Overview

The php.ini file is the default configuration file for running applications that require PHP. It is used to control variables such as upload sizes, file timeouts, and resource limits. Additional directives can be found here.

If you're exeriencing difficulty with your web application, you can edit the sample "php.ini.sample"php.ini or create a new text file. For example, you're unable to install a WordPress theme or plugin through your WP Dashboard.

Before making any changes, it's a good idea to copy the original settings, both for reference and so that you can easily restore the original settings if necessary.

Via AccountCenter

As a (gs) Grid-Service user, your easiest option would be to use the File Manager to make the changes. Here's how:

• Log into the AccountCenter
• Click the Admin button to the right of your primary domain
• Select File Manager
• Click on the /etc folder

Inside the /etc folder, you'll see the php.ini.sample file. When you click on the Edit button ( the gears icon to the far right), you'll see the below window. Just remove the ".sample" from the filename and add whatever parameters you need to add.

The most common parameters changed in the php.ini file are:

safe_mode
register_globals
upload_max_filesize
post_max_size
max_execution_time

After you make your edits, click OK. Your changes will be saved and should take effect right away.

Via SSH

An alternate way to edit your php.ini file would be to connect via SSH as the Server Administrator.

Change directory to the etc folder using this command:

cd ~/../../etc

Use the following command to start editing:

vi php.ini

Via FTP

You can download the file locally and edit. This requires familiarity with Using FTP and SFTP and a plain text editor.

FAQs

Do I need to restart my service for the changes to take effect?

No, in fact there is no way or need for customers to restart the (gs) Grid-Service. Any changes you make within your php.ini will be effective within a few moments.

Is there any way to use a different php.ini in each domain/folder on the (gs) Grid-Service?

Not with a php.ini. The php.ini is designed to set global settings for your account. You can make changes on a per domain basis via a .htaccess file. More info on this can be found at http://www.askapache.com/htaccess/php-htaccess-tips-and-tricks.html.

I'm not sure what happened, but suhosin is no longer enabled. How can I re-enable it?

You can re-enable suhosin by adding the following line to your custom php.ini:

extension=suhosin.so

Requirements

Before you start, you'll need:

• Root access enabled.
• To know how to connect to your (dv) via SSH.

Instructions

The most common parameters changed in the php.ini file are:

safe_mode
register_globals
upload_max_filesize
post_max_size
max_execution_time

Use the following command at the command prompt to start editing:

vi /etc/php.ini

If you have upgraded to PHP5, the ini is located at /opt/php51/etc/php5/fastcgi/php.ini. If you are looking for a specific parameter and would like to go straight there, type the following:

vi +/parameter /etc/php.ini

Example:

vi +/safe_mode /etc/php.ini

When you are finished editing your php.ini, you will need to restart your apache server. Run the following command:

/etc/init.d/httpd stop
/etc/init.d/httpd start

Resources

• How can I create a phpinfo.php page?
• How can I create a phpinfo.php page?
• Understanding basic vi (visual editor)
• Using .htaccess files
• php.net: Description of core php.ini directives