Karl, thanks for the interesting pointer, but that doesn't explain the scenario I saw and reproduced in both 8i and 10g where there was unexpected data inserted into the blocks of a brand new tablespace. Regards, Brandon From: Karl Arao [mailto:karlarao@xxxxxxxxx] You may want to check the TDE FAQ, which I think answers your question. http://www.oracle.com/technology/deploy/security/database-security-10g/transparent-data-encryption/tde_faq.html#A11072 ________________________________ 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.