For a discussion of Safe Mode and security, please see PHP Safe Mode, problems and work-arounds first.

Disable Safe Mode globally in SSH

You can edit your php.ini file to disable Safe Mode for all domains:

1. Log into your server as a root or sudo user via SSH.
2. Open your php.ini file for editing:

   vi /etc/php.ini

3. Edit this line:

   Filename: php.ini

   safe_mode = On

   To this:

   Filename: php.ini

   safe_mode = Off

   
   

   vi tip:

   Type "/" and a search string, then hit enter to search for a particular phrase in a long file. Press "i" to enter "insert mode" so you can type and copy/paste. Press "Esc" to exit "insert mode" when you are done modifying the file. Type ":wq" to save and quit.

4. Restart Apache:

   /etc/init.d/httpd restart

One-liner alternate method

1. Log into your server as a root or sudo user via SSH.
2. Execute the following command:

   perl -p -i -e 's/^safe_mode\s*=\s*on/safe_mode =off/i;' /etc/php.ini

3. Restart Apache:

   /etc/init.d/httpd restart

Test

You can verify that safe mode is off on your phpinfo.php page.