Does the log of the level 0 backup identify the problem redo log as being needed but missing/ If so you should of run Change Archivelog All Crosscheck; and then redone the backup. I think that would of fixed the problem. I had a database which is not normally backed up, burt I wanted to do so before upgrading to 11.2.0.3. The first incremental level 0 I ran gave an error saying it needed archived log number 15XX. The archived log created just before the backup was 109XXX. It complained about a log from months/years ago. Running the crosscheck fixed the problem, and I was able to get the backup done. The control file and not an Rman catalog was in use. I wonder if you run crosscheck after the fact, will it let you recover???? Ian MacGregor SLAC National Accelerator Center Hi Howard, Thanks for your suggestion. Backup optimization is off. BTW - What was the solution in your case? Just turning off backup optimization or you figured out a workaround, solution? -- //www.freelists.org/webpage/oracle-l