Certain user group may log in during maintenance mode?

This should work.

themes\templates\header.php

Change groupid variable

$groupid = 3;
if ($settings['maintenance'] == "1" && !iADMIN && !checkgroup($groupid)) { redirect(BASEDIR."maintenance.php"); }

thanks but if I replace the 1 with a 5 (group ID) it somehow takes the site out of maintenance mode.

Well that code cant take the site out of maintenance mode its just not possible, all it will do is check the users group you specify. I have tested this and it worked on my site no issues. I think you are saying cos you cant see the maintenance mode text when logged in as group 5. if you want them to see that edit panels.php

change:

if (iADMIN && $settings['maintenance']) {
echo "<div class='admin-message'>".$locale['global_190']."</div>";
}

to:

$groupid=5;
if ((iADMIN || checkgroup($groupid)) && $settings['maintenance']) {
echo "<div class='admin-message'>".$locale['global_190']."</div>";
}

Naw man,what I want is public to see maintenance mode & VIP group (5) members to be able to log in.

That's what all that does. none of that code there takes the site out of maintenance mode.

Doesn't work.
Anyone else please?

BTW,this ABSOLUTELY DOES take my website OUT of MM!

it should be:

$groupid = 5;
if ($settings['maintenance'] == "1" && (!iADMIN || !checkgroup($groupid))) { redirect(BASEDIR."maintenance.php"); }