We have received reports that after installing DNN 4.8.1 users have not been able to access the host menu on their site.  This error is listed... 

Error: Host Settings is currently unavailable.
DotNetNuke.Services.Exceptions.ModuleLoadException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object. ---> System.NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object. at DotNetNuke.Modules.Admin.Host.HostSettingsModule.BindData() at DotNetNuke.Modules.Admin.Host.HostSettingsModule.Page_Load(Object sender, EventArgs e) --- End of inner exception stack trace ---

We are not aware of a fix for this issue at this time; there forth we are recommending that you do not upgrade your DNN installation to 4.8.1 at this time.  If you are initially installing DNN on your site, we recommend you use DNN 4.8.0, till further notice.

Symptom:

If you are getting the following error message when trying to access “Host Settings” page in DNN version 4.8.1 after successful WADE deployment

 Error: Host Settings is currently unavailable.
DotNetNuke.Services.Exceptions.ModuleLoadException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object. ---> System.NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object. at DotNetNuke.Modules.Admin.Host.HostSettingsModule.BindData() at DotNetNuke.Modules.Admin.Host.HostSettingsModule.Page_Load(Object sender, EventArgs e) --- End of inner exception stack trace ---

Cause:

This problem is caused by incorrect installation template parameter set in WADE for DNN version 4.8.1 prior to March 13th, 2008. All wade installations of DNN 4.8.1 after March 13th will not have this problem.

Resolution:

To solve this problem, select “SQL” under “Host” menu. In the text area copy/paste following SQL script and click “Execute”. Please do not check “Run as Script” box.

UPDATE HostSettings SET SettingValue = 'D' WHERE SettingName = 'ModuleCaching'

After executing this script, logout your host account. Next time you login, the “Host Settings” page will function correctly.