Another debate... We have several DBs that are currently under a cold backup schema. Basically they go down either every day or once a week and a full cold backup is taken. There are several issues related to the DB starting up before the backup ends, but that's not an Oracle problem, nor a cold-backup problem... just a lack of attention problem. On the other hand, hot backups have many advantages... what do you consider are the advantages and disadvantages of both cold and hot backups, and would you use a cold backup schema? if so, in what situation? Thanks ^_^ Alan Bort Oracle Certified Professional -- //www.freelists.org/webpage/oracle-l