Beware: SQL statements are reparsed (insert in this case) when they are present in trigger's code. packages, functions, procedures would help. -- Vladimir Begun The statements and opinions expressed here are my own and do not necessarily represent those of Oracle Corporation. Bobak, Mark wrote: > create or replace trigger back_up_the_data > before update on data_table > for each row > begin > insert into backup_table values(:old.col_a,:old.col_b,:old.col_c,...); > end; > / > > That ought to do it..... > > Whoops, just saw your updated mail....in that case, try: > create or replace trigger make_a_copy > before insert on data_table > for each row > begin > insert into copy_table values(:new.col_a,:new.col_b,:new.col_c,...); > end; > / > > Try that, > > -Mark -- //www.freelists.org/webpage/oracle-l