Yes, I agree fixing the stats is better if you can find the problem/solution, but might want to use an outline/profile/hint as a temporary workaround if it's urgent - it's pretty easy to create/drop outlines with dbms_outln.create_outline in 10g+ ________________________________ Privileged/Confidential Information may be contained in this message or attachments hereto. Please advise immediately if you or your employer do not consent to Internet email for messages of this kind. Opinions, conclusions and other information in this message that do not relate to the official business of this company shall be understood as neither given nor endorsed by it.