Ok so here is the init.ora parms i used. Notice dest_1 parms especially. log_archive_dest_1='location=+DATABASE_FLASH REOPEN=0 MANDATORY alternate=log_archive_dest_2' log_archive_dest_2='location=/arch/test11g MANDATORY' log_archive_dest_state_1=ENABLE log_archive_dest_state_2=ALTERNATE Give those a whirl instead, i had multiple times success with this. joe _______________________________________ Joe Testa, Oracle Certified Professional Senior Engineering & Administration Lead (Work) 614-677-1668 (Cell) 614-312-6715 Interested in helping out your marriage? Ask me about "Weekend to Remember" Dec 11-13, 2009 here in Columbus.