Thanks to Harel Safra, I have my answer. SQLNET.AUTHENTICATION_SERVICES=(NTS) in sqlnet.ora and problem solved. Thanks again! Steve -----Original Message----- From: oracle-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:oracle-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Steve Wales Sent: Saturday, June 09, 2012 9:52 PM To: oracle-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: Connecting as sysdba without password I've just inherited an Oracle 8.1.7 database on Windows 2000. No one has the SYS / SYSTEM passwords. -- //www.freelists.org/webpage/oracle-l