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Why isn't my php.ini file taking effect?

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Last Updated: October 12, 2009 3:12 PM

A php.ini file is not always immediately recognized by the server. Here are tips for Linux and Windows Shared Hosting to get your php.ini to take effect immediately.

NOTE: To check whether your php.ini file takes effect, open a plain text editor and create a file called phpinfo.php. Insert the following line: <?php phpinfo(); ?>. Save this file to the root of your Web site and then browse to yourdomain.com/phpinfo.php to test the settings.

Linux Shared Hosting

On Linux Shared Hosting accounts, you can kill the Web processes to get your php.ini file to take effect.

To Kill Web Processes on Linux Shared Hosting Accounts

  1. Log in to your Account Manager.
  2. In the My Products section, select Hosting.
  3. Next to the hosting account you want to modify, click Manage Account.
  4. In the Content section of the Hosting Control Center, click the Processes icon.
  5. Click End Web and follow any prompts.
  6. Reload the phpinfo.php page to see if the desired changes have taken effect.

    NOTE: We recommend removing the phpinfo.php file from your hosting account when you are finished testing.

Windows Shared Hosting

On Windows Shared Hosting accounts, you can recycle the application pool to get your php.ini file to take effect.

To Recycle the Application Pool on Windows Shared Hosting Accounts

  1. Log in to your Account Manager.
  2. In the My Products section, select Hosting.
  3. Next to the hosting account you want to modify, click Manage Account.
  4. In the Content section of the Hosting Control Center, click the IIS Management icon.
  5. Click Recycle App Pool and follow any prompts.
  6. Reload the phpinfo.php page to see if the desired changes have taken effect.

    NOTE: We recommend removing the phpinfo.php file from your hosting account when you are finished testing.