Hi Raj That was the issue ! system@HCRD9397> select object_name , object_type, owner from dba_objects where object_name like '%DUAL%'; OBJECT_NAME OBJECT_TYPE OWNER ------------------------------ ------------------ ------------------------------ DUAL TABLE SYS DUAL SYNONYM PUBLIC DUAL TABLE SYSTEM system@HCRD9397> drop table system.dual; Table dropped. system@HCRD9397> select object_name , object_type, owner from dba_objects where object_name like '%DUAL%'; OBJECT_NAME OBJECT_TYPE OWNER ------------------------------ ------------------ ------------------------------ DUAL TABLE SYS DUAL SYNONYM PUBLIC system@HCRD9397> select * from dual; D - X I will now try to hunt down the ones responsible and kill them slowly ! Thanks, Frank rjamya <rjamya@xxxxxxxxx> skrev: probably system owns a table called dual ... check that first. Raj On 11/8/05, Frank B Hansen <frank4oraclel@xxxxxxxx > wrote:Hi David OK. Next question and some additional info: It is only when connected as SYSTEM that 3 rows are returned. If I connect as SYS og SCOTT, only 1 row is returned. A select from x$dual returns one row: sys@HCRD9397> select * from x$dual; ADDR INDX INST_ID D -------- ---------- ---------- - 01B74DC8 0 1 X and the question: How do I delete row number the second and third row from dual ? Thanks, Frank David Sharples <davidsharples@xxxxxxxxx> skrev: someone inserted 2 extra rows into dual, find them and tell them politely not to do it again. Then delete the other rows as you have a broken database right now On 11/8/05, Frank B Hansen <frank4oraclel@xxxxxxxx > wrote: No matter what I select from dual, I get 3 rows. Anyone seen this behaviour ? -- ---------------------------------------------- This space is available for rent.