Install Trouble (Wirtable Session Save Path Invalid)

**mrtopher** · 2006-07-14, 12:49 PM

I'm trying to install Sugar on a Unix shared server running PHP 4.3.11 and I am having problems with the writable session save path in the pre-req's. It keeps comming up with an error saying that the path is not a valid directory. However, when I run PHP Info the path that it has there is the same as the path that Sugar is displaying in the install wizard.

When I contacted my hosting company they said that I could change the php.ini file using htaccess files to fix this problem. But, since the values are the same I'm not really sure what the problem is.

Any ideas?

**piers** · 2006-07-14, 06:40 PM

Unfortunately in this case appearances can be deceiving: The info.php confirms the path is identical to the one Sugar needs so it looks like Sugar should accept it. Unfortunately, being on a shared server complicates the installation.

You're lucky though, It sounds like you have a VPS since you have access to your own php.ini. Just change the setting session.save_path to /tmp.

**mrtopher** · 2006-07-14, 07:10 PM

I was told by my hosting company that I can't make changes to the php.ini file. I would have to do it via an htaccess file. Is it possible to change this particular attribute of the ini file using an htaccess file or am I out of luck?

**piers** · 2006-07-14, 08:21 PM

Being on a shared server is a tough obstacle, especially if you're using Plesk as your front end. The rate of success using an .htaccess file seems sporadic, but its worth trying.

Change the path using an .htaccess file like this:
php_value session.save_path "/your/new/session/save/path/"

Let me know if you need help making the .htaccess file

**mrtopher** · 2006-07-14, 08:32 PM

Yeah, I could use some help with the .htaccess. file. If you could post an example of what I would need to do I would really appreciate it!

**piers** · 2006-07-14, 11:44 PM

Okay, start with a fresh Notepad text.

Type:
php_value session.save_path "/your/new/session/save/path/"

Substituting your path for my imaginary one.
(Tip: Make sure you keep the whole command on a single line.)

Now select "File" -> "Save As"
From the "Save As Type" drop down choose "All Files"
Now for the "File Name" type .htaccess
Select "Save"

Now upload this file to your server (in ASCII mode) with your FTP program of choice.
(Tip: an htaccess file affects both the directory it's placed in and all it's sub-directories.)

Again, try not to set your expectations too high on this; it's not a watertight solution.

**mrtopher** · 2006-07-17, 02:03 PM

That appears to have solved my problem (at least as far as that stage of installaion is concerned). Now I'm having problems with the version of MySQL running on the server, but thats a fight to be taken up with the hosting company.

Is this a reliable fix to this problem or am I going to have issues once the program is successfully installed?

**piers** · 2006-07-17, 09:41 PM

Being a shared server your hosting company probably won't want to install a different version of MySQL. But they might be willing to transfer your hosting account to another server running more up to date software.

As to reliability; Sugar can be less than congenial even on a dedicated server so if it misbehaves, don't immediately assume the culprit is your shared hosting.