-			if (jmh.Attribute & JAM_MSG_PRIVATE) {
-				if (!msg_is_to(user, jamm->to, jamm->daddress, conf.mail_conferences[msgconf]->nettype, conf.mail_conferences[msgconf]->realnames, msgconf) &&
-				    !msg_is_from(user, jamm->from, jamm->oaddress, conf.mail_conferences[msgconf]->nettype, conf.mail_conferences[msgconf]->realnames, msgconf) &&
-				    !msg_is_to(user, jamm->to, jamm->daddress, conf.mail_conferences[msgconf]->nettype, !conf.mail_conferences[msgconf]->realnames, msgconf) &&
-				    !msg_is_from(user, jamm->from, jamm->oaddress, conf.mail_conferences[msgconf]->nettype, !conf.mail_conferences[msgconf]->realnames, msgconf)) {
-
-					if (jamm->subject != NULL) {
-						free(jamm->subject);
-					}
-					if (jamm->from != NULL) {
-						free(jamm->from);
-					}
-					if (jamm->to != NULL) {
-						free(jamm->to);
-					}
-					if (jamm->oaddress != NULL) {
-						free(jamm->oaddress);
-					}
-					if (jamm->daddress != NULL) {
-						free(jamm->daddress);
-					}
-					if (jamm->msgid != NULL) {
-						free(jamm->msgid);
-					}
-					if (jamm->replyid != NULL) {
-						free(jamm->replyid);
-					}
-					free(jamm->msg_h);
-					free(jamm);
-					k++;
-					continue;
-				}
-			} else if (personal) {
-				if (!msg_is_to(user, jamm->to, jamm->daddress, conf.mail_conferences[msgconf]->nettype, conf.mail_conferences[msgconf]->realnames, msgconf) &&
-				    !msg_is_to(user, jamm->to, jamm->daddress, conf.mail_conferences[msgconf]->nettype, !conf.mail_conferences[msgconf]->realnames, msgconf)) {
-
-					if (jamm->subject != NULL) {
-						free(jamm->subject);
-					}
-					if (jamm->from != NULL) {
-						free(jamm->from);
-					}
-					if (jamm->to != NULL) {
-						free(jamm->to);
-					}
-					if (jamm->oaddress != NULL) {
-						free(jamm->oaddress);
-					}
-					if (jamm->daddress != NULL) {
-						free(jamm->daddress);
-					}
-					if (jamm->msgid != NULL) {
-						free(jamm->msgid);
-					}
-					if (jamm->replyid != NULL) {
-						free(jamm->replyid);
-					}
-					free(jamm->msg_h);
-					free(jamm);
-					k++;
-					continue;
-				}
-			}
-
-			ptr_vector_append(&vec, jamm);
-			k++;
-		}
-		msghs->msg_count = ptr_vector_len(&vec);
-		msghs->msgs = (struct jam_msg **)consume_ptr_vector(&vec);
-	} else {
+	if (jbh.ActiveMsgs <= 0) {
 		JAM_CloseMB(jb);
 		free(jb);
 		return NULL;
 	}
+	init_ptr_vector(&vec);
+	msghs = (struct msg_headers *)malloz(sizeof(struct msg_headers));
+	msghs->msg_count = 0;
+	k = 0;
+	for (i = 0; k < jbh.ActiveMsgs; i++) {
+		memset(&jmh, 0, sizeof(s_JamMsgHeader));
+		z = JAM_ReadMsgHeader(jb, i, &jmh, &jsp);
+		if (z != 0) {
+			dolog("Failed to read msg header: %d Erro %d", z, JAM_Errno(jb));
+			continue;
+		}
+
+		if (jmh.Attribute & JAM_MSG_DELETED) {
+			JAM_DelSubPacket(jsp);
+			continue;
+		}
+
+		jamm = (struct jam_msg *)malloz(sizeof(struct jam_msg));
+		jamm->msg_no = i;
+		jamm->msg_h = (s_JamMsgHeader *)malloz(sizeof(s_JamMsgHeader));
+		memcpy(jamm->msg_h, &jmh, sizeof(s_JamMsgHeader));
+		jamm->from = NULL;
+		jamm->to = NULL;
+		jamm->subject = NULL;
+		jamm->oaddress = NULL;
+		jamm->daddress = NULL;
+		jamm->msgid = NULL;
+		jamm->replyid = NULL;
+
+		for (z = 0; z < jsp->NumFields; z++) {
+			if (jsp->Fields[z]->LoID == JAMSFLD_SUBJECT) {
+				jamm->subject = strndup(jsp->Fields[z]->Buffer, jsp->Fields[z]->DatLen);
+			} else if (jsp->Fields[z]->LoID == JAMSFLD_SENDERNAME) {
+				jamm->from = strndup(jsp->Fields[z]->Buffer, jsp->Fields[z]->DatLen);
+			} else if (jsp->Fields[z]->LoID == JAMSFLD_RECVRNAME) {
+				jamm->to = strndup(jsp->Fields[z]->Buffer, jsp->Fields[z]->DatLen);
+			} else if (jsp->Fields[z]->LoID == JAMSFLD_DADDRESS) {
+				jamm->daddress = strndup(jsp->Fields[z]->Buffer, jsp->Fields[z]->DatLen);
+			} else if (jsp->Fields[z]->LoID == JAMSFLD_OADDRESS) {
+				jamm->oaddress = strndup(jsp->Fields[z]->Buffer, jsp->Fields[z]->DatLen);
+			} else if (jsp->Fields[z]->LoID == JAMSFLD_MSGID) {
+				jamm->msgid = strndup(jsp->Fields[z]->Buffer, jsp->Fields[z]->DatLen);
+			} else if (jsp->Fields[z]->LoID == JAMSFLD_REPLYID) {
+				jamm->replyid = strndup(jsp->Fields[z]->Buffer, jsp->Fields[z]->DatLen);
+			}
+		}
+		JAM_DelSubPacket(jsp);
+
+		if (jamm->subject == NULL) {
+			jamm->subject = strdup("(No Subject)");
+		}
+		if (jamm->from == NULL) {
+			jamm->from = strdup("(No Sender)");
+		}
+		if (jamm->to == NULL) {
+			jamm->to = strdup("(No Recipient)");
+		}
+		if (jmh.Attribute & JAM_MSG_PRIVATE) {
+			if (!msg_is_to(user, jamm->to, jamm->daddress, mc->nettype, mc->realnames, msgconf) &&
+			    !msg_is_from(user, jamm->from, jamm->oaddress, mc->nettype, mc->realnames, msgconf) &&
+			    !msg_is_to(user, jamm->to, jamm->daddress, mc->nettype, !mc->realnames, msgconf) &&
+			    !msg_is_from(user, jamm->from, jamm->oaddress, mc->nettype, !mc->realnames, msgconf)) {
+				free(jamm->subject);
+				free(jamm->from);
+				free(jamm->to);
+				free(jamm->oaddress);
+				free(jamm->daddress);
+				free(jamm->msgid);
+				free(jamm->replyid);
+				free(jamm->msg_h);
+				free(jamm);
+				k++;
+				continue;
+			}
+		} else if (personal) {
+			if (!msg_is_to(user, jamm->to, jamm->daddress, mc->nettype, mc->realnames, msgconf) &&
+			    !msg_is_to(user, jamm->to, jamm->daddress, mc->nettype, !mc->realnames, msgconf)) {
+
+				free(jamm->subject);
+				free(jamm->from);
+				free(jamm->to);
+				free(jamm->oaddress);
+				free(jamm->daddress);
+				free(jamm->msgid);
+				free(jamm->replyid);
+				free(jamm->msg_h);
+				free(jamm);
+				k++;
+				continue;
+			}
+		}
+
+		ptr_vector_append(&vec, jamm);
+		k++;
+	}
+	msghs->msg_count = ptr_vector_len(&vec);
+	msghs->msgs = (struct jam_msg **)consume_ptr_vector(&vec);
+
 	JAM_CloseMB(jb);
 	free(jb);
 	return msghs;
@@ -413,15 +373,11 @@ char *external_editor(struct user_record *user, char *to, char *from, char *quot
 			c = 'y';
 		}
 		if (tolower(c) == 'y') {
-
-			sprintf(buffer, "%s/node%d", conf.bbs_path, mynode);
-
+			snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%s/node%d", conf.bbs_path, mynode);
 			if (stat(buffer, &s) != 0) {
 				mkdir(buffer, 0755);
 			}
-
-			sprintf(buffer, "%s/node%d/MSGTMP", conf.bbs_path, mynode);
-
+			strlcat(buffer, "/MSGTMP", sizeof buffer);
 			if (stat(buffer, &s) == 0) {
 				remove(buffer);
 			}
@@ -443,7 +399,7 @@ char *external_editor(struct user_record *user, char *to, char *from, char *quot
 				}
 				fclose(fptr);
 			}
-			sprintf(buffer, "%s/node%d/MSGINF", conf.bbs_path, mynode);
+			snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%s/node%d/MSGINF", conf.bbs_path, mynode);
 			fptr = fopen(buffer, "w");
 			fprintf(fptr, "%s\r\n", user->loginname);
 			if (qfrom != NULL) {
@@ -458,8 +414,9 @@ char *external_editor(struct user_record *user, char *to, char *from, char *quot
 				fprintf(fptr, "YES\r\n");
 			} else {
 				if (!sig) {
-					fprintf(fptr, "%s\r\n", conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->name);
-					if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->type == TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA) {
+					struct mail_area *area = get_user_area(user);
+					fprintf(fptr, "%s\r\n", area->name);
+					if (area->type == TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA) {
 						fprintf(fptr, "YES\r\n");
 					} else {
 						fprintf(fptr, "NO\r\n");
@@ -474,7 +431,7 @@ char *external_editor(struct user_record *user, char *to, char *from, char *quot
 			rundoor(user, conf.external_editor_cmd, conf.external_editor_stdio, conf.external_editor_codepage);
 
 			// readin msgtmp
-			sprintf(buffer, "%s/node%d/MSGTMP", conf.bbs_path, mynode);
+			snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%s/node%d/MSGTMP", conf.bbs_path, mynode);
 			body = file2str(buffer);
 
 			if (body == NULL) {
@@ -486,33 +443,37 @@ char *external_editor(struct user_record *user, char *to, char *from, char *quot
 			if (email == 1) {
 				tagline = conf.default_tagline;
 			} else {
-				if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->tagline != NULL) {
-					tagline = conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->tagline;
-				} else {
-					tagline = conf.default_tagline;
+				tagline = conf.default_tagline;
+				struct mail_conference *mc = get_user_conf(user);
+				if (mc->tagline != NULL) {
+					tagline = mc->tagline;
 				}
 			}
 
 			if (!sig) {
 				uname(&name);
 
-				if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->nettype == NETWORK_FIDO && !email) {
-					if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->point == 0) {
-						snprintf(buffer, 256, "\r--- MagickaBBS v%d.%d%s (%s/%s)\r * Origin: %s (%d:%d/%d)\r", VERSION_MAJOR, VERSION_MINOR, VERSION_STR, name.sysname, name.machine, tagline, conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->zone,
-						         conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->net,
-						         conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->node);
+				struct mail_conference *mc = get_user_conf(user);
+				if (mc->nettype == NETWORK_FIDO && !email) {
+					if (mc->fidoaddr->point == 0) {
+						snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "\r--- MagickaBBS v%d.%d%s (%s/%s)\r * Origin: %s (%d:%d/%d)\r",
+							 VERSION_MAJOR, VERSION_MINOR, VERSION_STR, name.sysname, name.machine, tagline,
+							 mc->fidoaddr->zone, mc->fidoaddr->net, mc->fidoaddr->node);
 					} else {
-						snprintf(buffer, 256, "\r--- MagickaBBS v%d.%d%s (%s/%s)\r * Origin: %s (%d:%d/%d.%d)\r", VERSION_MAJOR, VERSION_MINOR, VERSION_STR, name.sysname, name.machine, tagline, conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->zone,
-						         conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->net,
-						         conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->node,
-						         conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->point);
+						snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "\r--- MagickaBBS v%d.%d%s (%s/%s)\r * Origin: %s (%d:%d/%d.%d)\r",
+							 VERSION_MAJOR, VERSION_MINOR, VERSION_STR, name.sysname, name.machine, tagline,
+							 mc->fidoaddr->zone, mc->fidoaddr->net, mc->fidoaddr->node, mc->fidoaddr->point);
 					}
-				} else if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->nettype == NETWORK_MAGI && !email) {
-					snprintf(buffer, 256, "\r--- MagickaBBS v%d.%d%s (%s/%s)\r * Origin: %s (@%d)\r", VERSION_MAJOR, VERSION_MINOR, VERSION_STR, name.sysname, name.machine, tagline, conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->maginode);
-				} else if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->nettype == NETWORK_QWK && !email) {
-					snprintf(buffer, 256, "\r--- MagickaBBS v%d.%d%s (%s/%s)\r * Origin: %s (%s)\r", VERSION_MAJOR, VERSION_MINOR, VERSION_STR, name.sysname, name.machine, tagline, conf.bwave_name);
+				} else if (mc->nettype == NETWORK_MAGI && !email) {
+					snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "\r--- MagickaBBS v%d.%d%s (%s/%s)\r * Origin: %s (@%d)\r",
+						 VERSION_MAJOR, VERSION_MINOR, VERSION_STR, name.sysname, name.machine, tagline,
+						 mc->maginode);
+				} else if (mc->nettype == NETWORK_QWK && !email) {
+					snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "\r--- MagickaBBS v%d.%d%s (%s/%s)\r * Origin: %s (%s)\r",
+						 VERSION_MAJOR, VERSION_MINOR, VERSION_STR, name.sysname, name.machine, tagline,
+						 conf.bwave_name);
 				} else {
-					snprintf(buffer, 256, "\r");
+					snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "\r");
 				}
 				if (user->autosig) {
 					body2 = (char *)malloz(totlen + 3 + strlen(buffer) + strlen(user->signature));
@@ -526,7 +487,6 @@ char *external_editor(struct user_record *user, char *to, char *from, char *quot
 			}
 
 			j = 0;
-
 			for (i = 0; i < totlen; i++) {
 				if (body[i] == '\n') {
 					continue;
@@ -623,30 +583,37 @@ char *editor(struct user_record *user, char *quote, int quotelen, char *from, in
 				}
 				size++;
 
-				if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->tagline != NULL) {
-					tagline = conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->tagline;
-				} else {
-					tagline = conf.default_tagline;
+				tagline = conf.default_tagline;
+				struct mail_conference *mc = get_user_conf(user);
+				if (mc->tagline != NULL) {
+					tagline = mc->tagline;
 				}
 				if (!sig) {
 					uname(&name);
-					if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->nettype == NETWORK_FIDO && !email) {
-						if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->point == 0) {
-							snprintf(buffer, 256, "\r--- MagickaBBS v%d.%d%s (%s/%s)\r * Origin: %s (%d:%d/%d)\r", VERSION_MAJOR, VERSION_MINOR, VERSION_STR, name.sysname, name.machine, tagline, conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->zone,
-							         conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->net,
-							         conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->node);
+					if (mc->nettype == NETWORK_FIDO && !email) {
+						if (mc->fidoaddr->point == 0) {
+							snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer,
+								 "\r--- MagickaBBS v%d.%d%s (%s/%s)\r * Origin: %s (%d:%d/%d)\r",
+								 VERSION_MAJOR, VERSION_MINOR, VERSION_STR, name.sysname, name.machine, tagline,
+								 mc->fidoaddr->zone, mc->fidoaddr->net, mc->fidoaddr->node);
 						} else {
-							snprintf(buffer, 256, "\r--- MagickaBBS v%d.%d%s (%s/%s)\r * Origin: %s (%d:%d/%d.%d)\r", VERSION_MAJOR, VERSION_MINOR, VERSION_STR, name.sysname, name.machine, tagline, conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->zone,
-							         conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->net,
-							         conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->node,
-							         conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->point);
+							snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer,
+								 "\r--- MagickaBBS v%d.%d%s (%s/%s)\r * Origin: %s (%d:%d/%d.%d)\r",
+								 VERSION_MAJOR, VERSION_MINOR, VERSION_STR, name.sysname, name.machine, tagline,
+								 mc->fidoaddr->zone, mc->fidoaddr->net, mc->fidoaddr->node, mc->fidoaddr->point);
 						}
-					} else if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->nettype == NETWORK_MAGI && !email) {
-						snprintf(buffer, 256, "\r--- MagickaBBS v%d.%d%s (%s/%s)\r * Origin: %s (@%d)\r", VERSION_MAJOR, VERSION_MINOR, VERSION_STR, name.sysname, name.machine, tagline, conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->maginode);
-					} else if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->nettype == NETWORK_QWK && !email) {
-						snprintf(buffer, 256, "\r--- MagickaBBS v%d.%d%s (%s/%s)\r * Origin: %s (%s)\r", VERSION_MAJOR, VERSION_MINOR, VERSION_STR, name.sysname, name.machine, tagline, conf.bwave_name);
+					} else if (mc->nettype == NETWORK_MAGI && !email) {
+						snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer,
+						         "\r--- MagickaBBS v%d.%d%s (%s/%s)\r * Origin: %s (@%d)\r",
+							 VERSION_MAJOR, VERSION_MINOR, VERSION_STR, name.sysname, name.machine, tagline,
+							 mc->maginode);
+					} else if (mc->nettype == NETWORK_QWK && !email) {
+						snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer,
+							 "\r--- MagickaBBS v%d.%d%s (%s/%s)\r * Origin: %s (%s)\r",
+							 VERSION_MAJOR, VERSION_MINOR, VERSION_STR, name.sysname, name.machine, tagline,
+							 conf.bwave_name);
 					} else {
-						snprintf(buffer, 256, "\r");
+						strlcpy(buffer, "\r", sizeof buffer);
 					}
 					if (user->autosig) {
 						size += 3;
@@ -1450,9 +1417,10 @@ int read_message(struct user_record *user, struct msg_headers *msghs, int mailno
 
 	init_ptr_vector(&msg_lines);
 
-	jb = open_jam_base(conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->path);
+	struct mail_area *ma = get_user_area(user);
+	jb = open_jam_base(ma->path);
 	if (!jb) {
-		dolog("Error opening JAM base.. %s", conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->path);
+		dolog("Error opening JAM base.. %s", ma->path);
 		return 0;
 	}
 
@@ -1469,24 +1437,27 @@ int read_message(struct user_record *user, struct msg_headers *msghs, int mailno
 			jlr.HighReadMsg = msghs->msgs[mailno]->msg_h->MsgNum;
 		}
 
-		if (msghs->msgs[mailno]->oaddress != NULL && conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->nettype == NETWORK_FIDO) {
+		struct mail_conference *mc = get_user_conf(user);
+		if (msghs->msgs[mailno]->oaddress != NULL && mc->nettype == NETWORK_FIDO) {
 			from_addr = parse_fido_addr(msghs->msgs[mailno]->oaddress);
 			s_printf(get_string(105), msghs->msgs[mailno]->from, from_addr->zone, from_addr->net, from_addr->node, from_addr->point);
 			free(from_addr);
-		} else if (msghs->msgs[mailno]->oaddress != NULL && conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->nettype == NETWORK_MAGI) {
+		} else if (msghs->msgs[mailno]->oaddress != NULL && mc->nettype == NETWORK_MAGI) {
 			s_printf(get_string(288), msghs->msgs[mailno]->from, atoi(msghs->msgs[mailno]->oaddress));
-		} else if (msghs->msgs[mailno]->oaddress != NULL && conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->nettype == NETWORK_QWK) {
+		} else if (msghs->msgs[mailno]->oaddress != NULL && mc->nettype == NETWORK_QWK) {
 			s_printf(get_string(289), msghs->msgs[mailno]->from, msghs->msgs[mailno]->oaddress);
 		} else {
 			s_printf(get_string(106), msghs->msgs[mailno]->from);
 		}
-		s_printf(get_string(107), msghs->msgs[mailno]->to, conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->name);
-		s_printf(get_string(108), msghs->msgs[mailno]->subject, conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->name);
+		struct mail_area *ma = get_user_area(user);
+		s_printf(get_string(107), msghs->msgs[mailno]->to, mc->name);
+		s_printf(get_string(108), msghs->msgs[mailno]->subject, ma->name);
 		gmtime_r((time_t *)&msghs->msgs[mailno]->msg_h->DateWritten, &msg_date);
-		sprintf(buffer, "%s", asctime(&msg_date));
+		snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%s", asctime(&msg_date));
 		buffer[strlen(buffer) - 1] = '\0';
 		s_printf(get_string(109), buffer, mailno + 1, msghs->msg_count);
-		s_printf(get_string(110), (msghs->msgs[mailno]->msg_h->Attribute & JAM_MSG_SENT ? "SENT" : ""), (msgbase_is_flagged(user, user->cur_mail_conf, user->cur_mail_area, msghs->msgs[mailno]->msg_h->MsgNum) ? "FLAGGED" : ""));
+		s_printf(get_string(110), (msghs->msgs[mailno]->msg_h->Attribute & JAM_MSG_SENT ? "SENT" : ""),
+			 (msgbase_is_flagged(user, user->cur_mail_conf, user->cur_mail_area, msghs->msgs[mailno]->msg_h->MsgNum) ? "FLAGGED" : ""));
 		s_printf(get_string(111));
 
 		body = (char *)malloz(msghs->msgs[mailno]->msg_h->TxtLen);
@@ -1606,16 +1577,17 @@ int read_message(struct user_record *user, struct msg_headers *msghs, int mailno
 			JAM_CloseMB(jb);
 			free(jb);
 			jb = NULL;
-			if (user->sec_level < conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->write_sec_level) {
+			struct mail_area *ma = get_user_area(user);
+			if (user->sec_level < ma->write_sec_level) {
 				s_printf(get_string(113));
-				jb = open_jam_base(conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->path);
+				jb = open_jam_base(ma->path);
 			} else {
-				if (msghs->msgs[mailno]->subject != NULL) {
-					if (strncasecmp(msghs->msgs[mailno]->subject, "RE:", 3) != 0) {
-						snprintf(buffer, 256, "RE: %s", msghs->msgs[mailno]->subject);
-					} else {
-						snprintf(buffer, 256, "%s", msghs->msgs[mailno]->subject);
-					}
+				const char *old_subject = msghs->msgs[mailno]->subject;
+				if (old_subject != NULL) {
+					*buffer = '\0';
+					if (strncasecmp(old_subject, "RE:", 3) != 0)
+						strlcpy(buffer, "RE: ", sizeof buffer);
+					strlcat(buffer, old_subject, sizeof buffer);
 				}
 				subject = strdup(buffer);
 
@@ -1632,21 +1604,21 @@ int read_message(struct user_record *user, struct msg_headers *msghs, int mailno
 				if (msghs->msgs[mailno]->from != NULL) {
 					strlcpy(buffer, msghs->msgs[mailno]->from, sizeof buffer);
 				}
-				if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->realnames == 0) {
+				struct mail_conference *mc = get_user_conf(user);
+				if (mc->realnames == 0) {
 					from = strdup(user->loginname);
 				} else {
 					from = str3dup(user->firstname, " ", user->lastname);
 				}
-				if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->type == TYPE_NEWSGROUP_AREA) {
+				if (ma->type == TYPE_NEWSGROUP_AREA) {
 					free(to);
 					to = strdup("ALL");
 				}
 				replybody = external_editor(user, to, from, body, z2, msghs->msgs[mailno]->from, subject, 0, 0);
 				if (replybody != NULL) {
-
-					jb = open_jam_base(conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->path);
+					jb = open_jam_base(ma->path);
 					if (!jb) {
-						dolog("Error opening JAM base.. %s", conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->path);
+						dolog("Error opening JAM base.. %s", ma->path);
 						free(replybody);
 						free(body);
 						free(subject);
@@ -1680,19 +1652,17 @@ int read_message(struct user_record *user, struct msg_headers *msghs, int mailno
 					jsf.Buffer = (char *)subject;
 					JAM_PutSubfield(jsp, &jsf);
 
-					if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->type == TYPE_ECHOMAIL_AREA || conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->type == TYPE_NEWSGROUP_AREA) {
+					if (ma->type == TYPE_ECHOMAIL_AREA || ma->type == TYPE_NEWSGROUP_AREA) {
 						jmh.Attribute |= JAM_MSG_TYPEECHO;
 
-						if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->nettype == NETWORK_FIDO) {
-							if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->point) {
-								sprintf(buffer, "%d:%d/%d.%d", conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->zone,
-								        conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->net,
-								        conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->node,
-								        conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->point);
+						if (mc->nettype == NETWORK_FIDO) {
+							if (mc->fidoaddr->point) {
+								snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d:%d/%d.%d",
+									 mc->fidoaddr->zone, mc->fidoaddr->net, mc->fidoaddr->node,
+									 mc->fidoaddr->point);
 							} else {
-								sprintf(buffer, "%d:%d/%d", conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->zone,
-								        conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->net,
-								        conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->node);
+								snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d:%d/%d",
+									 mc->fidoaddr->zone, mc->fidoaddr->net, mc->fidoaddr->node);
 							}
 							jsf.LoID = JAMSFLD_OADDRESS;
 							jsf.HiID = 0;
@@ -1700,11 +1670,12 @@ int read_message(struct user_record *user, struct msg_headers *msghs, int mailno
 							jsf.Buffer = (char *)buffer;
 							JAM_PutSubfield(jsp, &jsf);
 
-							sprintf(buffer, "%d:%d/%d.%d %08lx", conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->zone,
-							        conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->net,
-							        conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->node,
-							        conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->point,
-							        generate_msgid());
+							snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d:%d/%d.%d %08lx",
+								 mc->fidoaddr->zone,
+							         mc->fidoaddr->net,
+							         mc->fidoaddr->node,
+							         mc->fidoaddr->point,
+							         generate_msgid());
 
 							jsf.LoID = JAMSFLD_MSGID;
 							jsf.HiID = 0;
@@ -1713,7 +1684,7 @@ int read_message(struct user_record *user, struct msg_headers *msghs, int mailno
 							JAM_PutSubfield(jsp, &jsf);
 
 							if (msghs->msgs[mailno]->msgid != NULL) {
-								sprintf(buffer, "%s", msghs->msgs[mailno]->msgid);
+								strlcpy(buffer, msghs->msgs[mailno]->msgid, sizeof buffer);
 								jsf.LoID = JAMSFLD_REPLYID;
 								jsf.HiID = 0;
 								jsf.DatLen = strlen(buffer);
@@ -1722,8 +1693,8 @@ int read_message(struct user_record *user, struct msg_headers *msghs, int mailno
 								jmh.ReplyCRC = JAM_Crc32(buffer, strlen(buffer));
 							}
 
-						} else if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->nettype == NETWORK_MAGI) {
-							sprintf(buffer, "%d", conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->maginode);
+						} else if (mc->nettype == NETWORK_MAGI) {
+							snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d", mc->maginode);
 							jsf.LoID = JAMSFLD_OADDRESS;
 							jsf.HiID = 0;
 							jsf.DatLen = strlen(buffer);
@@ -1739,7 +1710,7 @@ int read_message(struct user_record *user, struct msg_headers *msghs, int mailno
 							jsf.Buffer = (char *)buffer;
 							JAM_PutSubfield(jsp, &jsf);
 							if (msghs->msgs[mailno]->msgid != NULL) {
-								sprintf(buffer, "%s", msghs->msgs[mailno]->msgid);
+								strlcpy(buffer, msghs->msgs[mailno]->msgid, sizeof buffer);
 								jsf.LoID = JAMSFLD_REPLYID;
 								jsf.HiID = 0;
 								jsf.DatLen = strlen(buffer);
@@ -1747,27 +1718,25 @@ int read_message(struct user_record *user, struct msg_headers *msghs, int mailno
 								JAM_PutSubfield(jsp, &jsf);
 								jmh.ReplyCRC = JAM_Crc32(buffer, strlen(buffer));
 							}
-						} else if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->nettype == NETWORK_QWK) {
+						} else if (mc->nettype == NETWORK_QWK) {
 							jsf.LoID = JAMSFLD_OADDRESS;
 							jsf.HiID = 0;
 							jsf.DatLen = strlen(conf.bwave_name);
 							jsf.Buffer = (char *)conf.bwave_name;
 							JAM_PutSubfield(jsp, &jsf);
 						}
-					} else if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->type == TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA) {
+					} else if (ma->type == TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA) {
 						jmh.Attribute |= JAM_MSG_TYPENET;
 						jmh.Attribute |= JAM_MSG_PRIVATE;
 
-						if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->nettype == NETWORK_FIDO) {
-							if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->point) {
-								sprintf(buffer, "%d:%d/%d.%d", conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->zone,
-								        conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->net,
-								        conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->node,
-								        conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->point);
+						if (mc->nettype == NETWORK_FIDO) {
+							if (mc->fidoaddr->point) {
+								snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d:%d/%d.%d",
+									 mc->fidoaddr->zone, mc->fidoaddr->net, mc->fidoaddr->node,
+								         mc->fidoaddr->point);
 							} else {
-								sprintf(buffer, "%d:%d/%d", conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->zone,
-								        conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->net,
-								        conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->node);
+								snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d:%d/%d",
+								         mc->fidoaddr->zone, mc->fidoaddr->net, mc->fidoaddr->node);
 							}
 							jsf.LoID = JAMSFLD_OADDRESS;
 							jsf.HiID = 0;
@@ -1778,14 +1747,12 @@ int read_message(struct user_record *user, struct msg_headers *msghs, int mailno
 							from_addr = parse_fido_addr(msghs->msgs[mailno]->oaddress);
 							if (from_addr != NULL) {
 								if (from_addr->point) {
-									sprintf(buffer, "%d:%d/%d.%d", from_addr->zone,
-									        from_addr->net,
-									        from_addr->node,
-									        from_addr->point);
+									snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d:%d/%d.%d",
+										 from_addr->zone, from_addr->net, from_addr->node,
+									         from_addr->point);
 								} else {
-									sprintf(buffer, "%d:%d/%d", from_addr->zone,
-									        from_addr->net,
-									        from_addr->node);
+									snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d:%d/%d",
+										 from_addr->zone, from_addr->net, from_addr->node);
 								}
 								jsf.LoID = JAMSFLD_DADDRESS;
 								jsf.HiID = 0;
@@ -1795,11 +1762,12 @@ int read_message(struct user_record *user, struct msg_headers *msghs, int mailno
 								free(from_addr);
 							}
 
-							sprintf(buffer, "%d:%d/%d.%d %08lx", conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->zone,
-							        conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->net,
-							        conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->node,
-							        conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->point,
-							        generate_msgid());
+							snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d:%d/%d.%d %08lx",
+								 mc->fidoaddr->zone,
+								 mc->fidoaddr->net,
+							         mc->fidoaddr->node,
+							         mc->fidoaddr->point,
+							         generate_msgid());
 
 							jsf.LoID = JAMSFLD_MSGID;
 							jsf.HiID = 0;
@@ -1808,7 +1776,7 @@ int read_message(struct user_record *user, struct msg_headers *msghs, int mailno
 							JAM_PutSubfield(jsp, &jsf);
 							jmh.MsgIdCRC = JAM_Crc32(buffer, strlen(buffer));
 							if (msghs->msgs[mailno]->msgid != NULL) {
-								sprintf(buffer, "%s", msghs->msgs[mailno]->msgid);
+								strlcpy(buffer, msghs->msgs[mailno]->msgid, sizeof buffer);
 								jsf.LoID = JAMSFLD_REPLYID;
 								jsf.HiID = 0;
 								jsf.DatLen = strlen(buffer);
@@ -1840,12 +1808,12 @@ int read_message(struct user_record *user, struct msg_headers *msghs, int mailno
 					if (JAM_AddMessage(jb, &jmh, jsp, (char *)replybody, strlen(replybody))) {
 						dolog("Failed to add message");
 					} else {
-						if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->type == TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA) {
+						if (ma->type == TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA) {
 							if (conf.netmail_sem != NULL) {
 								sem_fd = open(conf.netmail_sem, O_RDWR | O_CREAT | O_TRUNC, S_IWUSR | S_IRUSR | S_IRGRP | S_IROTH);
 								close(sem_fd);
 							}
-						} else if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->type == TYPE_ECHOMAIL_AREA || conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->type == TYPE_NEWSGROUP_AREA) {
+						} else if (ma->type == TYPE_ECHOMAIL_AREA || ma->type == TYPE_NEWSGROUP_AREA) {
 							if (conf.echomail_sem != NULL) {
 								sem_fd = open(conf.echomail_sem, O_RDWR | O_CREAT | O_TRUNC, S_IWUSR | S_IRUSR | S_IRGRP | S_IROTH);
 								close(sem_fd);
@@ -1860,22 +1828,13 @@ int read_message(struct user_record *user, struct msg_headers *msghs, int mailno
 					// JAM_CloseMB(jb);
 					// doquit = 1;
 				} else {
-					jb = open_jam_base(conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->path);
+					jb = open_jam_base(ma->path);
 				}
 			}
 			free(body);
-
-			if (from != NULL) {
-				free(from);
-			}
-
-			if (to != NULL) {
-				free(to);
-			}
-
-			if (subject != NULL) {
-				free(subject);
-			}
+			free(from);
+			free(to);
+			free(subject);
 		} else if (tolower(c) == 'j' && newscan == 1) {
 			free(body);
 			doquit = 1;
@@ -1904,10 +1863,9 @@ int read_message(struct user_record *user, struct msg_headers *msghs, int mailno
 		destroy_ptr_vector(&msg_lines);
 	}
 
-	if (jb != NULL) {
+	if (jb != NULL)
 		JAM_CloseMB(jb);
-		free(jb);
-	}
+	free(jb);
 
 	if (doquit == 2) {
 		return 1;
@@ -1927,9 +1885,10 @@ int read_new_msgs(struct user_record *user, struct msg_headers *msghs) {
 
 	// list mail in message base
 	if (msghs != NULL && msghs->msg_count > 0) {
-		jb = open_jam_base(conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->path);
+		struct mail_area *ma = get_user_area(user);
+		jb = open_jam_base(ma->path);
 		if (!jb) {
-			dolog("Error opening JAM base.. %s", conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->path);
+			dolog("Error opening JAM base.. %s", ma->path);
 			return 0;
 		} else {
 			all_unread = 0;
@@ -1982,46 +1941,50 @@ void read_mail(struct user_record *user) {
 	s_printf("\r\n");
 	// list mail in message base
 	msghs = read_message_headers(user->cur_mail_conf, user->cur_mail_area, user, 0);
-	if (msghs != NULL && msghs->msg_count > 0) {
-		jb = open_jam_base(conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->path);
-		if (!jb) {
-			dolog("Error opening JAM base.. %s", conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->path);
-			return;
-		} else {
-			all_unread = 0;
-			if (JAM_ReadLastRead(jb, user->id, &jlr) == JAM_NO_USER) {
-				jlr.LastReadMsg = 0;
-				jlr.HighReadMsg = 0;
-				all_unread = 1;
-			} else if (jlr.LastReadMsg == 0 && jlr.HighReadMsg == 0) {
-				all_unread = 1;
-			}
-			JAM_CloseMB(jb);
-			free(jb);
-			s_printf(get_string(120), msghs->msg_count);
+	if (msghs == NULL)
+		return;
+	if (msghs->msg_count <= 0) {
+		free_message_headers(msghs);
+		return;
+	}
+	struct mail_area *ma = get_user_area(user);
+	jb = open_jam_base(ma->path);
+	if (!jb) {
+		dolog("Error opening JAM base.. %s", ma->path);
+		return;
+	}
+	all_unread = 0;
+	if (JAM_ReadLastRead(jb, user->id, &jlr) == JAM_NO_USER) {
+		jlr.LastReadMsg = 0;
+		jlr.HighReadMsg = 0;
+		all_unread = 1;
+	} else if (jlr.LastReadMsg == 0 && jlr.HighReadMsg == 0) {
+		all_unread = 1;
+	}
+	JAM_CloseMB(jb);
+	free(jb);
+	s_printf(get_string(120), msghs->msg_count);
 
-			s_readstring(buffer, 6);
+	s_readstring(buffer, 6);
 
-			if (tolower(buffer[0]) == 'n') {
-				if (all_unread == 0) {
-					k = jlr.HighReadMsg;
-					for (i = 0; i < msghs->msg_count; i++) {
-						if (msghs->msgs[i]->msg_h->MsgNum == k) {
-							break;
-						}
-					}
-					i += 2;
-				} else {
-					i = 1;
+	if (tolower(buffer[0]) == 'n') {
+		if (all_unread == 0) {
+			k = jlr.HighReadMsg;
+			for (i = 0; i < msghs->msg_count; i++) {
+				if (msghs->msgs[i]->msg_h->MsgNum == k) {
+					break;
 				}
-			} else {
-				i = atoi(buffer);
-			}
-
-			if (i > 0 && i <= msghs->msg_count) {
-				read_message(user, msghs, i - 1, 0);
 			}
+			i += 2;
+		} else {
+			i = 1;
 		}
+	} else {
+		i = atoi(buffer);
+	}
+
+	if (i > 0 && i <= msghs->msg_count) {
+		read_message(user, msghs, i - 1, 0);
 	}
 	if (msghs != NULL) {
 		free_message_headers(msghs);
@@ -2048,12 +2011,13 @@ void post_message(struct user_record *user) {
 	s_JamSubfield jsf;
 	s_JamLastRead jlr;
 
-	if (user->sec_level < conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->write_sec_level) {
+	struct mail_area *ma = get_user_area(user);
+	if (user->sec_level < ma->write_sec_level) {
 		s_printf(get_string(113));
 		return;
 	}
-	if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->type == TYPE_NEWSGROUP_AREA) {
-		sprintf(buffer, "ALL");
+	if (ma->type == TYPE_NEWSGROUP_AREA) {
+		strlcpy(buffer, "ALL", sizeof buffer);
 	} else {
 		s_printf(get_string(54));
 		s_readstring(buffer, 32);
@@ -2062,10 +2026,11 @@ void post_message(struct user_record *user) {
 		strlcpy(buffer, "ALL", sizeof(buffer));
 	}
 
-	if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->type == TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA) {
+	if (ma->type == TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA) {
 		s_printf(get_string(121));
 		s_readstring(buffer2, 32);
-		if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->nettype == NETWORK_FIDO) {
+		struct mail_conference *mc = get_user_conf(user);
+		if (mc->nettype == NETWORK_FIDO) {
 			from_addr = parse_fido_addr(buffer2);
 			if (!from_addr) {
 				s_printf(get_string(122));
@@ -2076,8 +2041,10 @@ void post_message(struct user_record *user) {
 					s_printf(get_string(122));
 					return;
 				}
-				if (conf.mail_conferences[gUser->cur_mail_conf]->domain != NULL) {
-					bbsname = nl_get_bbsname(from_addr, conf.mail_conferences[gUser->cur_mail_conf]->domain);
+				// TODO: Is this different than `user`?
+				struct mail_conference *gmc = get_user_conf(gUser);
+				if (gmc->domain != NULL) {
+					bbsname = nl_get_bbsname(from_addr, gmc->domain);
 				} else {
 					bbsname = strdup("Unknown");
 				}
@@ -2101,7 +2068,8 @@ void post_message(struct user_record *user) {
 	subject = strdup(buffer);
 
 	// post a message
-	if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->realnames == 0) {
+	struct mail_conference *mc = get_user_conf(user);
+	if (mc->realnames == 0) {
 		from = strdup(user->loginname);
 	} else {
 		from = str3dup(user->firstname, " ", user->lastname);
@@ -2111,9 +2079,9 @@ void post_message(struct user_record *user) {
 	free(from);
 
 	if (msg != NULL) {
-		jb = open_jam_base(conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->path);
+		jb = open_jam_base(ma->path);
 		if (!jb) {
-			dolog("Error opening JAM base.. %s", conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->path);
+			dolog("Error opening JAM base.. %s", ma->path);
 			free(msg);
 			free(to);
 			free(subject);
@@ -2123,7 +2091,7 @@ void post_message(struct user_record *user) {
 		JAM_ClearMsgHeader(&jmh);
 		jmh.DateWritten = (uint32_t)utc_to_local(time(NULL));
 		jmh.Attribute |= JAM_MSG_LOCAL;
-		if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->realnames == 0) {
+		if (mc->realnames == 0) {
 			strlcpy(buffer, user->loginname, sizeof(buffer));
 		} else {
 			snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%s %s", user->firstname, user->lastname);
@@ -2149,19 +2117,17 @@ void post_message(struct user_record *user) {
 		jsf.Buffer = (char *)subject;
 		JAM_PutSubfield(jsp, &jsf);
 
-		if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->type == TYPE_ECHOMAIL_AREA || conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->type == TYPE_NEWSGROUP_AREA) {
+		if (ma->type == TYPE_ECHOMAIL_AREA || ma->type == TYPE_NEWSGROUP_AREA) {
 			jmh.Attribute |= JAM_MSG_TYPEECHO;
 
-			if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->nettype == NETWORK_FIDO) {
-				if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->point) {
-					sprintf(buffer, "%d:%d/%d.%d", conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->zone,
-					        conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->net,
-					        conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->node,
-					        conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->point);
+			if (mc->nettype == NETWORK_FIDO) {
+				if (mc->fidoaddr->point) {
+					snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d:%d/%d.%d",
+						 mc->fidoaddr->zone, mc->fidoaddr->net, mc->fidoaddr->node,
+					         mc->fidoaddr->point);
 				} else {
-					sprintf(buffer, "%d:%d/%d", conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->zone,
-					        conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->net,
-					        conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->node);
+					snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d:%d/%d",
+						 mc->fidoaddr->zone, mc->fidoaddr->net, mc->fidoaddr->node);
 				}
 				jsf.LoID = JAMSFLD_OADDRESS;
 				jsf.HiID = 0;
@@ -2169,11 +2135,9 @@ void post_message(struct user_record *user) {
 				jsf.Buffer = (char *)buffer;
 				JAM_PutSubfield(jsp, &jsf);
 
-				sprintf(buffer, "%d:%d/%d.%d %08lx", conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->zone,
-				        conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->net,
-				        conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->node,
-				        conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->point,
-				        generate_msgid());
+				snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d:%d/%d.%d %08lx",
+					 mc->fidoaddr->zone, mc->fidoaddr->net, mc->fidoaddr->node,
+				         mc->fidoaddr->point, generate_msgid());
 
 				jsf.LoID = JAMSFLD_MSGID;
 				jsf.HiID = 0;
@@ -2181,9 +2145,8 @@ void post_message(struct user_record *user) {
 				jsf.Buffer = (char *)buffer;
 				JAM_PutSubfield(jsp, &jsf);
 				jmh.MsgIdCRC = JAM_Crc32(buffer, strlen(buffer));
-
-			} else if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->nettype == NETWORK_MAGI) {
-				sprintf(buffer, "%d", conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->maginode);
+			} else if (mc->nettype == NETWORK_MAGI) {
+				snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d", mc->maginode);
 				jsf.LoID = JAMSFLD_OADDRESS;
 				jsf.HiID = 0;
 				jsf.DatLen = strlen(buffer);
@@ -2200,26 +2163,24 @@ void post_message(struct user_record *user) {
 				JAM_PutSubfield(jsp, &jsf);
 				jmh.MsgIdCRC = JAM_Crc32(buffer, strlen(buffer));
 
-			} else if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->nettype == NETWORK_QWK) {
+			} else if (mc->nettype == NETWORK_QWK) {
 				jsf.LoID = JAMSFLD_OADDRESS;
 				jsf.HiID = 0;
 				jsf.DatLen = strlen(conf.bwave_name);
 				jsf.Buffer = (char *)conf.bwave_name;
 				JAM_PutSubfield(jsp, &jsf);
 			}
-		} else if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->type == TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA) {
+		} else if (ma->type == TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA) {
 			jmh.Attribute |= JAM_MSG_TYPENET;
 			jmh.Attribute |= JAM_MSG_PRIVATE;
-			if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->nettype == NETWORK_FIDO) {
-				if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->point) {
-					sprintf(buffer, "%d:%d/%d.%d", conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->zone,
-					        conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->net,
-					        conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->node,
-					        conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->point);
+			if (mc->nettype == NETWORK_FIDO) {
+				if (mc->fidoaddr->point) {
+					snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d:%d/%d.%d",
+						 mc->fidoaddr->zone, mc->fidoaddr->net, mc->fidoaddr->node,
+					         mc->fidoaddr->point);
 				} else {
-					sprintf(buffer, "%d:%d/%d", conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->zone,
-					        conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->net,
-					        conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->node);
+					snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d:%d/%d",
+						 mc->fidoaddr->zone, mc->fidoaddr->net, mc->fidoaddr->node);
 				}
 				jsf.LoID = JAMSFLD_OADDRESS;
 				jsf.HiID = 0;
@@ -2229,14 +2190,12 @@ void post_message(struct user_record *user) {
 
 				if (from_addr != NULL) {
 					if (from_addr->point) {
-						sprintf(buffer, "%d:%d/%d.%d", from_addr->zone,
-						        from_addr->net,
-						        from_addr->node,
-						        from_addr->point);
+						snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d:%d/%d.%d",
+							 from_addr->zone, from_addr->net, from_addr->node,
+						         from_addr->point);
 					} else {
-						sprintf(buffer, "%d:%d/%d", from_addr->zone,
-						        from_addr->net,
-						        from_addr->node);
+						snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d:%d/%d",
+							 from_addr->zone, from_addr->net, from_addr->node);
 					}
 					jsf.LoID = JAMSFLD_DADDRESS;
 					jsf.HiID = 0;
@@ -2247,11 +2206,12 @@ void post_message(struct user_record *user) {
 					from_addr = NULL;
 				}
 
-				sprintf(buffer, "%d:%d/%d.%d %08lx", conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->zone,
-				        conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->net,
-				        conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->node,
-				        conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->fidoaddr->point,
-				        generate_msgid());
+				snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d:%d/%d.%d %08lx",
+					 mc->fidoaddr->zone,
+				         mc->fidoaddr->net,
+				         mc->fidoaddr->node,
+				         mc->fidoaddr->point,
+				         generate_msgid());
 
 				jsf.LoID = JAMSFLD_MSGID;
 				jsf.HiID = 0;
@@ -2285,12 +2245,12 @@ void post_message(struct user_record *user) {
 		if (JAM_AddMessage(jb, &jmh, jsp, (char *)msg, strlen(msg))) {
 			dolog("Failed to add message");
 		} else {
-			if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->type == TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA) {
+			if (ma->type == TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA) {
 				if (conf.netmail_sem != NULL) {
 					sem_fd = open(conf.netmail_sem, O_RDWR | O_CREAT | O_TRUNC, S_IWUSR | S_IRUSR | S_IRGRP | S_IROTH);
 					close(sem_fd);
 				}
-			} else if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->type == TYPE_ECHOMAIL_AREA || conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->type == TYPE_NEWSGROUP_AREA) {
+			} else if (ma->type == TYPE_ECHOMAIL_AREA || ma->type == TYPE_NEWSGROUP_AREA) {
 				if (conf.echomail_sem != NULL) {
 					sem_fd = open(conf.echomail_sem, O_RDWR | O_CREAT | O_TRUNC, S_IWUSR | S_IRUSR | S_IRGRP | S_IROTH);
 					close(sem_fd);
@@ -2326,18 +2286,22 @@ void list_messages(struct user_record *user) {
 	int offset = 2;
 	int height = 22;
 
-	if (conf.mail_conferences[gUser->cur_mail_conf]->header != NULL) {
+	struct mail_conference *gmc = get_conf(gUser->cur_mail_conf);
+	if (gmc->header != NULL) {
 		offset = 8;
 		height = 16;
 	}
 
+	struct mail_conference *mc = get_user_conf(user);
+
 	s_printf("\r\n");
 	// list mail in message base
 	msghs = read_message_headers(user->cur_mail_conf, user->cur_mail_area, user, 0);
 	if (msghs != NULL && msghs->msg_count > 0) {
-		jb = open_jam_base(conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->path);
+		struct mail_area *ma = get_user_area(user);
+		jb = open_jam_base(ma->path);
 		if (!jb) {
-			dolog("Error opening JAM base.. %s", conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->path);
+			dolog("Error opening JAM base.. %s", ma->path);
 			return;
 		} else {
 			all_unread = 0;
@@ -2382,9 +2346,9 @@ void list_messages(struct user_record *user) {
 			start = i - 1;
 			while (!closed) {
 				if (redraw) {
-					if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->header != NULL) {
+					if (mc->header != NULL) {
 						s_printf("\e[2J\e[1;1H");
-						s_displayansi(conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->header);
+						s_displayansi(mc->header);
 						s_printf("\e[7;1H");
 					} else {
 						s_printf("\e[2J\e[1;1H");
@@ -2604,9 +2568,10 @@ void list_messages(struct user_record *user) {
 					read_message(user, msghs, i - 1, 0);
 					free_message_headers(msghs);
 					msghs = read_message_headers(user->cur_mail_conf, user->cur_mail_area, user, 0);
-					jb = open_jam_base(conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->path);
+					struct mail_area *ma = get_user_area(user);
+					jb = open_jam_base(ma->path);
 					if (!jb) {
-						dolog("Error opening JAM base.. %s", conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[user->cur_mail_area]->path);
+						dolog("Error opening JAM base.. %s", ma->path);
 						if (msghs != NULL) {
 							free_message_headers(msghs);
 						}
@@ -2652,10 +2617,11 @@ void choose_conference() {
 	struct ptr_vector vec;
 
 	init_ptr_vector(&vec);
-	for (i = 0; i < conf.mail_conference_count; i++) {
-		if (conf.mail_conferences[i]->sec_level <= gUser->sec_level) {
+	for (i = 0; i < ptr_vector_len(&conf.mail_conferences); ++i) {
+		struct mail_conference *mc = ptr_vector_get(&conf.mail_conferences, i);
+		if (mc->sec_level <= gUser->sec_level) {
 			struct conf_tmp_t *c = (struct conf_tmp_t *)malloz(sizeof(struct conf_tmp_t));
-			c->conference = conf.mail_conferences[i];
+			c->conference = mc;
 			c->index = i;
 			ptr_vector_append(&vec, c);
 		}
@@ -2790,16 +2756,18 @@ void choose_area() {
 	int height = 22;
 	struct ptr_vector vec;
 
-	if (conf.mail_conferences[gUser->cur_mail_conf]->header != NULL) {
+	struct mail_conference *gmc = get_user_conf(gUser);
+	if (gmc->header != NULL) {
 		offset = 8;
 		height = 16;
 	}
 
 	init_ptr_vector(&vec);
-	for (i = 0; i < conf.mail_conferences[gUser->cur_mail_conf]->mail_area_count; i++) {
-		if (conf.mail_conferences[gUser->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[i]->read_sec_level <= gUser->sec_level) {
+	for (i = 0; i < ptr_vector_len(&gmc->mail_areas); ++i) {
+		struct mail_area *ma = ptr_vector_get(&gmc->mail_areas, i);
+		if (ma->read_sec_level <= gUser->sec_level) {
 			struct area_tmp_t *area = (struct area_tmp_t *)malloz(sizeof(struct area_tmp_t));
-			area->area = conf.mail_conferences[gUser->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[i];
+			area->area = ma;
 			area->index = i;
 			ptr_vector_append(&vec, area);
 		}
@@ -2809,14 +2777,15 @@ void choose_area() {
 
 	while (1) {
 		if (redraw) {
-			if (conf.mail_conferences[gUser->cur_mail_conf]->header != NULL) {
+			struct mail_conference *gmc = get_user_conf(gUser);
+			if (gmc->header != NULL) {
 				s_printf("\e[2J\e[1;1H");
-				s_displayansi(conf.mail_conferences[gUser->cur_mail_conf]->header);
+				s_displayansi(gmc->header);
 				s_printf("\e[7;1H");
 			} else {
 				s_printf("\e[2J\e[1;1H");
 			}
-			s_printf(get_string(251), conf.mail_conferences[gUser->cur_mail_conf]->name);
+			s_printf(get_string(251), gmc->name);
 			s_printf(get_string(248));
 			for (i = start; i < start + height && i < list_tmp; i++) {
 				if (i == selected) {
@@ -2947,55 +2916,54 @@ void choose_area() {
 }
 
 void next_mail_conf(struct user_record *user) {
-	int i;
-
-	for (i = user->cur_mail_conf; i < conf.mail_conference_count; i++) {
-		if (i + 1 == conf.mail_conference_count) {
-			i = -1;
-		}
-		if (conf.mail_conferences[i + 1]->sec_level <= user->sec_level) {
-			user->cur_mail_conf = i + 1;
-			user->cur_mail_area = 0;
+	size_t n = ptr_vector_len(&conf.mail_conferences);
+	size_t start = user->cur_mail_conf;
+	size_t i;
+	for (i = (start + 1) % n; i != start; i = (i + 1) % n) {
+		struct mail_conference *mc = get_conf(i);
+		if (mc->sec_level <= user->sec_level) {
 			break;
 		}
 	}
+	user->cur_mail_conf = i;
+	user->cur_mail_area = 0;
 }
 
 void prev_mail_conf(struct user_record *user) {
-	int i;
-	for (i = user->cur_mail_conf; i >= 0; i--) {
-		if (i - 1 == -1) {
-			i = conf.mail_conference_count;
-		}
-		if (conf.mail_conferences[i - 1]->sec_level <= user->sec_level) {
-			user->cur_mail_conf = i - 1;
-			user->cur_mail_area = 0;
+	size_t n = ptr_vector_len(&conf.mail_conferences);
+	size_t start = user->cur_mail_conf;
+	size_t i;
+	for (i = (start + n - 1) % n; i != start; i = (i + n - 1) % n) {
+		struct mail_conference *mc = get_conf(i);
+		if (mc->sec_level <= user->sec_level) {
 			break;
 		}
 	}
+	user->cur_mail_conf = i;
+	user->cur_mail_area = 0;
 }
 
 void next_mail_area(struct user_record *user) {
-	int i;
-	for (i = user->cur_mail_area; i < conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_area_count; i++) {
-		if (i + 1 == conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_area_count) {
-			i = -1;
-		}
-		if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[i + 1]->read_sec_level <= user->sec_level) {
-			user->cur_mail_area = i + 1;
+	struct mail_conference *mc = get_user_conf(user);
+	size_t n = ptr_vector_len(&mc->mail_areas);
+	size_t start = user->cur_mail_area;
+	for (size_t i = (start + 1) % n; i != start; i = (i + 1) % n) {
+		struct mail_area *ma = get_area(user->cur_mail_conf, i);
+		if (ma->read_sec_level <= user->sec_level) {
+			user->cur_mail_area = i;
 			break;
 		}
 	}
 }
 
 void prev_mail_area(struct user_record *user) {
-	int i;
-	for (i = user->cur_mail_area; i >= 0; i--) {
-		if (i - 1 == -1) {
-			i = conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_area_count;
-		}
-		if (conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[i - 1]->read_sec_level <= user->sec_level) {
-			user->cur_mail_area = i - 1;
+	struct mail_conference *mc = get_user_conf(user);
+	size_t n = ptr_vector_len(&mc->mail_areas);
+	size_t start = user->cur_mail_area;
+	for (size_t i = (start + n - 1) % n; i != start; i = (i + n - 1) % n) {
+		struct mail_area *ma = get_area(user->cur_mail_conf, i);
+		if (ma->read_sec_level <= user->sec_level) {
+			user->cur_mail_area = i;
 			break;
 		}
 	}
@@ -3025,12 +2993,13 @@ void do_mail_scan(struct user_record *user, int oldscan, int personal) {
 	c = s_getc();
 
 	if (tolower(c) == 'y' || tolower(c) == 's') {
-		for (i = 0; i < conf.mail_conference_count; i++) {
-			if (conf.mail_conferences[i]->sec_level > user->sec_level) {
+		for (i = 0; i < ptr_vector_len(&conf.mail_conferences); i++) {
+			struct mail_conference *mc = get_conf(i);
+			if (mc->sec_level > user->sec_level) {
 				continue;
 			}
 			if (oldscan) {
-				s_printf(get_string(140), i, conf.mail_conferences[i]->name);
+				s_printf(get_string(140), i, mc->name);
 
 				lines += 2;
 				if (lines == 22) {
@@ -3039,8 +3008,9 @@ void do_mail_scan(struct user_record *user, int oldscan, int personal) {
 					lines = 0;
 				}
 			}
-			for (j = 0; j < conf.mail_conferences[i]->mail_area_count; j++) {
-				if (conf.mail_conferences[i]->mail_areas[j]->read_sec_level > user->sec_level) {
+			for (j = 0; j < ptr_vector_len(&mc->mail_areas); j++) {
+				struct mail_area *ma = get_area(i, j);
+				if (ma->read_sec_level > user->sec_level) {
 					continue;
 				}
 
@@ -3048,7 +3018,7 @@ void do_mail_scan(struct user_record *user, int oldscan, int personal) {
 					continue;
 				}
 
-				jb = open_jam_base(conf.mail_conferences[i]->mail_areas[j]->path);
+				jb = open_jam_base(ma->path);
 				if (!jb) {
 					dolog("Unable to open message base");
 					continue;
@@ -3066,12 +3036,12 @@ void do_mail_scan(struct user_record *user, int oldscan, int personal) {
 						free(jb);
 						continue;
 					}
-					if (conf.mail_conferences[i]->mail_areas[j]->type == TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA) {
+					if (ma->type == TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA) {
 						msghs = read_message_headers(i, j, user, personal);
 						if (msghs != NULL) {
 							if (msghs->msg_count > 0) {
 								if (oldscan) {
-									s_printf(get_string(141), j, conf.mail_conferences[i]->mail_areas[j]->name, msghs->msg_count);
+									s_printf(get_string(141), j, ma->name, msghs->msg_count);
 									lines++;
 									if (lines == 22) {
 										s_printf(get_string(6));
@@ -3080,8 +3050,8 @@ void do_mail_scan(struct user_record *user, int oldscan, int personal) {
 									}
 								} else {
 									s_printf("\e[2J\e[1;1H");
-									s_printf(get_string(277), i, conf.mail_conferences[i]->name);
-									s_printf(get_string(278), j, conf.mail_conferences[i]->mail_areas[j]->name, msghs->msg_count);
+									s_printf(get_string(277), i, mc->name);
+									s_printf(get_string(278), j, ma->name, msghs->msg_count);
 									s_printf(get_string(279));
 
 									ch = s_getchar();
@@ -3104,7 +3074,7 @@ void do_mail_scan(struct user_record *user, int oldscan, int personal) {
 						}
 					} else {
 						if (oldscan) {
-							s_printf(get_string(141), j, conf.mail_conferences[i]->mail_areas[j]->name, jbh.ActiveMsgs);
+							s_printf(get_string(141), j, ma->name, jbh.ActiveMsgs);
 							lines++;
 							if (lines == 22) {
 								s_printf(get_string(6));
@@ -3117,8 +3087,8 @@ void do_mail_scan(struct user_record *user, int oldscan, int personal) {
 
 								if (msghs->msg_count > 0) {
 									s_printf("\e[2J\e[1;1H");
-									s_printf(get_string(277), i, conf.mail_conferences[i]->name);
-									s_printf(get_string(278), j, conf.mail_conferences[i]->mail_areas[j]->name, msghs->msg_count);
+									s_printf(get_string(277), i, mc->name);
+									s_printf(get_string(278), j, ma->name, msghs->msg_count);
 									s_printf(get_string(279));
 
 									ch = s_getchar();
@@ -3142,8 +3112,7 @@ void do_mail_scan(struct user_record *user, int oldscan, int personal) {
 					}
 				} else {
 					if (jlr.HighReadMsg < jbh.ActiveMsgs) {
-
-						if (conf.mail_conferences[i]->mail_areas[j]->type == TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA) {
+						if (ma->type == TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA) {
 							msghs = read_message_headers(i, j, user, personal);
 							if (msghs != NULL) {
 								if (msghs->msg_count > 0) {
@@ -3157,7 +3126,7 @@ void do_mail_scan(struct user_record *user, int oldscan, int personal) {
 									}
 									if (unread_count > 0) {
 										if (oldscan) {
-											s_printf(get_string(141), j, conf.mail_conferences[i]->mail_areas[j]->name, unread_count);
+											s_printf(get_string(141), j, ma->name, unread_count);
 											lines++;
 											if (lines == 22) {
 												s_printf(get_string(6));
@@ -3166,8 +3135,8 @@ void do_mail_scan(struct user_record *user, int oldscan, int personal) {
 											}
 										} else {
 											s_printf("\e[2J\e[1;1H");
-											s_printf(get_string(277), i, conf.mail_conferences[i]->name);
-											s_printf(get_string(278), j, conf.mail_conferences[i]->mail_areas[j]->name, unread_count);
+											s_printf(get_string(277), i, mc->name);
+											s_printf(get_string(278), j, ma->name, unread_count);
 											s_printf(get_string(279));
 
 											ch = s_getchar();
@@ -3191,7 +3160,7 @@ void do_mail_scan(struct user_record *user, int oldscan, int personal) {
 							}
 						} else {
 							if (oldscan) {
-								s_printf(get_string(141), j, conf.mail_conferences[i]->mail_areas[j]->name, jbh.ActiveMsgs - jlr.HighReadMsg);
+								s_printf(get_string(141), j, ma->name, jbh.ActiveMsgs - jlr.HighReadMsg);
 								lines++;
 								if (lines == 22) {
 									s_printf(get_string(6));
@@ -3212,8 +3181,8 @@ void do_mail_scan(struct user_record *user, int oldscan, int personal) {
 										}
 										if (unread_count > 0) {
 											s_printf("\e[2J\e[1;1H");
-											s_printf(get_string(277), i, conf.mail_conferences[i]->name);
-											s_printf(get_string(278), j, conf.mail_conferences[i]->mail_areas[j]->name, unread_count);
+											s_printf(get_string(277), i, mc->name);
+											s_printf(get_string(278), j, ma->name, unread_count);
 											s_printf(get_string(279));
 
 											ch = s_getchar();
@@ -3280,10 +3249,11 @@ void msg_conf_sub_bases() {
 	s_printf("\e[1;1H\e[2J");
 
 	do {
-
-		for (i = 0; i < conf.mail_conferences[gUser->cur_mail_conf]->mail_area_count; i++) {
-			if (conf.mail_conferences[gUser->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[i]->read_sec_level <= gUser->sec_level) {
-				s_printf(get_string(226), i, (msgbase_is_subscribed(gUser->cur_mail_conf, i) ? get_string(227) : get_string(228)), conf.mail_conferences[gUser->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[i]->name);
+		struct mail_conference *gmc = get_user_conf(gUser);
+		for (i = 0; i < ptr_vector_len(&gmc->mail_areas); i++) {
+			struct mail_area *ma = ptr_vector_get(&gmc->mail_areas, i);
+			if (ma->read_sec_level <= gUser->sec_level) {
+				s_printf(get_string(226), i, (msgbase_is_subscribed(gUser->cur_mail_conf, i) ? get_string(227) : get_string(228)), ma->name);
 				lines++;
 			}
 
@@ -3294,16 +3264,17 @@ void msg_conf_sub_bases() {
 				if (strlen(buffer) > 0) {
 					if (buffer[0] >= '0' && buffer[0] <= '9') {
 						toggle_area = atoi(buffer);
-						if (conf.mail_conferences[gUser->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[toggle_area]->read_sec_level <= gUser->sec_level) {
+						struct mail_area *ma = ptr_vector_get(&gmc->mail_areas, toggle_area);
+						if (ma->read_sec_level <= gUser->sec_level) {
 							msgbase_sub_unsub(gUser->cur_mail_conf, toggle_area);
 						}
 						lines = 0;
-
 						break;
 					}
 					if (buffer[0] == 'a' || buffer[0] == 'A') {
-						for (j = 0; j < conf.mail_conferences[gUser->cur_mail_conf]->mail_area_count; j++) {
-							if (conf.mail_conferences[gUser->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[j]->read_sec_level <= gUser->sec_level) {
+						for (j = 0; j < ptr_vector_len(&gmc->mail_areas); j++) {
+							struct mail_area *ma = ptr_vector_get(&gmc->mail_areas, j);
+							if (ma->read_sec_level <= gUser->sec_level) {
 								if (!msgbase_is_subscribed(gUser->cur_mail_conf, j)) {
 									msgbase_sub_unsub(gUser->cur_mail_conf, j);
 								}
@@ -3312,8 +3283,9 @@ void msg_conf_sub_bases() {
 						break;
 					}
 					if (buffer[0] == 'n' || buffer[0] == 'N') {
-						for (j = 0; j < conf.mail_conferences[gUser->cur_mail_conf]->mail_area_count; j++) {
-							if (conf.mail_conferences[gUser->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[j]->read_sec_level <= gUser->sec_level) {
+						for (j = 0; j < ptr_vector_len(&gmc->mail_areas); j++) {
+							struct mail_area *ma = ptr_vector_get(&gmc->mail_areas, j);
+							if (ma->read_sec_level <= gUser->sec_level) {
 								if (msgbase_is_subscribed(gUser->cur_mail_conf, j)) {
 									msgbase_sub_unsub(gUser->cur_mail_conf, j);
 								}
@@ -3333,21 +3305,24 @@ void msg_conf_sub_bases() {
 			if (strlen(buffer) > 0) {
 				if (buffer[0] >= '0' && buffer[0] <= '9') {
 					toggle_area = atoi(buffer);
-					if (conf.mail_conferences[gUser->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[toggle_area]->read_sec_level <= gUser->sec_level) {
+					struct mail_area *ma = ptr_vector_get(&gmc->mail_areas, toggle_area);
+					if (ma->read_sec_level <= gUser->sec_level) {
 						msgbase_sub_unsub(gUser->cur_mail_conf, toggle_area);
 					}
 					lines = 0;
 				} else if (buffer[0] == 'a' || buffer[0] == 'A') {
-					for (j = 0; j < conf.mail_conferences[gUser->cur_mail_conf]->mail_area_count; j++) {
-						if (conf.mail_conferences[gUser->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[j]->read_sec_level <= gUser->sec_level) {
+					for (j = 0; j < ptr_vector_len(&gmc->mail_areas); j++) {
+						struct mail_area *ma = ptr_vector_get(&gmc->mail_areas, j);
+						if (ma->read_sec_level <= gUser->sec_level) {
 							if (!msgbase_is_subscribed(gUser->cur_mail_conf, j)) {
 								msgbase_sub_unsub(gUser->cur_mail_conf, j);
 							}
 						}
 					}
 				} else if (buffer[0] == 'n' || buffer[0] == 'N') {
-					for (j = 0; j < conf.mail_conferences[gUser->cur_mail_conf]->mail_area_count; j++) {
-						if (conf.mail_conferences[gUser->cur_mail_conf]->mail_areas[j]->read_sec_level <= gUser->sec_level) {
+					for (j = 0; j < ptr_vector_len(&gmc->mail_areas); j++) {
+						struct mail_area *ma = ptr_vector_get(&gmc->mail_areas, j);
+						if (ma->read_sec_level <= gUser->sec_level) {
 							if (msgbase_is_subscribed(gUser->cur_mail_conf, j)) {
 								msgbase_sub_unsub(gUser->cur_mail_conf, j);
 							}
@@ -3375,7 +3350,8 @@ void msgbase_reset_pointers(int conference, int msgarea, int readm, int msgno) {
 	int active_msgs;
 	int i, j, k;
 
-	jb = open_jam_base(conf.mail_conferences[conference]->mail_areas[msgarea]->path);
+	struct mail_area *ma = get_area(conference, msgarea);
+	jb = open_jam_base(ma->path);
 	if (!jb) {
 		dolog("Unable to open message base");
 		return;
@@ -3432,12 +3408,10 @@ void msgbase_reset_pointers(int conference, int msgarea, int readm, int msgno) {
 }
 
 void msgbase_reset_all_pointers(int readm) {
-	int i, j;
-
-	for (i = 0; i < conf.mail_conference_count; i++) {
-		for (j = 0; j < conf.mail_conferences[i]->mail_area_count; j++) {
+	for (size_t i = 0; i < ptr_vector_len(&conf.mail_conferences); ++i) {
+		struct mail_conference *mc = ptr_vector_get(&conf.mail_conferences, i);
+		for (size_t j = 0; j < ptr_vector_len(&mc->mail_areas); ++j)
 			msgbase_reset_pointers(i, j, readm, -1);
-		}
 	}
 }
 
@@ -3448,7 +3422,8 @@ int new_messages(struct user_record *user, int conference, int area) {
 	s_JamLastRead jlr;
 	struct msg_headers *msghs;
 
-	jb = open_jam_base(conf.mail_conferences[conference]->mail_areas[area]->path);
+	struct mail_area *ma = get_area(conference, area);
+	jb = open_jam_base(ma->path);
 	if (!jb) {
 		return 0;
 	}
diff --git a/src/mail_utils.h b/src/mail_utils.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a863973
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/mail_utils.h
@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+#include <assert.h>
+#include <stddef.h>
+
+#include "bbs.h"
+
+static inline struct mail_conference *get_conf(size_t c) {
+	extern struct bbs_config conf;
+	struct mail_conference *mc = ptr_vector_get(&conf.mail_conferences, c);
+	assert(mc != NULL);
+	return mc;
+}
+
+static inline struct mail_conference *get_user_conf(struct user_record *user) {
+	assert(user != NULL);
+	return get_conf(user->cur_mail_conf);
+}
+
+static inline struct mail_area *get_area(size_t c, size_t a) {
+	struct mail_conference *mc = get_conf(c);
+	struct mail_area *ma = ptr_vector_get(&mc->mail_areas, a);
+	assert(ma != NULL);
+	return ma;
+}
+
+static inline struct mail_area *get_user_area(struct user_record *user) {
+	assert(user != NULL);
+	return get_area(user->cur_mail_conf, user->cur_mail_area);
+}
diff --git a/src/main.c b/src/main.c
index b14fa96..c6bb4ab 100644
--- a/src/main.c
+++ b/src/main.c
@@ -83,75 +83,37 @@ void sigchld_handler(int s) {
 static int protocol_config_handler(void *user, const char *section, const char *name,
                                    const char *value) {
 	struct bbs_config *conf = (struct bbs_config *)user;
-	int i;
 
-	for (i = 0; i < conf->protocol_count; i++) {
-		if (strcasecmp(conf->protocols[i]->name, section) == 0) {
-			// found it
-			if (strcasecmp(name, "upload command") == 0) {
-				conf->protocols[i]->upload = strdup(value);
-			} else if (strcasecmp(name, "download command") == 0) {
-				conf->protocols[i]->download = strdup(value);
-			} else if (strcasecmp(name, "internal zmodem") == 0) {
-				if (strcasecmp(value, "true") == 0) {
-					conf->protocols[i]->internal_zmodem = 1;
-				} else {
-					conf->protocols[i]->internal_zmodem = 0;
-				}
-			} else if (strcasecmp(name, "stdio") == 0) {
-				if (strcasecmp(value, "true") == 0) {
-					conf->protocols[i]->stdio = 1;
-				} else {
-					conf->protocols[i]->stdio = 0;
-				}
-			} else if (strcasecmp(name, "upload prompt") == 0) {
-				if (strcasecmp(value, "true") == 0) {
-					conf->protocols[i]->upload_prompt = 1;
-				} else {
-					conf->protocols[i]->upload_prompt = 0;
-				}
-			}
-			return 1;
+	struct protocol *proto = NULL;
+	for (size_t i = 0; i < ptr_vector_len(&conf->protocols); ++i) {
+		struct protocol *aproto = ptr_vector_get(&conf->protocols, i);
+		assert(aproto != NULL);
+		if (strcasecmp(aproto->name, section) == 0) {
+			proto = aproto;
+			break;
 		}
 	}
-
-	if (conf->protocol_count == 0) {
-		conf->protocols = (struct protocol **)malloz(sizeof(struct protocol *));
-	} else {
-		conf->protocols = (struct protocol **)realloc(conf->protocols, sizeof(struct protocol *) * (conf->protocol_count + 1));
+	if (proto == NULL) {
+		proto = (struct protocol *)malloz(sizeof(struct protocol));
+		ptr_vector_append(&conf->protocols, proto);
+		proto->name = strdup(section);
+		proto->internal_zmodem = 0;
+		proto->upload_prompt = 0;
+		proto->stdio = 0;
 	}
-
-	conf->protocols[conf->protocol_count] = (struct protocol *)malloz(sizeof(struct protocol));
-
-	conf->protocols[conf->protocol_count]->name = strdup(section);
-	conf->protocols[conf->protocol_count]->internal_zmodem = 0;
-	conf->protocols[conf->protocol_count]->upload_prompt = 0;
-	conf->protocols[conf->protocol_count]->stdio = 0;
-
 	if (strcasecmp(name, "upload command") == 0) {
-		conf->protocols[conf->protocol_count]->upload = strdup(value);
+		free(proto->upload);
+		proto->upload = strdup(value);
 	} else if (strcasecmp(name, "download command") == 0) {
-		conf->protocols[conf->protocol_count]->download = strdup(value);
+		free(proto->download);
+		proto->download = strdup(value);
 	} else if (strcasecmp(name, "internal zmodem") == 0) {
-		if (strcasecmp(value, "true") == 0) {
-			conf->protocols[conf->protocol_count]->internal_zmodem = 1;
-		} else {
-			conf->protocols[conf->protocol_count]->internal_zmodem = 0;
-		}
+		proto->internal_zmodem = (strcasecmp(value, "true") == 0);
 	} else if (strcasecmp(name, "stdio") == 0) {
-		if (strcasecmp(value, "true") == 0) {
-			conf->protocols[conf->protocol_count]->stdio = 1;
-		} else {
-			conf->protocols[conf->protocol_count]->stdio = 0;
-		}
+		proto->stdio = (strcasecmp(value, "true") == 0);
 	} else if (strcasecmp(name, "upload prompt") == 0) {
-		if (strcasecmp(value, "true") == 0) {
-			conf->protocols[conf->protocol_count]->upload_prompt = 1;
-		} else {
-			conf->protocols[conf->protocol_count]->upload_prompt = 0;
-		}
+		proto->upload_prompt = (strcasecmp(value, "true") == 0);
 	}
-	conf->protocol_count++;
 
 	return 1;
 }
@@ -159,40 +121,31 @@ static int protocol_config_handler(void *user, const char *section, const char *
 static int archiver_config_handler(void *user, const char *section, const char *name,
                                    const char *value) {
 	struct bbs_config *conf = (struct bbs_config *)user;
-	int i;
 
-	for (i = 0; i < conf->archiver_count; i++) {
-		if (strcasecmp(conf->archivers[i]->name, section) == 0) {
-			// found it
-			if (strcasecmp(name, "extension") == 0) {
-				conf->archivers[i]->extension = strdup(value);
-			} else if (strcasecmp(name, "unpack") == 0) {
-				conf->archivers[i]->unpack = strdup(value);
-			} else if (strcasecmp(name, "pack") == 0) {
-				conf->archivers[i]->pack = strdup(value);
-			}
-			return 1;
+	struct archiver *arc = NULL;
+	for (size_t i = 0; i < ptr_vector_len(&conf->archivers); ++i) {
+		struct archiver *anarc = ptr_vector_get(&conf->archivers, i);
+		if (strcasecmp(anarc->name, section) == 0) {
+			arc = anarc; // hy in the UK.
+			break;
 		}
 	}
+	if (arc == NULL) {
+		arc = malloz(sizeof(struct archiver));
+		ptr_vector_append(&conf->archivers, arc);
 
-	if (conf->archiver_count == 0) {
-		conf->archivers = (struct archiver **)malloz(sizeof(struct archiver *));
-	} else {
-		conf->archivers = (struct archiver **)realloc(conf->archivers, sizeof(struct archiver *) * (conf->archiver_count + 1));
+		arc->name = strdup(section);
 	}
-
-	conf->archivers[conf->archiver_count] = (struct archiver *)malloz(sizeof(struct archiver));
-
-	conf->archivers[conf->archiver_count]->name = strdup(section);
-
 	if (strcasecmp(name, "extension") == 0) {
-		conf->archivers[conf->archiver_count]->extension = strdup(value);
+		free(arc->extension);
+		arc->extension = strdup(value);
 	} else if (strcasecmp(name, "unpack") == 0) {
-		conf->archivers[conf->archiver_count]->unpack = strdup(value);
+		free(arc->unpack);
+		arc->unpack = strdup(value);
 	} else if (strcasecmp(name, "pack") == 0) {
-		conf->archivers[conf->archiver_count]->pack = strdup(value);
+		free(arc->pack);
+		arc->pack = strdup(value);
 	}
-	conf->archiver_count++;
 
 	return 1;
 }
@@ -200,49 +153,31 @@ static int archiver_config_handler(void *user, const char *section, const char *
 static int door_config_handler(void *user, const char *section, const char *name,
                                const char *value) {
 	struct bbs_config *conf = (struct bbs_config *)user;
-	int i;
 
-	for (i = 0; i < conf->door_count; i++) {
-		if (strcasecmp(conf->doors[i]->name, section) == 0) {
-			// found it
-			if (strcasecmp(name, "command") == 0) {
-				conf->doors[i]->command = strdup(value);
-			} else if (strcasecmp(name, "stdio") == 0) {
-				if (strcasecmp(value, "true") == 0) {
-					conf->doors[i]->stdio = 1;
-				} else {
-					conf->doors[i]->stdio = 0;
-				}
-			} else if (strcasecmp(name, "codepage") == 0) {
-				conf->doors[i]->codepage = strdup(value);
-			}
-			return 1;
+	struct door_config *door = NULL;
+	for (size_t i = 0; i < ptr_vector_len(&conf->doors); ++i) {
+		struct door_config *adoor = ptr_vector_get(&conf->doors, i);
+		assert(adoor != NULL);
+		if (strcasecmp(adoor->name, section) == 0) {
+			door = adoor;
+			break;
 		}
 	}
-
-	if (conf->door_count == 0) {
-		conf->doors = (struct door_config **)malloz(sizeof(struct door_config *));
-	} else {
-		conf->doors = (struct door_config **)realloc(conf->doors, sizeof(struct door_config *) * (conf->door_count + 1));
+	if (door == NULL) {
+		door = malloz(sizeof(struct door_config));
+		ptr_vector_append(&conf->doors, door);
+		door->name = strdup(section);
+		door->codepage = NULL;
 	}
-
-	conf->doors[conf->door_count] = (struct door_config *)malloz(sizeof(struct door_config));
-
-	conf->doors[conf->door_count]->name = strdup(section);
-	conf->doors[conf->door_count]->codepage = NULL;
-
 	if (strcasecmp(name, "command") == 0) {
-		conf->doors[conf->door_count]->command = strdup(value);
+		free(door->command);
+		door->command = strdup(value);
 	} else if (strcasecmp(name, "stdio") == 0) {
-		if (strcasecmp(value, "true") == 0) {
-			conf->doors[conf->door_count]->stdio = 1;
-		} else {
-			conf->doors[conf->door_count]->stdio = 0;
-		}
+		door->stdio = (strcasecmp(value, "true") == 0);
 	} else if (strcasecmp(name, "codepage") == 0) {
-		conf->doors[conf->door_count]->codepage = strdup(value);
+		free(door->codepage);
+		door->codepage = strdup(value);
 	}
-	conf->door_count++;
 
 	return 1;
 }
@@ -250,53 +185,40 @@ static int door_config_handler(void *user, const char *section, const char *name
 static int file_sub_handler(void *user, const char *section, const char *name,
                             const char *value) {
 	struct file_directory *fd = (struct file_directory *)user;
-	int i;
 
 	if (strcasecmp(section, "main") == 0) {
 		if (strcasecmp(name, "visible sec level") == 0) {
 			fd->sec_level = atoi(value);
 		} else if (strcasecmp(name, "visible on web") == 0) {
-			if (strcasecmp(value, "true") == 0) {
-				fd->display_on_web = 1;
-			} else {
-				fd->display_on_web = 0;
-			}
+			fd->display_on_web = (strcasecmp(value, "true") == 0);
 		}
-	} else {
-		// check if it's partially filled in
-		for (i = 0; i < fd->file_sub_count; i++) {
-			if (strcasecmp(fd->file_subs[i]->name, section) == 0) {
-				if (strcasecmp(name, "upload sec level") == 0) {
-					fd->file_subs[i]->upload_sec_level = atoi(value);
-				} else if (strcasecmp(name, "download sec level") == 0) {
-					fd->file_subs[i]->download_sec_level = atoi(value);
-				} else if (strcasecmp(name, "database") == 0) {
-					fd->file_subs[i]->database = strdup(value);
-				} else if (strcasecmp(name, "upload path") == 0) {
-					fd->file_subs[i]->upload_path = strdup(value);
-				}
-				return 1;
-			}
+		return 1;
+	}
+	// check if it's partially filled in
+	struct file_sub *sub = NULL;
+	for (size_t i = 0; i < ptr_vector_len(&fd->file_subs); ++i) {
+		struct file_sub *asub = ptr_vector_get(&fd->file_subs, i);
+		assert(asub != NULL);
+		if (strcasecmp(asub->name, section) == 0) {
+			sub = asub;
+			break;
 		}
-		if (fd->file_sub_count == 0) {
-			fd->file_subs = (struct file_sub **)malloz(sizeof(struct file_sub *));
-		} else {
-			fd->file_subs = (struct file_sub **)realloc(fd->file_subs, sizeof(struct file_sub *) * (fd->file_sub_count + 1));
-		}
-
-		fd->file_subs[fd->file_sub_count] = (struct file_sub *)malloz(sizeof(struct file_sub));
-
-		fd->file_subs[fd->file_sub_count]->name = strdup(section);
-		if (strcasecmp(name, "upload sec level") == 0) {
-			fd->file_subs[fd->file_sub_count]->upload_sec_level = atoi(value);
-		} else if (strcasecmp(name, "download sec level") == 0) {
-			fd->file_subs[fd->file_sub_count]->download_sec_level = atoi(value);
-		} else if (strcasecmp(name, "database") == 0) {
-			fd->file_subs[fd->file_sub_count]->database = strdup(value);
-		} else if (strcasecmp(name, "upload path") == 0) {
-			fd->file_subs[fd->file_sub_count]->upload_path = strdup(value);
-		}
-		fd->file_sub_count++;
+	}
+	if (sub == NULL) {
+		sub = (struct file_sub *)malloz(sizeof(struct file_sub));
+		ptr_vector_append(&fd->file_subs, sub);
+		sub->name = strdup(section);
+	}
+	if (strcasecmp(name, "upload sec level") == 0) {
+		sub->upload_sec_level = atoi(value);
+	} else if (strcasecmp(name, "download sec level") == 0) {
+		sub->download_sec_level = atoi(value);
+	} else if (strcasecmp(name, "database") == 0) {
+		free(sub->database);
+		sub->database = strdup(value);
+	} else if (strcasecmp(name, "upload path") == 0) {
+		free(sub->upload_path);
+		sub->upload_path = strdup(value);
 	}
 	return 1;
 }
@@ -304,26 +226,19 @@ static int file_sub_handler(void *user, const char *section, const char *name,
 static int mail_area_handler(void *user, const char *section, const char *name,
                              const char *value) {
 	struct mail_conference *mc = (struct mail_conference *)user;
-	int i;
 
 	if (strcasecmp(section, "main") == 0) {
 		if (strcasecmp(name, "visible sec level") == 0) {
 			mc->sec_level = atoi(value);
 		} else if (strcasecmp(name, "networked") == 0) {
-			if (strcasecmp(value, "true") == 0) {
-				mc->networked = 1;
-			} else {
-				mc->networked = 0;
-			}
+			mc->networked = (strcasecmp(value, "true") == 0);
 		} else if (strcasecmp(name, "real names") == 0) {
-			if (strcasecmp(value, "true") == 0) {
-				mc->realnames = 1;
-			} else {
-				mc->realnames = 0;
-			}
+			mc->realnames = (strcasecmp(value, "true") == 0);
 		} else if (strcasecmp(name, "tagline") == 0) {
+			free(mc->tagline);
 			mc->tagline = strdup(value);
 		} else if (strcasecmp(name, "header") == 0) {
+			free(mc->header);
 			mc->header = strdup(value);
 		}
 	} else if (strcasecmp(section, "network") == 0) {
@@ -338,74 +253,48 @@ static int mail_area_handler(void *user, const char *section, const char *name,
 		} else if (strcasecmp(name, "fido node") == 0) {
 			mc->fidoaddr = parse_fido_addr(value);
 		} else if (strcasecmp(name, "domain") == 0) {
+			free(mc->domain);
 			mc->domain = strdup(value);
 		} else if (strcasecmp(name, "magi node") == 0) {
 			mc->maginode = atoi(value);
 		}
 	} else {
 		// check if it's partially filled in
-		for (i = 0; i < mc->mail_area_count; i++) {
-			if (strcasecmp(mc->mail_areas[i]->name, section) == 0) {
-				if (strcasecmp(name, "read sec level") == 0) {
-					mc->mail_areas[i]->read_sec_level = atoi(value);
-				} else if (strcasecmp(name, "write sec level") == 0) {
-					mc->mail_areas[i]->write_sec_level = atoi(value);
-				} else if (strcasecmp(name, "path") == 0) {
-					mc->mail_areas[i]->path = strdup(value);
-				} else if (strcasecmp(name, "type") == 0) {
-					if (strcasecmp(value, "local") == 0) {
-						mc->mail_areas[i]->type = TYPE_LOCAL_AREA;
-					} else if (strcasecmp(value, "echo") == 0) {
-						mc->mail_areas[i]->type = TYPE_ECHOMAIL_AREA;
-					} else if (strcasecmp(value, "netmail") == 0) {
-						mc->mail_areas[i]->type = TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA;
-					} else if (strcasecmp(value, "newsgroup") == 0) {
-						mc->mail_areas[i]->type = TYPE_NEWSGROUP_AREA;
-					}
-				} else if (strcasecmp(name, "qwk name") == 0) {
-					mc->mail_areas[i]->qwkname = strdup(value);
-					if (strlen(mc->mail_areas[i]->qwkname) > 8) {
-						mc->mail_areas[i]->qwkname[8] = '\0';
-					}
-				}
-				return 1;
+		struct mail_area *area = NULL;
+		for (size_t i = 0; i < ptr_vector_len(&mc->mail_areas); ++i) {
+			struct mail_area *anarea = ptr_vector_get(&mc->mail_areas, i);
+			if (strcasecmp(anarea->name, section) == 0) {
+				area = anarea;
+				break;
 			}
 		}
-		if (mc->mail_area_count == 0) {
-			mc->mail_areas = (struct mail_area **)malloz(sizeof(struct mail_area *));
-		} else {
-			mc->mail_areas = (struct mail_area **)realloc(mc->mail_areas, sizeof(struct mail_area *) * (mc->mail_area_count + 1));
+		if (area == NULL) {
+			area = (struct mail_area *)malloz(sizeof(struct mail_area));
+			ptr_vector_append(&mc->mail_areas, area);
+			area->qwkname = NULL;
+			area->name = strdup(section);
 		}
-
-		mc->mail_areas[mc->mail_area_count] = (struct mail_area *)malloz(sizeof(struct mail_area));
-
-		mc->mail_areas[mc->mail_area_count]->qwkname = NULL;
-
-		mc->mail_areas[mc->mail_area_count]->name = strdup(section);
 		if (strcasecmp(name, "read sec level") == 0) {
-			mc->mail_areas[mc->mail_area_count]->read_sec_level = atoi(value);
+			area->read_sec_level = atoi(value);
 		} else if (strcasecmp(name, "write sec level") == 0) {
-			mc->mail_areas[mc->mail_area_count]->write_sec_level = atoi(value);
+			area->write_sec_level = atoi(value);
 		} else if (strcasecmp(name, "path") == 0) {
-			mc->mail_areas[mc->mail_area_count]->path = strdup(value);
+			area->path = strdup(value);
 		} else if (strcasecmp(name, "type") == 0) {
 			if (strcasecmp(value, "local") == 0) {
-				mc->mail_areas[mc->mail_area_count]->type = TYPE_LOCAL_AREA;
+				area->type = TYPE_LOCAL_AREA;
 			} else if (strcasecmp(value, "echo") == 0) {
-				mc->mail_areas[mc->mail_area_count]->type = TYPE_ECHOMAIL_AREA;
+				area->type = TYPE_ECHOMAIL_AREA;
 			} else if (strcasecmp(value, "netmail") == 0) {
-				mc->mail_areas[mc->mail_area_count]->type = TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA;
+				area->type = TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA;
 			} else if (strcasecmp(value, "newsgroup") == 0) {
-				mc->mail_areas[mc->mail_area_count]->type = TYPE_NEWSGROUP_AREA;
+				area->type = TYPE_NEWSGROUP_AREA;
 			}
 		} else if (strcasecmp(name, "qwk name") == 0) {
-			mc->mail_areas[mc->mail_area_count]->qwkname = strdup(value);
-			if (strlen(mc->mail_areas[mc->mail_area_count]->qwkname) > 8) {
-				mc->mail_areas[mc->mail_area_count]->qwkname[8] = '\0';
-			}
+			area->qwkname = strndup(value, 8);
 		}
-		mc->mail_area_count++;
 	}
+
 	return 1;
 }
 
@@ -564,45 +453,27 @@ static int handler(void *user, const char *section, const char *name,
 			conf->menu_path = strdup(value);
 		}
 	} else if (strcasecmp(section, "mail conferences") == 0) {
-		if (conf->mail_conference_count == 0) {
-			conf->mail_conferences = (struct mail_conference **)malloz(sizeof(struct mail_conference *));
-		} else {
-			conf->mail_conferences = (struct mail_conference **)realloc(conf->mail_conferences, sizeof(struct mail_conference *) * (conf->mail_conference_count + 1));
-		}
-
-		conf->mail_conferences[conf->mail_conference_count] = (struct mail_conference *)malloz(sizeof(struct mail_conference));
-		conf->mail_conferences[conf->mail_conference_count]->name = strdup(name);
-		conf->mail_conferences[conf->mail_conference_count]->path = strdup(value);
-		conf->mail_conferences[conf->mail_conference_count]->tagline = NULL;
-		conf->mail_conferences[conf->mail_conference_count]->mail_area_count = 0;
-		conf->mail_conferences[conf->mail_conference_count]->nettype = 0;
-		conf->mail_conferences[conf->mail_conference_count]->domain = NULL;
-		conf->mail_conferences[conf->mail_conference_count]->header = NULL;
-		conf->mail_conference_count++;
+		struct mail_conference *conference = malloz(sizeof(struct mail_conference));
+		conference->name = strdup(name);
+		conference->path = strdup(value);
+		conference->tagline = NULL;
+		init_ptr_vector(&conference->mail_areas);
+		conference->nettype = 0;
+		conference->domain = NULL;
+		conference->header = NULL;
+		ptr_vector_append(&conf->mail_conferences, conference);
 	} else if (strcasecmp(section, "file directories") == 0) {
-		if (conf->file_directory_count == 0) {
-			conf->file_directories = (struct file_directory **)malloz(sizeof(struct file_directory *));
-		} else {
-			conf->file_directories = (struct file_directory **)realloc(conf->file_directories, sizeof(struct file_directory *) * (conf->file_directory_count + 1));
-		}
-
-		conf->file_directories[conf->file_directory_count] = (struct file_directory *)malloz(sizeof(struct file_directory));
-		conf->file_directories[conf->file_directory_count]->name = strdup(name);
-		conf->file_directories[conf->file_directory_count]->path = strdup(value);
-		conf->file_directories[conf->file_directory_count]->file_sub_count = 0;
-		conf->file_directories[conf->file_directory_count]->display_on_web = 0;
-		conf->file_directory_count++;
+		struct file_directory *dir = malloz(sizeof(struct file_directory));
+		dir->name = strdup(name);
+		dir->path = strdup(value);
+		init_ptr_vector(&dir->file_subs);
+		dir->display_on_web = 0;
+		ptr_vector_append(&conf->file_directories, dir);
 	} else if (strcasecmp(section, "text files") == 0) {
-		if (conf->text_file_count == 0) {
-			conf->text_files = (struct text_file **)malloz(sizeof(struct text_file *));
-		} else {
-			conf->text_files = (struct text_file **)realloc(conf->text_files, sizeof(struct text_file *) * (conf->text_file_count + 1));
-		}
-
-		conf->text_files[conf->text_file_count] = (struct text_file *)malloz(sizeof(struct text_file));
-		conf->text_files[conf->text_file_count]->name = strdup(name);
-		conf->text_files[conf->text_file_count]->path = strdup(value);
-		conf->text_file_count++;
+		struct text_file *file = malloz(sizeof(struct text_file));
+		file->name = strdup(name);
+		file->path = strdup(value);
+		ptr_vector_append(&conf->text_files, file);
 	}
 
 	return 1;
@@ -1268,13 +1139,13 @@ int main(int argc, char **argv) {
 		exit(1);
 	}
 
-	conf.mail_conference_count = 0;
-	conf.door_count = 0;
-	conf.file_directory_count = 0;
+	init_ptr_vector(&conf.mail_conferences);
+	init_ptr_vector(&conf.doors);
+	init_ptr_vector(&conf.file_directories);
 	conf.mgchat_server = NULL;
 	conf.mgchat_port = 2025;
 	conf.mgchat_bbstag = NULL;
-	conf.text_file_count = 0;
+	init_ptr_vector(&conf.text_files);
 	conf.external_editor_cmd = NULL;
 	conf.external_editor_codepage = NULL;
 	conf.log_path = NULL;
@@ -1286,7 +1157,7 @@ int main(int argc, char **argv) {
 	conf.string_file = NULL;
 	conf.www_path = NULL;
 	conf.www_url = NULL;
-	conf.archiver_count = 0;
+	init_ptr_vector(&conf.archivers);
 	conf.broadcast_enable = 0;
 	conf.broadcast_port = 0;
 	conf.broadcast_address = NULL;
@@ -1297,12 +1168,13 @@ int main(int argc, char **argv) {
 	conf.ipguard_enable = 0;
 	conf.ipguard_tries = 4;
 	conf.ipguard_timeout = 120;
-	conf.protocol_count = 0;
+	init_ptr_vector(&conf.protocols);
 	conf.codepage = 0;
 	conf.date_style = 0;
 	conf.ipv6 = 0;
 	conf.uid = getuid();
 	conf.gid = getgid();
+
 	// Load BBS data
 	if (ini_parse(argv[1], handler, &conf) < 0) {
 		fprintf(stderr, "Unable to load configuration ini (%s)!\n", argv[1]);
@@ -1320,22 +1192,24 @@ int main(int argc, char **argv) {
 	}
 
 	// Load mail Areas
-	for (i = 0; i < conf.mail_conference_count; i++) {
-		if (ini_parse(conf.mail_conferences[i]->path, mail_area_handler, conf.mail_conferences[i]) < 0) {
-			fprintf(stderr, "Unable to load configuration ini (%s)!\n", conf.mail_conferences[i]->path);
+	for (i = 0; i < ptr_vector_len(&conf.mail_conferences); i++) {
+		struct mail_conference *conference = ptr_vector_get(&conf.mail_conferences, i);
+		if (ini_parse(conference->path, mail_area_handler, conference) < 0) {
+			fprintf(stderr, "Unable to load configuration ini (%s)!\n", conference->path);
 			exit(-1);
 		}
 	}
+
 	// Load file Subs
-	for (i = 0; i < conf.file_directory_count; i++) {
-		if (ini_parse(conf.file_directories[i]->path, file_sub_handler, conf.file_directories[i]) < 0) {
-			fprintf(stderr, "Unable to load configuration ini (%s)!\n", conf.file_directories[i]->path);
+	for (i = 0; i < ptr_vector_len(&conf.file_directories); i++) {
+		struct file_directory *dir = ptr_vector_get(&conf.file_directories, i);
+		if (ini_parse(dir->path, file_sub_handler, dir) < 0) {
+			fprintf(stderr, "Unable to load configuration ini (%s)!\n", dir->path);
 			exit(-1);
 		}
 	}
 
 	snprintf(buffer, 1024, "%s/doors.ini", conf.config_path);
-
 	if (ini_parse(buffer, door_config_handler, &conf) < 0) {
 		fprintf(stderr, "Unable to load configuration ini (doors.ini)!\n");
 		exit(-1);
diff --git a/src/main_menu.c b/src/main_menu.c
index 08503b1..1b7a433 100644
--- a/src/main_menu.c
+++ b/src/main_menu.c
@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ void display_textfiles() {
 	int selected = 0;
 	char c;
 
-	if (conf.text_file_count == 0) {
+	if (ptr_vector_len(&conf.text_files) == 0) {
 		s_printf("\e[2J\e[1;1H");
 		s_printf(get_string(148));
 		s_printf(get_string(185));
@@ -107,12 +107,9 @@ void display_textfiles() {
 			s_printf("\e[2J\e[1;1H");
 			s_printf(get_string(143));
 			s_printf(get_string(144));
-			for (i = start; i < start + 22 && i < conf.text_file_count; i++) {
-				if (i == selected) {
-					s_printf(get_string(249), i - start + 2, i, conf.text_files[i]->name);
-				} else {
-					s_printf(get_string(250), i - start + 2, i, conf.text_files[i]->name);
-				}
+			for (size_t i = start; i < start + 22 && i < ptr_vector_len(&conf.text_files); i++) {
+				struct text_file *file = ptr_vector_get(&conf.text_files, i);
+				s_printf(get_string(i == selected ? 249 : 250),  i - start + 2, i, file->name);
 			}
 			s_printf("\e[%d;5H", selected - start + 2);
 			redraw = 0;
@@ -128,18 +125,22 @@ void display_textfiles() {
 					// down
 					if (selected + 1 >= start + 22) {
 						start += 22;
-						if (start >= conf.text_file_count) {
-							start = conf.text_file_count - 22;
+						if (start >= ptr_vector_len(&conf.text_files)) {
+							start = ptr_vector_len(&conf.text_files) - 22;
 						}
 						redraw = 1;
 					}
 					selected++;
-					if (selected >= conf.text_file_count) {
-						selected = conf.text_file_count - 1;
+					if (selected >= ptr_vector_len(&conf.text_files)) {
+						selected = ptr_vector_len(&conf.text_files) - 1;
 					} else {
 						if (!redraw) {
-							s_printf(get_string(250), selected - start + 1, selected - 1, conf.text_files[selected - 1]->name);
-							s_printf(get_string(249), selected - start + 2, selected, conf.text_files[selected]->name);
+							struct text_file *prev_file = ptr_vector_get(&conf.text_files, selected - 1);
+							struct text_file *file = ptr_vector_get(&conf.text_files, selected);
+							assert(prev_file != NULL);
+							assert(file != NULL);
+							s_printf(get_string(250), selected - start + 1, selected - 1, prev_file->name);
+							s_printf(get_string(249), selected - start + 2, selected, file->name);
 							s_printf("\e[%d;5H", selected - start + 2);
 						}
 					}
@@ -157,15 +158,17 @@ void display_textfiles() {
 						selected = 0;
 					} else {
 						if (!redraw) {
-							s_printf(get_string(249), selected - start + 2, selected, conf.text_files[selected]->name);
-							s_printf(get_string(250), selected - start + 3, selected + 1, conf.text_files[selected + 1]->name);
+							struct text_file *file = ptr_vector_get(&conf.text_files, selected);
+							struct text_file *next_file = ptr_vector_get(&conf.text_files, selected + 1);
+							s_printf(get_string(249), selected - start + 2, selected, file->name);
+							s_printf(get_string(250), selected - start + 3, selected + 1, next_file->name);
 							s_printf("\e[%d;5H", selected - start + 2);
 						}
 					}
 				} else if (c == 75) {
 					// END KEY
-					selected = conf.text_file_count - 1;
-					start = conf.text_file_count - 22;
+					selected = ptr_vector_len(&conf.text_files) - 1;
+					start = selected - 21;
 					if (start < 0) {
 						start = 0;
 					}
@@ -192,16 +195,18 @@ void display_textfiles() {
 					}
 					// PAGE DOWN
 					selected = selected + 22;
-					if (selected >= conf.text_file_count) {
-						selected = conf.text_file_count - 1;
+					if (selected >= ptr_vector_len(&conf.text_files)) {
+						selected = ptr_vector_len(&conf.text_files) - 1;
 					}
 					start = selected;
 					redraw = 1;
 				}
 			}
 		} else if (c == 13) {
+			struct text_file *file = ptr_vector_get(&conf.text_files, selected);
+			assert(file != NULL);
 			s_printf("\e[2J\e[1;1H");
-			s_displayansi_p(conf.text_files[selected]->path);
+			s_displayansi_p(file->path);
 			s_printf(get_string(185));
 			s_getc();
 			s_printf("\r\n");
diff --git a/src/menus.c b/src/menus.c
index da5803e..98dd79a 100644
--- a/src/menus.c
+++ b/src/menus.c
@@ -3,11 +3,13 @@
 #include <stdlib.h>
 #include <sys/stat.h>
 #include <unistd.h>
-#include "bbs.h"
+
 #include "lua/lua.h"
 #include "lua/lualib.h"
 #include "lua/lauxlib.h"
 
+#include "bbs.h"
+
 #define MENU_SUBMENU 1
 #define MENU_LOGOFF 2
 #define MENU_PREVMENU 3
@@ -382,12 +384,13 @@ int menu_system(char *menufile) {
 								settings_menu(gUser);
 								break;
 							case MENU_DOOR: {
-								for (m = 0; m < conf.door_count; m++) {
-									if (strcasecmp(cmd->data, conf.doors[m]->name) == 0) {
-										dolog("%s launched door %s, on node %d", gUser->loginname, conf.doors[m]->name, mynode);
-										broadcast("USER: %s; NODE:%d; STATUS: Executing Door %s.", gUser->loginname, mynode, conf.doors[m]->name);
-										rundoor(gUser, conf.doors[m]->command, conf.doors[m]->stdio, conf.doors[m]->codepage);
-										dolog("%s returned from door %s, on node %d", gUser->loginname, conf.doors[m]->name, mynode);
+								for (m = 0; m < ptr_vector_len(&conf.doors); m++) {
+									struct door_config *door = ptr_vector_get(&conf.doors, m);
+									if (strcasecmp(cmd->data, door->name) == 0) {
+										dolog("%s launched door %s, on node %d", gUser->loginname, door->name, mynode);
+										broadcast("USER: %s; NODE:%d; STATUS: Executing Door %s.", gUser->loginname, mynode, door->name);
+										rundoor(gUser, door->command, door->stdio, door->codepage);
+										dolog("%s returned from door %s, on node %d", gUser->loginname, door->name, mynode);
 										break;
 									}
 								}
@@ -452,14 +455,19 @@ int menu_system(char *menufile) {
 								broadcast("USER: %s; NODE:%d; STATUS: Browsing Files.", gUser->loginname, mynode);
 								list_files(gUser);
 								break;
-							case MENU_UPLOAD:
-								if (gUser->sec_level >= conf.file_directories[gUser->cur_file_dir]->file_subs[gUser->cur_file_sub]->upload_sec_level) {
+							case MENU_UPLOAD: {
+								struct file_directory *dir = ptr_vector_get(&conf.file_directories, gUser->cur_file_dir);
+								assert(dir != NULL);
+								struct file_sub *sub = ptr_vector_get(&dir->file_subs, gUser->cur_file_sub);
+								assert(sub != NULL);
+								if (gUser->sec_level >= sub->upload_sec_level) {
 									broadcast("USER: %s; NODE:%d; STATUS: Uploading a File.", gUser->loginname, mynode);
 									upload(gUser);
 								} else {
 									s_printf(get_string(84));
 								}
 								break;
+							}
 							case MENU_DOWNLOAD:
 								broadcast("USER: %s; NODE:%d; STATUS: Downloading Files.", gUser->loginname, mynode);
 								download(gUser);
diff --git a/src/nodelist.c b/src/nodelist.c
index fa6be92..4a1ef49 100644
--- a/src/nodelist.c
+++ b/src/nodelist.c
@@ -93,7 +93,9 @@ void nl_browser() {
 		return;
 	}
 
-	sqlite3_bind_text(res, 1, conf.mail_conferences[gUser->cur_mail_conf]->domain, -1, 0);
+	struct mail_conference *mc = ptr_vector_get(&conf.mail_conferences, gUser->cur_mail_conf);
+	assert(mc != NULL);
+	sqlite3_bind_text(res, 1, mc->domain, -1, 0);
 
 	init_ptr_vector(&vec);
 	while (sqlite3_step(res) == SQLITE_ROW) {
diff --git a/src/settings.c b/src/settings.c
index f6e90fe..c7e7e74 100644
--- a/src/settings.c
+++ b/src/settings.c
@@ -16,12 +16,14 @@ void settings_menu(struct user_record *user) {
 	char *sig;
 
 	while (!dosettings) {
+		struct archiver *arc = ptr_vector_get(&conf.archivers, user->defarchiver - 1);
+		struct protocol *proto = ptr_vector_get(&conf.protocols, user->defprotocol - 1);
 		s_printf(get_string(149));
 		s_printf(get_string(150));
 		s_printf(get_string(151));
 		s_printf(get_string(152), user->location);
-		s_printf(get_string(205), conf.archivers[user->defarchiver - 1]->name);
-		s_printf(get_string(213), conf.protocols[user->defprotocol - 1]->name);
+		s_printf(get_string(205), arc->name);
+		s_printf(get_string(213), proto->name);
 		s_printf(get_string(215), (user->nodemsgs ? "TRUE" : "FALSE"));
 		s_printf(get_string(221), (user->codepage ? "UTF-8" : "CP437"));
 		switch (user->exteditor) {
@@ -84,15 +86,16 @@ void settings_menu(struct user_record *user) {
 			case 'a': {
 				s_printf(get_string(206));
 
-				for (i = 0; i < conf.archiver_count; i++) {
-					s_printf(get_string(207), i + 1, conf.archivers[i]->name);
+				for (i = 0; i < ptr_vector_len(&conf.archivers); i++) {
+					struct archiver *arc = ptr_vector_get(&conf.archivers, i);
+					s_printf(get_string(207), i + 1, arc->name);
 				}
 
 				s_printf(get_string(208));
 				s_readstring(buffer, 5);
 				new_arc = atoi(buffer);
 
-				if (new_arc - 1 < 0 || new_arc > conf.archiver_count) {
+				if (new_arc - 1 < 0 || new_arc > ptr_vector_len(&conf.archivers)) {
 					break;
 				} else {
 					user->defarchiver = new_arc;
@@ -103,15 +106,16 @@ void settings_menu(struct user_record *user) {
 			case 'o': {
 				s_printf(get_string(212));
 
-				for (i = 0; i < conf.protocol_count; i++) {
-					s_printf(get_string(207), i + 1, conf.protocols[i]->name);
+				for (i = 0; i < ptr_vector_len(&conf.protocols); i++) {
+					struct protocol *proto = ptr_vector_get(&conf.protocols, i);
+					s_printf(get_string(207), i + 1, proto->name);
 				}
 
 				s_printf(get_string(208));
 				s_readstring(buffer, 5);
 				new_arc = atoi(buffer);
 
-				if (new_arc - 1 < 0 || new_arc > conf.protocol_count) {
+				if (new_arc - 1 < 0 || new_arc > ptr_vector_len(&conf.protocols)) {
 					break;
 				} else {
 					user->defprotocol = new_arc;
diff --git a/src/users.c b/src/users.c
index 9508e43..3e45416 100644
--- a/src/users.c
+++ b/src/users.c
@@ -486,16 +486,20 @@ struct user_record *check_user_pass(char *loginname, char *password) {
 		dolog("Unable to load sec Level ini (%s)!", pathbuf);
 		exit(-1);
 	}
-	if (user->cur_mail_conf >= conf.mail_conference_count) {
+	if (user->cur_mail_conf >= ptr_vector_len(&conf.mail_conferences)) {
 		user->cur_mail_conf = 0;
 	}
-	if (user->cur_file_dir >= conf.file_directory_count) {
+	if (user->cur_file_dir >= ptr_vector_len(&conf.file_directories)) {
 		user->cur_file_dir = 0;
 	}
-	if (user->cur_mail_area >= conf.mail_conferences[user->cur_mail_conf]->mail_area_count) {
+	struct mail_conference *mc = ptr_vector_get(&conf.mail_conferences, user->cur_mail_conf);
+	assert(mc != NULL);
+	if (user->cur_mail_area >= ptr_vector_len(&mc->mail_areas)) {
 		user->cur_mail_area = 0;
 	}
-	if (user->cur_file_sub >= conf.file_directories[user->cur_file_dir]->file_sub_count) {
+	struct file_directory *dir = ptr_vector_get(&conf.file_directories, user->cur_file_dir);
+	assert(dir != NULL);
+	if (user->cur_file_sub >= ptr_vector_len(&dir->file_subs)) {
 		user->cur_file_sub = 0;
 	}
 
diff --git a/src/www.c b/src/www.c
index 453ecf2..eff92d5 100644
--- a/src/www.c
+++ b/src/www.c
@@ -789,14 +789,17 @@ int www_handler(void *cls, struct MHD_Connection *connection, const char *url, c
 			free(url_copy);
 
 			if (file_dir != -1 && file_sub != -1 && filen == NULL) {
-				if (file_dir >= 0 && file_dir < conf.file_directory_count && file_sub >= 0 && file_sub < conf.file_directories[file_dir]->file_sub_count) {
-					if (conf.file_directories[file_dir]->display_on_web) {
+				if (file_dir >= 0 && file_dir < ptr_vector_len(&conf.file_directories)) {
+					struct file_directory *dir = ptr_vector_get(&conf.file_directories, file_dir);
+					assert(dir != NULL);
+					if (dir->display_on_web && file_sub >= 0 && file_sub < ptr_vector_len(&dir->file_subs)) {
 						page = www_files_display_listing(file_dir, file_sub);
 					}
 				}
 			} else if (file_dir != -1 && file_sub != -1 && filen != NULL) {
-				if (file_dir >= 0 && file_dir < conf.file_directory_count && file_sub >= 0 && file_sub < conf.file_directories[file_dir]->file_sub_count) {
-					if (conf.file_directories[file_dir]->display_on_web) {
+				if (file_dir >= 0 && file_dir < ptr_vector_len(&conf.file_directories)) {
+					struct file_directory *dir = ptr_vector_get(&conf.file_directories, file_dir);
+					if (dir->display_on_web && file_sub >= 0 && file_sub < ptr_vector_len(&dir->file_subs)) {
 						// send file
 						filename = www_files_get_from_area(file_dir, file_sub, filen);
 						free(filen);
diff --git a/src/www_files.c b/src/www_files.c
index 6e37c65..af95024 100644
--- a/src/www_files.c
+++ b/src/www_files.c
@@ -4,9 +4,11 @@
 #include <time.h>
 #include <sqlite3.h>
 #include <libgen.h>
-#include "bbs.h"
+
 #include "../deps/hashids/hashids.h"
 
+#include "bbs.h"
+
 extern struct bbs_config conf;
 extern struct user_record *gUser;
 extern char *aha(char *input);
@@ -222,12 +224,17 @@ char *www_decode_hash(char *hash) {
 	sub = (int)numbers[2];
 	fid = (int)numbers[3];
 
-	if (dir >= conf.file_directory_count || sub >= conf.file_directories[dir]->file_sub_count) {
+	if (dir >= ptr_vector_len(&conf.file_directories))
 		return NULL;
-	}
+	struct file_directory *fdir = ptr_vector_get(&conf.file_directories, dir);
+	assert(fdir != NULL);
+	if (sub >= ptr_vector_len(&fdir->file_subs))
+		return NULL;
+	struct file_sub *fsub = ptr_vector_get(&fdir->file_subs, sub);
+	assert(fsub != NULL);
 
 	// get filename from database
-	snprintf(pathbuf, PATH_MAX, "%s/%s.sq3", conf.bbs_path, conf.file_directories[dir]->file_subs[sub]->database);
+	snprintf(pathbuf, sizeof pathbuf, "%s/%s.sq3", conf.bbs_path, fsub->database);
 	rc = sqlite3_open(pathbuf, &db);
 	if (rc != SQLITE_OK) {
 		return NULL;
@@ -260,11 +267,13 @@ char *www_create_link(int dir, int sub, int fid) {
 
 	hashids_t *hashids = hashids_init(conf.bbs_name);
 
-	sizereq = hashids_estimate_encoded_size_v(hashids, 4, (unsigned long long)gUser->id, (unsigned long long)dir, (unsigned long long)sub, (unsigned long long)fid);
+	sizereq = hashids_estimate_encoded_size_v(hashids, 4, (unsigned long long)gUser->id,
+	                                          (unsigned long long)dir, (unsigned long long)sub, (unsigned long long)fid);
 
 	hashid = (char *)malloz(sizereq + 1);
 
-	if (hashids_encode_v(hashids, hashid, 4, (unsigned long long)gUser->id, (unsigned long long)dir, (unsigned long long)sub, (unsigned long long)fid) == 0) {
+	if (hashids_encode_v(hashids, hashid, 4, (unsigned long long)gUser->id,
+ 	    (unsigned long long)dir, (unsigned long long)sub, (unsigned long long)fid) == 0) {
 		hashids_free(hashids);
 		free(hashid);
 		return NULL;
@@ -272,7 +281,7 @@ char *www_create_link(int dir, int sub, int fid) {
 
 	hashids_free(hashids);
 
-	snprintf(url, PATH_MAX, "%sfiles/%s", conf.www_url, hashid);
+	snprintf(url, sizeof url, "%sfiles/%s", conf.www_url, hashid);
 
 	// add link into hash database
 	expiry = time(NULL) + 86400;
@@ -285,28 +294,31 @@ char *www_create_link(int dir, int sub, int fid) {
 	return ret;
 }
 char *www_files_display_listing(int dir, int sub) {
+	static const char *sql = "select id, filename, description, size, dlcount, uploaddate from files where approved=1 ORDER BY filename";
+
 	stralloc page = EMPTY_STRALLOC;
 	char pathbuf[PATH_MAX];
-	char *sql = "select id, filename, description, size, dlcount, uploaddate from files where approved=1 ORDER BY filename";
-	char *filename;
-	char c;
-	int size;
-	char *aha_out;
-	char *description;
-	sqlite3 *db;
-	sqlite3_stmt *res;
-	int rc;
-	int i;
-	char *clean_url;
+	char *aha_out = NULL;
+	sqlite3 *db = NULL;
+	sqlite3_stmt *res = NULL;
+	int rc = 0;
+
+	if (dir >= ptr_vector_len(&conf.file_directories))
+		return NULL;
+	struct file_directory *fdir = ptr_vector_get(&conf.file_directories, dir);
+	assert(fdir != NULL);
+	if (sub >= ptr_vector_len(&fdir->file_subs))
+		return NULL;
+	struct file_sub *fsub = ptr_vector_get(&fdir->file_subs, sub);
+	assert(fsub != NULL);
 
 	stralloc_copys(&page, "<div class=\"content-header\"><h2>Files: ");
-	stralloc_cats(&page, conf.file_directories[dir]->name);
+	stralloc_cats(&page, fdir->name);
 	stralloc_cats(&page, " - ");
-	stralloc_cats(&page, conf.file_directories[dir]->file_subs[sub]->name);
+	stralloc_cats(&page, fsub->name);
 	stralloc_cats(&page, "</h2></div>\n");
 
-	snprintf(pathbuf, sizeof pathbuf, "%s/%s.sq3",
-	         conf.bbs_path, conf.file_directories[dir]->file_subs[sub]->database);
+	snprintf(pathbuf, sizeof pathbuf, "%s/%s.sq3", conf.bbs_path, fsub->database);
 	rc = sqlite3_open(pathbuf, &db);
 	if (rc != SQLITE_OK) {
 		free(page.s);
@@ -321,7 +333,7 @@ char *www_files_display_listing(int dir, int sub) {
 	}
 	stralloc_cats(&page, "<table class=\"fileentry\"><thead><tr><td>Filename</td><td>Size</td><td>Description</td></tr></thead><tbody>\n");
 	while (sqlite3_step(res) == SQLITE_ROW) {
-		filename = strdup((char *)sqlite3_column_text(res, 1));
+		char *filename = strdup((char *)sqlite3_column_text(res, 1));
 		char *base_filename = basename(filename);
 		stralloc_cats(&page, "<tr><td class=\"filename\"><a href=\"");
 		stralloc_cats(&page, conf.www_url);
@@ -335,7 +347,7 @@ char *www_files_display_listing(int dir, int sub) {
 		stralloc_cats(&page, base_filename);
 		stralloc_cats(&page, "</a></td>");
 
-		size = sqlite3_column_int(res, 3);
+		int size = sqlite3_column_int(res, 3);
 		stralloc_cats(&page, "<td class=\"filesize\">");
 		int c = 'b';
 		if (size > 1024) {
@@ -355,7 +367,7 @@ char *www_files_display_listing(int dir, int sub) {
 		stralloc_cats(&page, "</td>");
 
 		stralloc_cats(&page, "<td class=\"filedesc\">");
-		description = strdup((char *)sqlite3_column_text(res, 2));
+		char *description = strdup((char *)sqlite3_column_text(res, 2));
 		for (char *p = description; *p != '\0'; ++p) {
 			if (*p == '\n')
 				*p = '\r';
@@ -381,13 +393,15 @@ char *www_files_areas() {
 	stralloc page = EMPTY_STRALLOC;
 
 	stralloc_copys(&page, "<div class=\"content-header\"><h2>File Directories</h2></div>\n");
-	for (int i = 0; i < conf.file_directory_count; i++) {
-		if (!conf.file_directories[i]->display_on_web)
+	for (size_t i = 0; i < ptr_vector_len(&conf.file_directories); ++i) {
+		struct file_directory *dir = ptr_vector_get(&conf.file_directories, i);
+		if (!dir->display_on_web)
 			continue;
 		stralloc_cats(&page, "<div class=\"conference-list-item\">");
-		stralloc_cats(&page, conf.file_directories[i]->name);
+		stralloc_cats(&page, dir->name);
 		stralloc_cats(&page, "</div>\n");
-		for (int j = 0; j < conf.file_directories[i]->file_sub_count; j++) {
+		for (size_t j = 0; j < ptr_vector_len(&dir->file_subs); ++j) {
+			struct file_sub *sub = ptr_vector_get(&dir->file_subs, j);
 			stralloc_cats(&page, "<div class=\"area-list-item\"><a href=\"");
 			stralloc_cats(&page, conf.www_url);
 			stralloc_cats(&page, "files/areas/");
@@ -395,7 +409,7 @@ char *www_files_areas() {
 			stralloc_append1(&page, '/');
 			stralloc_cat_long(&page, j);
 			stralloc_cats(&page, "/\">");
-			stralloc_cats(&page, conf.file_directories[i]->file_subs[j]->name);
+			stralloc_cats(&page, sub->name);
 			stralloc_cats(&page, "</a></div>\n");
 		}
 	}
@@ -405,17 +419,15 @@ char *www_files_areas() {
 }
 
 char *www_files_get_from_area(int dir, int sub, char *clean_file) {
-	char *sql = "SELECT filename FROM files WHERE approved=1 AND filename LIKE ? ESCAPE \"^\"";
+	static const char *sql = "SELECT filename FROM files WHERE approved=1 AND filename LIKE ? ESCAPE \"^\"";
+
 	stralloc filenamelike = EMPTY_STRALLOC;
-	sqlite3 *db;
-	sqlite3_stmt *res;
-	int rc;
+	sqlite3 *db = NULL;
+	sqlite3_stmt *res = NULL;
+	int rc = 0;
 	char pathbuf[PATH_MAX];
 	char *ret = NULL;
-	int i;
-	int extra = 0;
-	int j;
-	char *file;
+	char *file = NULL;
 
 	file = www_decode(clean_file);
 	stralloc_copys(&filenamelike, "%");
@@ -427,7 +439,16 @@ char *www_files_get_from_area(int dir, int sub, char *clean_file) {
 	stralloc_0(&filenamelike);
 	free(file);
 
-	snprintf(pathbuf, PATH_MAX, "%s/%s.sq3", conf.bbs_path, conf.file_directories[dir]->file_subs[sub]->database);
+	if (dir >= ptr_vector_len(&conf.file_directories))
+		return NULL;
+	struct file_directory *fdir = ptr_vector_get(&conf.file_directories, dir);
+	assert(fdir != NULL);
+	if (sub >= ptr_vector_len(&fdir->file_subs))
+		return NULL;
+	struct file_sub *fsub = ptr_vector_get(&fdir->file_subs, sub);
+	assert(fsub != NULL);
+
+	snprintf(pathbuf, sizeof pathbuf, "%s/%s.sq3", conf.bbs_path, fsub->database);
 	rc = sqlite3_open(pathbuf, &db);
 	if (rc != SQLITE_OK) {
 		free(filenamelike.s);
diff --git a/src/www_msgs.c b/src/www_msgs.c
index f348bcd..9faadf3 100644
--- a/src/www_msgs.c
+++ b/src/www_msgs.c
@@ -6,10 +6,13 @@
 #include <sys/utsname.h>
 #include <sys/stat.h>
 #include <iconv.h>
-#include "bbs.h"
+
 #include "jamlib/jam.h"
 #include "libuuid/uuid.h"
 
+#include "bbs.h"
+#include "mail_utils.h"
+
 #define IN 0
 #define OUT 1
 extern char *aha(char *input);
@@ -59,16 +62,17 @@ char *www_sanitize(char *inp) {
 
 char *www_msgs_arealist(struct user_record *user) {
 	stralloc page = EMPTY_STRALLOC;
-	int i, j;
 
 	stralloc_copys(&page, "<div class=\"content-header\"><h2>Message Conferences</h2></div>\n");
-	for (i = 0; i < conf.mail_conference_count; i++) {
-		if (conf.mail_conferences[i]->sec_level <= user->sec_level) {
+	for (size_t i = 0; i < ptr_vector_len(&conf.mail_conferences); i++) {
+		struct mail_conference *mc = get_conf(i);
+		if (mc->sec_level <= user->sec_level) {
 			stralloc_cats(&page, "<div class=\"conference-list-item\">");
-			stralloc_cats(&page, conf.mail_conferences[i]->name);
+			stralloc_cats(&page, mc->name);
 			stralloc_cats(&page, "</div>\n");
-			for (j = 0; j < conf.mail_conferences[i]->mail_area_count; j++) {
-				if (conf.mail_conferences[i]->mail_areas[j]->read_sec_level > user->sec_level) {
+			for (size_t j = 0; j < ptr_vector_len(&mc->mail_areas); j++) {
+				struct mail_area *ma = get_area(i, j);
+				if (ma->read_sec_level > user->sec_level) {
 					continue;
 				}
 				stralloc_cats(&page, "<div class=\"area-list-");
@@ -80,7 +84,7 @@ char *www_msgs_arealist(struct user_record *user) {
 				stralloc_append1(&page, '/');
 				stralloc_cat_long(&page, j);
 				stralloc_cats(&page, "/\">");
-				stralloc_cats(&page, conf.mail_conferences[i]->mail_areas[j]->name);
+				stralloc_cats(&page, ma->name);
 				stralloc_cats(&page, "</a></div>\n");
 			}
 		}
@@ -104,16 +108,20 @@ char *www_msgs_messagelist(struct user_record *user, int conference, int area, i
 	char *from;
 	char *subject;
 
-	if (conference < 0 || conference >= conf.mail_conference_count || area < 0 || area >= conf.mail_conferences[conference]->mail_area_count) {
+	if (conference < 0 || conference >= ptr_vector_len(&conf.mail_conferences))
 		return NULL;
-	}
+	struct mail_conference *mc = get_conf(conference);
+	if (area < 0 || area >= ptr_vector_len(&mc->mail_areas))
+		return NULL;
+	struct mail_area *ma = get_area(conference, area);
+
 	stralloc_copys(&page, "<div class=\"content-header\"><h2>");
-	stralloc_cats(&page, conf.mail_conferences[conference]->name);
+	stralloc_cats(&page, mc->name);
 	stralloc_cats(&page, " - ");
-	stralloc_cats(&page, conf.mail_conferences[conference]->mail_areas[area]->name);
+	stralloc_cats(&page, ma->name);
 	stralloc_cats(&page, "</h2></div>\n");
 
-	if (conf.mail_conferences[conference]->mail_areas[area]->type != TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA) {
+	if (ma->type != TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA) {
 		stralloc_cats(&page, "<div class=\"button\"><a href=\"");
 		stralloc_cats(&page, conf.www_url);
 		stralloc_cats(&page, "msgs/new/");
@@ -130,7 +138,7 @@ char *www_msgs_messagelist(struct user_record *user, int conference, int area, i
 
 	stralloc_cats(&page, "<div class=\"div-table\">\n");
 
-	jb = open_jam_base(conf.mail_conferences[conference]->mail_areas[area]->path);
+	jb = open_jam_base(ma->path);
 	if (!jb) {
 		free(page.s);
 		free_message_headers(mhrs);
@@ -236,14 +244,14 @@ char *www_msgs_messageview(struct user_record *user, int conference, int area, i
 	char *nodename;
 	struct fido_addr *nodeno;
 
-	if (conference < 0 || conference >= conf.mail_conference_count || area < 0 || area >= conf.mail_conferences[conference]->mail_area_count) {
+	if (conference < 0 || conference >= ptr_vector_len(&conf.mail_conferences))
 		return NULL;
-	}
+	struct mail_conference *mc = get_conf(conference);
+	if (area < 0 || area >= ptr_vector_len(&mc->mail_areas))
+		return NULL;
+	struct mail_area *ma = get_area(conference, area);
 
-	if (!(conf.mail_conferences[conference]->sec_level <= user->sec_level && conf.mail_conferences[conference]->mail_areas[area]->read_sec_level <= user->sec_level)) {
-		return NULL;
-	}
-	jb = open_jam_base(conf.mail_conferences[conference]->mail_areas[area]->path);
+	jb = open_jam_base(ma->path);
 	if (!jb) {
 		return NULL;
 	}
@@ -296,11 +304,10 @@ char *www_msgs_messageview(struct user_record *user, int conference, int area, i
 	}
 
 	if (jmh.Attribute & JAM_MSG_PRIVATE) {
-		if (!msg_is_to(user, to, daddress, conf.mail_conferences[conference]->nettype, conf.mail_conferences[conference]->realnames, conference) &&
-		    !msg_is_from(user, from, oaddress, conf.mail_conferences[conference]->nettype, conf.mail_conferences[conference]->realnames, conference) &&
-		    !msg_is_to(user, to, daddress, conf.mail_conferences[conference]->nettype, !conf.mail_conferences[conference]->realnames, conference) &&
-		    !msg_is_from(user, from, oaddress, conf.mail_conferences[conference]->nettype, !conf.mail_conferences[conference]->realnames, conference)) {
-
+		if (!msg_is_to(user, to, daddress, mc->nettype, mc->realnames, conference) &&
+		    !msg_is_from(user, from, oaddress, mc->nettype, mc->realnames, conference) &&
+		    !msg_is_to(user, to, daddress, mc->nettype, !mc->realnames, conference) &&
+		    !msg_is_from(user, from, oaddress, mc->nettype, !mc->realnames, conference)) {
 			free(subject);
 			free(from);
 			free(to);
@@ -339,9 +346,9 @@ char *www_msgs_messageview(struct user_record *user, int conference, int area, i
 	stralloc_append1(&page, '/');
 	stralloc_cat_long(&page, area);
 	stralloc_cats(&page, "\"><h2>");
-	stralloc_cats(&page, conf.mail_conferences[conference]->name);
+	stralloc_cats(&page, mc->name);
 	stralloc_cats(&page, " - ");
-	stralloc_cats(&page, conf.mail_conferences[conference]->mail_areas[area]->name);
+	stralloc_cats(&page, ma->name);
 	stralloc_cats(&page, "</h2></a></div>\n");
 
 	if (msgbase_is_flagged(user, conference, area, msg)) {
@@ -357,17 +364,19 @@ char *www_msgs_messageview(struct user_record *user, int conference, int area, i
 	free(subject_s);
 
 	from_s = www_sanitize(from);
-	if (conf.mail_conferences[conference]->mail_areas[area]->type != TYPE_LOCAL_AREA && oaddress != NULL) {
-		if (conf.mail_conferences[conference]->nettype == NETWORK_MAGI) {
+	if (ma->type != TYPE_LOCAL_AREA && oaddress != NULL) {
+		if (mc->nettype == NETWORK_MAGI) {
 			snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "<div class=\"msg-view-from\">From: %s (@%s)</div>\n", from_s, oaddress);
-		} else if (conf.mail_conferences[conference]->nettype == NETWORK_FIDO) {
+		} else if (mc->nettype == NETWORK_FIDO) {
 			nodeno = parse_fido_addr(oaddress);
 			if (nodeno != NULL) {
-				nodename = nl_get_bbsname(nodeno, conf.mail_conferences[conference]->domain);
+				nodename = nl_get_bbsname(nodeno, mc->domain);
 				if (strcmp(nodename, "Unknown") == 0) {
 					snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "<div class=\"msg-view-from\">From: %s (%s)</div>\n", from_s, oaddress);
 				} else {
-					snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "<div class=\"msg-view-from\">From: %s (<span class=\"bbsname\">%s</span> - %s)</div>\n", from_s, nodename, oaddress);
+					snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer,
+					         "<div class=\"msg-view-from\">From: %s (<span class=\"bbsname\">%s</span> - %s)</div>\n",
+					         from_s, nodename, oaddress);
 				}
 				free(nodename);
 				free(nodeno);
@@ -393,14 +402,18 @@ char *www_msgs_messageview(struct user_record *user, int conference, int area, i
 	date = (time_t)jmh.DateWritten;
 	gmtime_r(&date, &msg_date);
 	if (conf.date_style == 1) {
-		snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "<div class=\"msg-view-date\">Date: %.2d:%.2d %.2d-%.2d-%.2d</div>\n", msg_date.tm_hour, msg_date.tm_min, msg_date.tm_mon + 1, msg_date.tm_mday, msg_date.tm_year - 100);
+		snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "<div class=\"msg-view-date\">Date: %.2d:%.2d %.2d-%.2d-%.2d</div>\n",
+		         msg_date.tm_hour, msg_date.tm_min, msg_date.tm_mon + 1, msg_date.tm_mday, msg_date.tm_year - 100);
 	} else {
-		snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "<div class=\"msg-view-date\">Date: %.2d:%.2d %.2d-%.2d-%.2d</div>\n", msg_date.tm_hour, msg_date.tm_min, msg_date.tm_mday, msg_date.tm_mon + 1, msg_date.tm_year - 100);
+		snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "<div class=\"msg-view-date\">Date: %.2d:%.2d %.2d-%.2d-%.2d</div>\n",
+		         msg_date.tm_hour, msg_date.tm_min, msg_date.tm_mday, msg_date.tm_mon + 1, msg_date.tm_year - 100);
 	}
 
 	stralloc_cats(&page, buffer);
 
-	snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "<div class=\"msg-view-options\"><a href=\"%smsgs/flag/%d/%d/%d\"><img src=\"%sstatic/flag.png\" /></a></div>", conf.www_url, conference, area, msg, conf.www_url);
+	snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer,
+	         "<div class=\"msg-view-options\"><a href=\"%smsgs/flag/%d/%d/%d\"><img src=\"%sstatic/flag.png\" /></a></div>",
+	         conf.www_url, conference, area, msg, conf.www_url);
 	stralloc_cats(&page, buffer);
 
 	stralloc_cats(&page, "</div>\n");
@@ -416,7 +429,7 @@ char *www_msgs_messageview(struct user_record *user, int conference, int area, i
 	stralloc_cats(&page, "</div>\n");
 
 	stralloc_cats(&page, "<div class=\"msg-reply-form\">\n");
-	if (conf.mail_conferences[conference]->mail_areas[area]->write_sec_level <= user->sec_level && conf.mail_conferences[conference]->mail_areas[area]->type != TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA) {
+	if (ma->write_sec_level <= user->sec_level && ma->type != TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA) {
 		stralloc_cats(&page, "<h3>Reply</h3>\n");
 		stralloc_cats(&page, "<form action=\"");
 		stralloc_cats(&page, conf.www_url);
@@ -658,14 +671,19 @@ int www_send_msg(struct user_record *user, char *to, char *subj, int conference,
 
 	uuid_t magi_msgid;
 
-	if (conference < 0 || conference >= conf.mail_conference_count || area < 0 || area >= conf.mail_conferences[conference]->mail_area_count) {
-		return 0;
-	}
 	if (subj == NULL || to == NULL || body == NULL) {
 		return 0;
 	}
-	if (conf.mail_conferences[conference]->mail_areas[area]->write_sec_level <= user->sec_level && conf.mail_conferences[conference]->mail_areas[area]->type != TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA) {
-		jb = open_jam_base(conf.mail_conferences[conference]->mail_areas[area]->path);
+
+	if (conference < 0 || conference >= ptr_vector_len(&conf.mail_conferences))
+		return 0;
+	struct mail_conference *mc = get_conf(conference);
+	if (area < 0 || area >= ptr_vector_len(&mc->mail_areas))
+		return 0;
+	struct mail_area *ma = get_area(conference, area);
+
+	if (ma->write_sec_level <= user->sec_level && ma->type != TYPE_NETMAIL_AREA) {
+		jb = open_jam_base(ma->path);
 		if (!jb) {
 			return 0;
 		}
@@ -674,7 +692,7 @@ int www_send_msg(struct user_record *user, char *to, char *subj, int conference,
 		jmh.DateWritten = (uint32_t)utc_to_local(time(NULL));
 		jmh.Attribute |= JAM_MSG_LOCAL;
 
-		if (conf.mail_conferences[conference]->realnames == 0) {
+		if (mc->realnames == 0) {
 			strlcpy(buffer, user->loginname, sizeof buffer);
 		} else {
 			snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%s %s", user->firstname, user->lastname);
@@ -699,21 +717,21 @@ int www_send_msg(struct user_record *user, char *to, char *subj, int conference,
 		jsf.Buffer = (char *)subj;
 		JAM_PutSubfield(jsp, &jsf);
 
-		if (conf.mail_conferences[conference]->mail_areas[area]->type == TYPE_ECHOMAIL_AREA) {
+		if (ma->type == TYPE_ECHOMAIL_AREA) {
 			jmh.Attribute |= JAM_MSG_TYPEECHO;
 
-			if (conf.mail_conferences[conference]->nettype == NETWORK_FIDO) {
-				if (conf.mail_conferences[conference]->fidoaddr->point) {
+			if (mc->nettype == NETWORK_FIDO) {
+				if (mc->fidoaddr->point) {
 					snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d:%d/%d.%d",
-					         conf.mail_conferences[conference]->fidoaddr->zone,
-					         conf.mail_conferences[conference]->fidoaddr->net,
-					         conf.mail_conferences[conference]->fidoaddr->node,
-					         conf.mail_conferences[conference]->fidoaddr->point);
+					         mc->fidoaddr->zone,
+					         mc->fidoaddr->net,
+					         mc->fidoaddr->node,
+					         mc->fidoaddr->point);
 				} else {
 					snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d:%d/%d",
-					         conf.mail_conferences[conference]->fidoaddr->zone,
-					         conf.mail_conferences[conference]->fidoaddr->net,
-					         conf.mail_conferences[conference]->fidoaddr->node);
+					         mc->fidoaddr->zone,
+					         mc->fidoaddr->net,
+					         mc->fidoaddr->node);
 				}
 				jsf.LoID = JAMSFLD_OADDRESS;
 				jsf.HiID = 0;
@@ -722,10 +740,10 @@ int www_send_msg(struct user_record *user, char *to, char *subj, int conference,
 				JAM_PutSubfield(jsp, &jsf);
 
 				snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d:%d/%d.%d %08lx",
-				         conf.mail_conferences[conference]->fidoaddr->zone,
-				         conf.mail_conferences[conference]->fidoaddr->net,
-				         conf.mail_conferences[conference]->fidoaddr->node,
-				         conf.mail_conferences[conference]->fidoaddr->point,
+				         mc->fidoaddr->zone,
+				         mc->fidoaddr->net,
+				         mc->fidoaddr->node,
+				         mc->fidoaddr->point,
 				         generate_msgid());
 
 				jsf.LoID = JAMSFLD_MSGID;
@@ -743,8 +761,8 @@ int www_send_msg(struct user_record *user, char *to, char *subj, int conference,
 					JAM_PutSubfield(jsp, &jsf);
 					jmh.ReplyCRC = JAM_Crc32(buffer, strlen(replyid));
 				}
-			} else if (conf.mail_conferences[conference]->nettype == NETWORK_MAGI) {
-				snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d", conf.mail_conferences[conference]->maginode);
+			} else if (mc->nettype == NETWORK_MAGI) {
+				snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "%d", mc->maginode);
 				jsf.LoID = JAMSFLD_OADDRESS;
 				jsf.HiID = 0;
 				jsf.DatLen = strlen(buffer);
@@ -789,29 +807,28 @@ int www_send_msg(struct user_record *user, char *to, char *subj, int conference,
 			return 0;
 		}
 
-		if (conf.mail_conferences[conference]->tagline != NULL) {
-			tagline = conf.mail_conferences[conference]->tagline;
-		} else {
-			tagline = conf.default_tagline;
+		tagline = conf.default_tagline;
+		if (mc->tagline != NULL) {
+			tagline = mc->tagline;
 		}
 
 		uname(&name);
 
-		if (conf.mail_conferences[conference]->nettype == NETWORK_FIDO) {
-			if (conf.mail_conferences[conference]->fidoaddr->point == 0) {
-				snprintf(buffer, 256, "\r\r--- MagickaBBS v%d.%d%s (%s/%s)\r * Origin: %s (%d:%d/%d)\r", VERSION_MAJOR, VERSION_MINOR, VERSION_STR, name.sysname, name.machine, tagline, conf.mail_conferences[conference]->fidoaddr->zone,
-				         conf.mail_conferences[conference]->fidoaddr->net,
-				         conf.mail_conferences[conference]->fidoaddr->node);
+		if (mc->nettype == NETWORK_FIDO) {
+			if (mc->fidoaddr->point == 0) {
+				snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "\r\r--- MagickaBBS v%d.%d%s (%s/%s)\r * Origin: %s (%d:%d/%d)\r",
+				         VERSION_MAJOR, VERSION_MINOR, VERSION_STR, name.sysname, name.machine, tagline,
+				         mc->fidoaddr->zone, mc->fidoaddr->net, mc->fidoaddr->node);
 			} else {
-				snprintf(buffer, 256, "\r\r--- MagickaBBS v%d.%d%s (%s/%s)\r * Origin: %s (%d:%d/%d.%d)\r", VERSION_MAJOR, VERSION_MINOR, VERSION_STR, name.sysname, name.machine, tagline, conf.mail_conferences[conference]->fidoaddr->zone,
-				         conf.mail_conferences[conference]->fidoaddr->net,
-				         conf.mail_conferences[conference]->fidoaddr->node,
-				         conf.mail_conferences[conference]->fidoaddr->point);
+				snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "\r\r--- MagickaBBS v%d.%d%s (%s/%s)\r * Origin: %s (%d:%d/%d.%d)\r",
+				         VERSION_MAJOR, VERSION_MINOR, VERSION_STR, name.sysname, name.machine, tagline,
+				         mc->fidoaddr->zone, mc->fidoaddr->net, mc->fidoaddr->node, mc->fidoaddr->point);
 			}
-		} else if (conf.mail_conferences[conference]->nettype == NETWORK_MAGI) {
-			snprintf(buffer, 256, "\r\r--- MagickaBBS v%d.%d%s (%s/%s)\r * Origin: %s (@%d)\r", VERSION_MAJOR, VERSION_MINOR, VERSION_STR, name.sysname, name.machine, tagline, conf.mail_conferences[conference]->maginode);
+		} else if (mc->nettype == NETWORK_MAGI) {
+			snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "\r\r--- MagickaBBS v%d.%d%s (%s/%s)\r * Origin: %s (@%d)\r",
+			         VERSION_MAJOR, VERSION_MINOR, VERSION_STR, name.sysname, name.machine, tagline, mc->maginode);
 		} else {
-			snprintf(buffer, 256, "\r");
+			snprintf(buffer, sizeof buffer, "\r");
 		}
 		body2 = www_wordwrap(body, 73);
 		if (body2 == NULL) {
@@ -853,7 +870,7 @@ int www_send_msg(struct user_record *user, char *to, char *subj, int conference,
 			iconv_close(ic);
 			return 0;
 		} else {
-			if (conf.mail_conferences[conference]->mail_areas[area]->type == TYPE_ECHOMAIL_AREA) {
+			if (ma->type == TYPE_ECHOMAIL_AREA) {
 				if (conf.echomail_sem != NULL) {
 					sem_fd = open(conf.echomail_sem, O_RDWR | O_CREAT, S_IWUSR | S_IRUSR | S_IRGRP | S_IROTH);
 					close(sem_fd);