Ok so I have to plead complete ignorance here. I have a request from developers to "update java to newer version", I thought the JVM that is installed into the database is completely separate from what is installed on the unix server, what am I missing? They are not tightly coupled or are they? joe _______________________________________ Joe Testa, Oracle Certified Professional Senior Engineering & Administration Lead (Work) 614-677-1668 (Cell) 614-312-6715