Why can't I add php.ini to root folder?

I'm desperately trying to increase max file size.  I am on a shared hosted server so I have no access to main php settings.  It is a linux server. When I try to add a php.ini to my root moodle folder, the moodle site locks me out.  This is what I'm trying to add:

Any ideas anyone?

register_globals = 0    
safe_mode = 0            
memory_limit = 40M   
session.save_handler = files
magic_quotes_gpc = 0        
magic_quotes_runtime = 0  
file_uploads = 1
session.auto_start = 0      
session.bug_compat_warn = 0
upload_max_filesize = 128M
post_max_size = 128M