I'm working with a company that runs their own server using FreeBSD. Everyone with indepth knowledge of the server seems to have left the company. I've worked with web hosting companies before to change php.ini and I know what parameters I need to change and how. I have ftp access to the server but probably for security reasons the php.ini file is in a directory that I can't access. My primary contact at the company can't access it either by ftp. I've read that using root access with ftp is insecure.

All I really need to do is get a copy of the file change it and replace it. So...I really don't understand Unix but is there a way to securely do this update? I'm remote but I can provide instructions to people that are local to the server.

I have a couple of alternatives to try, using .htaccess or ini_set but finding out how to do this could be helpful, even if it isn't needed this time.

Did you try doing it using Shell Access? Because, a friend of mine taught me how to access the php.ini file through Shell Access (Mostly Putty) and then installing a text editing software on it to edit the files.

Ask for root access. Once you have it use ssh ot edit as mentioned previously. You're also going to need to restart HTTP on the server so changes to the ini file are recognized.

Where a good resource on how to use ssh or shell access? I'm not looking to be an expert, just need a few commands or a how to.

try making the changes via your .htaccess file in your public html

- Download Putty.exe
- Put in IP address, Port 22
- Run SSH
- Enter username, pass.

And your in.

You can search google for the commands. ;)

Thanks for all the suggestions

Not a problem. :)