This started out as a normal bug report:
On the Upgrading modules → page there's a subheading "Reinstall Module." The text under the subheading only talks about file management. Obviously, reinstalling includes re-enabling the module, but the absence of the word "enable" can cause some people to think they should not enable the module at that point and they'll even try to run the module's update functions with the module in disabled state.
The comments show that this has caused confusion back in 2008, and it continues to cause confusion even in 2011; see #1022652-4: While update: Fatal error: Call to undefined function → for an example.
Half a year ago, Merlin already commented that disabling modules was bad advice. Indeed, this is catastrophic advice!!!
If you run a Node Access module, for example, and you disable it for updating, then all your content will be publicly accessible until you re-enable it! Disabling essential modules while your site is on-line is a very very bad idea.
Putting the site into off-line mode is essential, and it should be sufficient, too, at least for sites managed by admins who need to refer to these instructions.
P.S. Re-enabling a Node Access module typically requires rebuilding permissions, which can be a lengthy process, during which confidential content continues to be accessible for everyone including Google...
Not all content is available!
It's likely this issue predates Contrib.social: some issue and comment data are missing.