Hi list, i would like to know how you guys do to startup oracle9i in winxp without using the windows services. I'm trying with a cmd window using: sqlplus / nolog -- That's ok connect / as sysdba -- Getting this error ERROR: ORA-12560: TNS:protocol adapter error I've noticed that once the db is running (started with services) i can connect ïn a cmd window using the above command. Any clues?? Regards GBA