I have a similar problem and here is what I have found so far:
Go to Setting/Forums>Forums Settings: scroll down to:
Forum Root Slug: (THE PROBLEM AREA!!!) Below that is>
Forum Root (which says) “Forums”
Also below that setting under “Forum Prefix it has a check box that is automatically checked and says: Prefix all forum content with the Forum Root slug
I have not attempted to change settings yet as the setting is “recommended”.
I you find out more, I would appreciate a reply.
