Joomla 2.5.x Versions Module (mod_version) Not Showing Up in Administrator Modules List

Have run into a couple of times recently and finally found the solution.

The problem: The Joomla version isn’t being displayed in the admin footer while logged into the backend. The module also isn’t showing up in the admin’s list of admin modules.

The issue: In one or more Joomla 2.5.x updates, the SQL to add the module into the #__modules (jos_modules) table were omitted. This is touched on (though the issue described doesn’t exactly match my experiences) in this JoomlaCode.org ticket.

The solution: Fire up your favorite SQL editor (phpMyAdmin, SQL Workbench, SQL command line, etc.) and execute the following:

INSERT INTO `jos_modules` (`title`, `note`, `content`, `ordering`, `position`, `checked_out`, `checked_out_time`, `publish_up`, `publish_down`, `published`, `module`, `access`, `showtitle`, `params`, `client_id`, `language`) VALUES
(‘Joomla Version’, ”, ”, 1, ‘footer’, 0, ‘0000-00-00 00:00:00’, ‘0000-00-00 00:00:00’,  ‘0000-00-00 00:00:00’,  1, ‘mod_version’,  3, 1, ‘{“format”:”short”, “product”:”1″, “layout”:”_:default”, “moduleclass_sfx”:””, “cache”:”0″}’, 1, ‘*’);

Note: Ensure that you change jos_modules to match your own install’s prefix. In most stock installs these days the prefix is randomized (e.g. exasd_modules, or ocqdf_modules).

Once this record has been added, the Joomla Version module will show up in the list of admin modules under Module Manager. Edit the module (click it’s title) and then click Save. Voila, the module should now display in the footer as expected.

Whew. Been bothering me for months. =)