I just installed 2.3.2b following the instructions to upgrade from 2.0.18 and followed the instructions to install the Protector module during the upgrade process.

Instructions to install and up grade to 2.3.2b

The issue is Protector doesn't show as an option under System >> Modules as a module I can install through the system admin. Additionally, any module after Protection alphabetically doesn't show up in modules that can be installed thru System >> Modules.

I've checked my XOOPS_TRUST_PATH multiple times and it appears to be correct.

What next?

Does the XOOPS_TRUST_PATH need to lie outside the "public_html" structure?

Please read this explanation

I suspect that you have no or wrong definition of "XOOPS_TRUST_PATH"

Thank you, You are correct after looking at it the ninth time I found the error of my ways. Missed that "public_html" I even mentioned in my post.