php.ini Can’t open file for writing

OK,

I know it is not a WP issue itself but when I try to edit my php.ini for the server and then save it I get the following error: “php.ini” E212: Can’t open file for writing”.

Any ideas? very strange indeed. should I run a “chmod 777 php.ini?”

Sorry for the OT post on php.ini but I am hoping some other wordpresser has had the same problem with a fix!