Member Avatar for Mojo36

When I try to upload an image to my website I get this error message. If anybody can help please put replies in easy to follow, step by step 1,2,3 answers as I am Computer illiterate and don't want to damage any other part of the script. Thanks in advance!!

Warning: move_uploaded_file(adverts/286ec6c9631b8d962ffaaadebd05bac3jpg) []: failed to open stream: Permission denied in /home/artscraf/public_html/upload.php on line 29

Warning: move_uploaded_file() []: Unable to move '/tmp/phpVp1Wy6' to 'adverts/286ec6c9631b8d962ffaaadebd05bac3jpg' in /home/artscraf/public_html/upload.php on line 29

Edited by mike_2000_17 because: Fixed formatting
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Dani AI

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Good call by — this was almost certainly a permissions problem, and confirmed changing the upload folder to be writable fixed the symptom. That tells two important things: the webserver process could not write the temporary file into the destination directory, and once write access was granted the move_uploaded_file call succeeded.

Two quick checks that often get missed:

  • Verify the upload directory actually exists and the script is building the destination path correctly (look for a missing dot or slash in the generated filename).
  • From PHP, test whether the directory is writable before trying to move the file. For example:
if (!is_writable($uploadDir)) {
    error_log('Upload dir not writable: ' . $uploadDir);
    // handle error, do not attempt move_uploaded_file
}

For a safer long-term fix prefer changing ownership so the webserver user owns the uploads folder, and give write permission to the owner only instead of making the folder world-writable. On shared hosting, if you cannot change ownership, use the host control panel or contact support rather than leaving the folder writable by everyone. Also harden uploads by validating file type/contents, restricting executable permissions in that directory, and serving uploads from a location that cannot run server-side scripts (see OWASP on unrestricted file upload).

For reference and troubleshooting, the PHP manual explains how move_uploaded_file behaves and common failure reasons: move_uploaded_file documentation. Follow the checks above first (existence, correct path, writable directory); if those pass and it still fails, capture server error logs and confirm which user the webserver runs as.

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Member Avatar for GliderPilot

Looks like you might have the CHMOD the adverts file to allow write permissions from a local script.

Member Avatar for Mojo36

Thanks for your help. You are the first person who has come up with that suggestion - from 3 forums. I have changed the CHMOD code on the adverts file from 755 to 777 and it all appears to upload properly now. Is this code okay or should I use a different one?
If it goes wrong again I'll definitely be back to this forum first.

Member Avatar for GliderPilot

yup 777 should be fine if your just keeping pictures in that folder.

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