An export I've been doing monthly for years just stopped using an index and is taking forever to complete. I couldn't find any reference to HINTs in the documentation but I was hoping I just missed it somewhere? Alternatively, could I set optimizer_index_cost_adj to a different (i.e., lower) value for the export session? Oracle 8.1.7.2 on Solaris 2.8. Thanks, Jay Miller ----------------------------------------- This message is confidential and sent by TD Waterhouse solely for use by the intended recipient. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. This should not be deemed as an offer or solicitation, to buy or sell any product. Any 3rd party information contained herein was prepared by sources deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed. TD Waterhouse does not accept electronic instructions that would require an original signature. Information received by or sent from TD Waterhouse is stored, subject to review, and may be produced to regulatory authorities or others with a legal right to such. -- //www.freelists.org/webpage/oracle-l