Hi, 1. Set ORACLE_SID and ORACLE_HOME on command prompt 2. sqlplus 3. startup pfile='/path/to/oracle/prameter/file.ora' Its been a while i worked on windows database, but i guess this should allow you to start the database. PS: Try "tnsping <tns-alias-to-your-oraclesid>" to see if your TNS setup is fine. Regards, Madhu -----Original Message----- From: oracle-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx To: oracle-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: 7/7/2005 11:56 PM Subject: How to startup oracle9i without using windows services 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 -- http://www.freelists.org/webpage/oracle-l