.htaccess in sub directory blocking whole domain

Arc

Hey guys, I am not sure where to post this since it ins't PHP related, but hopefully someone can help me.

I uploaded an htaccess file to a directory on my server to block access to that particular directory. However, when I would try to go to any other directory ( Ones above that direcotry) it would block those as well.

For instance, here is the tree structure

httpdocs
------------directory1
------------directory2 <----- htaccess is in this directory
------------directory3
------------directory4
------------directory5
------------Lots of other files.....

I can't go into any directory on the server without entering the password info. Why is that? I thought it was only supposed to protect that one directory.

bpat1434

.htaccess only protects the directory it's in and any child directories/files of its current home.

What does the .htaccess look like? Are you 100% sure you didn't replicate it one level above?

Arc

Yah, I am positive. Once I deleted the htaccess file out of that directory everything worked fine again.

The contents look like this

AuthName "Section Name"
AuthType Basic
AuthUserFile /full/path/to/.htpasswd
Require valid-user

the .htpasswd file is was in the same directory.

It my understanding that it only protects that directory as well, which is why I am here asking questions.

Thanks.

NogDog

Assuming it's not some simple user error you haven't caught yet or a totally freaked out server, all I can think of is something going on in the way of symbolic links between the directories involved.

MacMan

Sounds to me you might have placed it in the wrong directory. Are you sure that the directory you put it in is not the root directory?

the .htpasswd file is was in the same directory.
It's not a good thing to place the .passwd in the public directory as it might post a security risk. You need to put it in a higher directory, outside of the public_html or www directory.

Arc

MacMan;10891158 wrote:
Sounds to me you might have placed it in the wrong directory. Are you sure that the directory you put it in is not the root directory?

the .htpasswd file is was in the same directory.
It's not a good thing to place the .passwd in the public directory as it might post a security risk. You need to put it in a higher directory, outside of the public_html or www directory.

I am absolutely 10000% positive the .htaccess was not in the "Root" directory.

But whatever, thanks for trying everyone. I guess I will have to call the host company.