A newer export can be uploaded as an update to the same package, provided the template retains the same name and thus the same extension identity.
What you will learn
- Safely install a newer export package.
- Understand when the installer updates a module and when it skips it.
- Prepare for the consequences of uninstalling the entire package.
- Resolve common installation and visual display issues.
Manual update via new export
Before uploading a new outer pkg ZIP archive, create a full backup of both files and the database, and test the update procedure on a staging copy first. The package re-processes its managed module instances within a single database transaction.
It updates an existing module only if it possesses a previous managed footprint and its current tracked values still match that footprint. Manually altered modules or older modules without a footprint will be skipped. Note that simply disabling a module or moving it to the trash does not provide special protection; the installer does not explicitly check these statuses when deciding.
Step-by-step updating or uninstallation
- Back up all files and the database.
- For updates, upload the new outer pkg ZIP using the same installation path as the initial install.
- Review the summary report of created, updated, and skipped modules, then test the public front-end.
- Before uninstalling, set a different template style as the site default.
- Locate the exact package in the extension list, verifying its name and version number before confirming removal.
- Following uninstallation, verify active templates, styles, and modules.
- Clear relevant site caches and test both the homepage and internal pages across mobile and desktop devices.
Uninstallation may delete module instances
The outer package contains the active template and, based on the design, bundled Logo or Slideshow modules. When removing the package, Joomla will uninstall these two modules as well. Do not rely on them remaining after uninstalling the entire package. A backup is the only safe restore path.
Common issues and troubleshooting
| Symptom | What to check |
|---|---|
| Cannot upload ZIP package | Upload file size limit, ensure complete outer pkg ZIP is used, check PHP 8.2+, DOM, and JSON extensions. |
| Website remains unchanged after installation | Verify whether the new template style is set as default or assigned to the correct menu items. |
| Module was skipped during update | Check if the module lacks a managed footprint or contains tracked manual changes. |
| Logo or Slideshow missing after uninstallation | Restore data from a backup. These modules are integral sub-components of the removed package. |
| Placeholder images are visible | Image Bank media is omitted from exports. Upload final production images. |
| Third-party module function is missing | Confirm that the required extension is installed, enabled, and properly assigned. |
Official Joomla documentation
General management and extension removal are documented in Joomla Extensions: Manage. The Extensions: Update view is reserved for extensions connected to an update server; new Template Architect ZIP files are uploaded manually. Confirm default style settings in the Template Style Management help.