You can also check LEADING hint (if you insist using them at all ;). It is less restrictive than ordered, needs less care and to my mind works great in cases when I need a quick fix and/or haven't time to investigate details.
Gints Plivna
Allen, Yes. I am giving /*+ ordered use_nl in the query. I did not type properly in the e-mail below. so it is
/*+ ordered use_nl(a,b,c,d) index(a emp_id) */
Sorry. And thanks for your help.
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