If it was missing when the database started up then that would cause the datafile to be offline. I would imagine that would include cases where the database could not write to the datafile. I know this is true in 10g not sure about 9i. In 7 and I believe 8 & 8i the database would simply not open but that behavior has changed in 10. -Randy Randy Johnson Sr. Technical Consultant Enkitec, LLP Office ..... 817-255-3580 Mobile .... 817-564-6583 Email ..... HYPERLINK "mailto:randy.johnson@xxxxxxxxxxx"randy.johnson@xxxxxxxxxxx _____ From: oracle-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:oracle-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Ankur Godambe Sent: Friday, July 13, 2007 3:16 PM To: oracle-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: Offline status in dictionary Hi, Apart from explicitly putting datafile or tabespace in offline mode though alter database….. or alter tablespace….. command , under what circumstances would STATUS column in v$datafile and dba_tablespaces change to OFFLINE? Thanks. No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.10.5/899 - Release Date: 7/13/2007 3:41 PM No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.10.5/899 - Release Date: 7/13/2007 3:41 PM