DNN 5.2.x Changes to Module Create Process 

In a few of the most recent versions of DotNetNuke, major changes have been completed in the way that a user manually imports a module definition to test a manifest file.  This is specifically the process that is mentioned in my book to test a module while developing, before it has been packaged for installation on another portal.  From what I gather, the behavior might change back a bit, but for now the process is slightly different that indicated in my book.  In this blog posting I'll document the changes, and a workaround solution.

The Old Way

In the book, the documented process for importing a manifest was to go to "Host" -> "Module Definitions" then select "Import Manifest".  This option to import the manifest has been removed, therefore the instructions in the book will NOT work.

The New Way

The modifications that were included in the 5.2.x versions of DotNetNuke have made this process more complicated to complete and moved it to a new location.  I believe this is part of future plans to help improve the process.  Sadly, I didn't notice this change until individuals started writing in with complaints.  Below is a list of steps now necessary to import a module definition using the new process.

  1. Navigate to Host => Module Definitions
  2. From dropdown menu select, 'Create New Module'
  3. Select Create Module From: Manifest
  4. Owner Folder: <Not Specified>
  5. Module Folder: (Put your folder here...)
  6. Resource: (Put your dnn file here...)
  7. Leave Add Test Page unchecked.
  8. CLICK Create Module

Following these steps you will import the module definition, in the end completing the same process as what was done before with the "Import Module Definition" option.

I hope this helps anyone that is following along with the book!

Posted by Mitchel on Tuesday, February 09, 2010
 

Comments

Thanks Mitchel

Very helpfull information :)

By mikec on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 5:26 AM

Also, check out a blog post I did awhile back that talks about this and related features.

http://www.engagesoftware.com/Blog/EntryId/226/Easily-Create-Simple-Modules-or-Module-Prototypes-with-DotNetNuke-5-2.aspx

By Ian Robinson on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 8:46 AM

Thank you for the clarification. I love the development book. Helped me get started in a weekend and show other developers on staff the power of DNN. I have recommended the book to 5 others!!

By Dale Bingham on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 8:14 PM

I tried this method but the page just sits there after I click the "create module" button. It posts back but then does nothing. Any ideas?

I'm assuming it's something with my manifest file but it would be nice if it would tell me.

By TD on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 3:33 PM

@TD what version of DNN?

By mitchel.sellers@gmail.com on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 3:36 PM

Thanks for your fast response, the version is

05.02.03 (74)

By TD on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 3:48 PM

i am having the same problem

By Edward Vella on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 5:31 AM

Looks like the issue started with 5.02, I uninstalled it locally and then installed 5.01.04 and it is working ... there is an issue with my manifest file though

By TD on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 10:48 AM

Same prob here im using 5.2.3

By Kiran on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 4:38 PM

I'm in the same boat, but I can't import a custom module.

Any work-around would be appreciated.

By Dan on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 6:10 PM

I had issues with importing module definitions in 5.02.x and was informed this morning by tech support that it will not work on 5.02 and version 5.03 was released today and I confirmed the import works.

The issue I have now is with the uninstall. I'm using the code available on the WROX site and there were errors found after module definition installation. I tried to uninstall to re-install the fixed code but continually get errors and cannot re-install the module definition. I've resorted to re-installing DNN 5.03 locally but can't continue to do that.

Are there instructions anywhere on uninstalling module definitions or fixing errored un-installs? Would have been nice if the book included steps to correct the code and re-install the module code between the testing/debugging section and the package creation. Seems like it would have been logical considering human error comes in to play all the time during development (at least in my case. :) )

Thanks,

Jeff Warner...

By Jeff Warner on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at 6:27 PM

I'm glad that so many recent posts are dealing w/the same issue I'm having. I've done the following based on the above post & in conjunction w/the DotNetNuke Module Programming Chapter 9 instructions:

Select Create Module From: Manifest
Owner Folder:
Module Folder: GuestbookCS
Resource: GuestbookCS.dnn
After clicking "Create Module" the pg refreshes & the Status bar displays a refresh & states "Done" but the "StartJob/Info/EndJob" status display does not appear, & the module is not listed in the Module Definitions. I installed DNN Community earlier this month but just went to the official DNN site & noticed there's a new version released TODAY but still not sure if that will fix this problem?

I look forward to help for this issue.

By dayve on Monday, March 29, 2010 at 3:26 PM

By doing a clean install of 5.04 i was able to import the module using the instructions above. Make sure you build it first.

By sirisaac on Friday, May 07, 2010 at 12:46 AM

I was much confused with new version.. Thanks for your post... I was unaware of this new change

By DNN Developer on Monday, February 28, 2011 at 6:11 AM

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