my.cnf file stops server from starting

[Clive Riches]

I'm trying to update the variable select secure_file_priv by creating and adding
secure_file_priv = filepath to a my.cnf file.

There are a number of examples showing different dashes in the variable and quotes or none around the file path. But however I write it, mysql server will fail to stay started.

If I simply get rid of the file the server will start.