Why can't I upload MP3s (or other large files) to my board?

[tubedogg]

Q: Why can't I upload large files (such as MP3s) to my board, even though I've changed the maximum file size in the Admin CP?

A: There are two system variables that must be changed to allow large file-size uploads. They are in the files php.ini (PHP's configuration file) and my.cnf (MySQL's configuration file). If you are on a shared or virtual host, chances are you will not be able to edit either of these files and will need to contact your host for assistance.

The variables that need to be changed are:
php.ini: upload_max_filesize
my.cnf: max_allowed_packet

In addition, your server may limit the size of HTTP POST operations. This varies from server to server so consult your web server's documentation on how to adjust this.

[MarcHanlon]

Is there not a limit on the file that will fit in the BLOB in the attachment table? Or is that affected by the value in my.cnf?

Marc.

[Mike Doherty]

POST_MAX_SIZE

You also need to increase POST_MAX_SIZE in php.ini

Mike.

[Lastaii]

Hmmmm... I've sorted out php.ini, but in the MySQL config file (my.ini in my case) there's no reference to max_allowed_packet. Any ideas?

[Steve Machol]

Originally posted by Lastaii
...but in the MySQL config file (my.ini in my case) there's no reference to max_allowed_packet. Any ideas?

Just add one.

set-variable = max_allowed_packet=xM

...with 'x' being the packet size in Mbs.

[Lastaii]

Yep, that did the trick, thanks

Note: I also had to increase the max_execution_time value in php.ini, as PHP was timing out with large attachments (>20Meg). All is good now tho

[MUG]

I believe there is a hack on vBulletin.org that makes attachments stored as files, instead of being in the MySQL database.

HTH


vBulletin.org, not vBulletin.com...

[George L]

note max_allowed_packet is limited to 16MB in size for mysql 3.23.x versions

[Lastaii]

Ah...That would explain why I couldnt upload a test 20M file...

Note to self: Don't trust your users ability to calculate filesize

I'll try that hack MUG suggested, if that doesnt work, then they'll just thave to FTP the data like they used to

[memobug]

Re: Why can't I upload MP3s (or other large files) to my board?

[i]
A: There are two system variables that must be changed to allow large file-size uploads...

1) How large is "large?"


2) I have 75-100k image limits, and I'm trying to preserve upward compatability with 3.0 when it comes out.

I understand vB3 will store images externally. Would it be better for compatibility's sake to store images internally or externally with the hack?

Thanks & regards,

Matt

[Haakon]

I came over the fix on another place and thought I would share; look for php.conf on red hat systems (mine is /etc/httpd/conf.d/php.conf), you`ll see the setting you`re after.