admin/environment/database/mariadb (10.4.28-MariaDB)

This error is often seen when you try to install a Moodle installer package for Windows of a branch under development.

• In this example, I wanted to use a Moodle 5 branch that is currently under development (December 31st 2024).
• And I only use Windows.
• And I do not care to learn how to install a MariaDB database.

• And then you realize that the Moodle version you are trying to install needs a newer database version than the one enclosed in the Moodle installer package for windows (or for Mac OSX).
• In the followin example, the package has MariaDB 10.4.28 and the server needs 10.11.0.
• Updating MariaDB will not be easy for a non-technical Moodle user.
• But there is a very simple hack that you could try FOR TESTING PURPOSES ONLY.

Note: NEVER DO THIS IN A REAL WORKING MOODLE SERVER.

• You will hack the Moodle installer package for Windows that you have unzipped in the location that wiil be used (e.g.C:/TEMP/Mdev)
• You need to modify the moodle/admin/environment.xml file using Notepad++ or any other editor you like (NOT MS Word).
• You will need to locate the line that instructs Moodle to use the newer version (that is not included in the package).

In this case the line is 4713.

• And you must replace that version with the version that is indeed included in the package.

• Save the edited environment.xml file.
• And now the installation should work and it will use the existing database included in the package.

• Remember this hack was for testing purposes only.
• You might encounter unforeseen side effects and problems; but it will not break the multiverse!
• You should NOT attempt it in a real working Moodle server.