OK so revised a workaround steps 1 and 2 I submit to data base then from step 3 i kept the form persist as I needed it this way due to how the data is split into relational tables and how it is submitted to database.
It all feels a bit messy so If you're able to help me get this php.ini file sorted that would be great.
Let me know if this is possible.
If not I'll probably revert to using GET method on each form step and catch the data in hidden fields as it progresses.
Let me know on this!
Thanks!