Disable Drupal Module using phpMyAdmin

Using Drupal for your site can be very useful, as several sites I know of are powered by Drupal system. For one reason is that it is highly configurable, which is certainly very useful for people like me.

Drupal uses modules, like plugins, they add extra features and applications to the content management system. If the module works, then congratulations! Otherwise, you will find your site totally inaccessible, not even the admin panel. However you know where the problem lies, but how do you disable or remove the module without accessing the website?

One of the ways to disable modules is through phpMyAdmin, a MySQL Database Administration Tool. I shall introduce 2 methods to disable modules via phpMyAdmin.

(Continue reading to find out)

1. Executing a MySQL query

UPDATE `system` SET `status` = '0' WHERE `name` = 'module_name' LIMIT 1;

Remember to change module_name to the name of the module you want to disable. This action will disable that module so that administrators can access to the administration panel again.

2. Browse the Table

This is slightly easier if you feel uneasy executing a MySQL query. From the phpMyAdmin panel, scroll down to the entry that says "system" and click to browse system entry (see image below).



On the right side, you will notice several modules (including themes). Go to the module that you would like to disable and click on EDIT (with a pencil icon). Simply change the STATUS to "0".

Either method should deactivate the module you wanted to disable instantly. Hope this help those in need.