.htaccess grief

Hi all, I've just configured php4.05 / apache 1.3.17 RH7.1, and am having some grief with php returning: [Mon Jul 2 09:41:44 2001] [crit] [client 198.142.14.193] (13)Permission denied: /www/squirrelmail/.htaccess pcfg_openfile: unable to check htaccess file, ensure it is readable The directory in question does contain a .htaccess file, but it does nothing. .htaccess files in non-php directories are processed ok by apache. Both php/apache were configured & built, not rpm'd. Apache is configured with apxs. A similar configuration on another server, with an earlier version of php was ok (this server is unfortunately currently having a "ship anchor" day). I've had a cruise through usergroup mailing archives etc without much luck. I'm just downloading 4.06, but a quick read of the .changes file doesn't mention this problem. Any specks of wisdom out there on the horizon that I should grasp at...? If you post replies to me, I'll post a summary of how to fix it to the list after. Cheers, Chris Herrmann Far Edge Technology p. 02 99553640 f. 02 99547994 m. 0403 393309 http://www.faredge.com.au