So if I create an spfile in an alternate location, do I startup the db with the spfile= like I did with my pfile? Yes I want to use an alternate location and not the default....... ciao, Brian This email message may contain legally privileged and/or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient(s), or the employee or agent responsible for the delivery of this message to the intended recipient(s), you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of this email message is prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by e-mail and delete this email message from your computer. Thank you.