session_save_path

My virtual host eliminated the common session tmp folder which forces me to set up one in my area. I'm trying to come up with the best, considering: Custom php.ini; resisting because having to make certain it is always in sync with host's changes. Tried adding to htaccess: php_value session.save_path /www/u/username/htdoc/session Hoping it would override php.ini. Got a server error 500. Tried adding to a common functions file used by several pages: session_save_path /www/u/user/htdoc/session; and session_save_path $_SERVER['DOCUMENT_ROOT'] . "/SESSION"; Doesn't work, uses the path in php.ini; I'm guessing that session_save_path has to be declared on page using session stuff. That's a pain, if so. Haven't tried ini_set yet; is it a solution? Thanks....