Can't change max_input_vars in PHP

I need to raise the max_input_vars value in php for a moodle installation. However when I change the value in my php.ini file the moodle web installer still prompts: `PHP setting max_input_vars must be at least 5000.` phpinfo() shows: `max_input_vars => 5000 => 5000` also editing the .htaccess file had no effect.