502 errors with multi-step form using form persist

Hi Ray. Im not sure if you can recall my multistep form using form persist to hold data from each step. Everything is working fine locally. I have today uploaded the new site to the remote server and there is some issues. So step one page loads fine. But as I advance to other steps I get 502 errors. I then clear cache and the page loads again. But If I click to previous step then click the next button again it causes 502 error again.

I've attached a screen recording showing you this.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance!

If you're able to take a look. You can use FTP details in PM. I've got 302 redirect setup on form page. So if you need to access you can adjust htaccess file.

URL is : https://www.rtmf.org.uk/application-form-pcd.php

It looks like your cookie is exceeding the maximum size. I think the cause is that your php.ini file is missing:
request_order=GP

It is causing it to include cookies in request which is causing them to grow exponentially since you are saving your form in a cookie. I think if you can get that updated, then it will fix your issues.

Ok great... so..

1. what do I need to do to get the 'request_order-GP' that you say is missing in the php.ini file?
2. What do I need to get updated exactly? and How? :D

You can usually update your php.ini settings from cpanel

I don't have cpanel as I'm Mac based. So if I access the php.ini file.. I'm still not sure what I need to do with it! I have no idea what 'request_order-GP' is. When you say I need to update PHP.ini file ... its a bit vague to me. Can you elaborate please. ;-)

I'm not comfortable messing about with the php.ini file so I think i'll have to change my approach with this Ray. So rather than use form persist to store each step in a cookie i can submit each stage to the database. I'm assuming this will solve the problem. Not ideal for the possibility of incomplete form data. But at least I will get it working.

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!

I can show you how to update the php.ini file. It is a simple and relatively common thing to need to be updated. I will usually update the php.ini in almost all sites I develop.

I can also update the persist code so you don't need to. The persist code assumes the default value for that setting and for some reason yours isn't configured with the default. I can pretty easily make that update and send you the new persist file.

The issue is that the persist saves the entire $_REQUEST value as a cookie, and with the configuration you have set up the cookies are included in the $REQUEST and cause the effect of exponential growth of the cookie as more persist values are set. They include the current form and all others in each.

If you want me to send you an updated persist file or help you update your php.ini file in a screen share just let me know and I can set up a call.

Ok well what ever is the easiest to do. I'll message you on skype.