What exactly is the "raw copy method"? Do you just mean that you put the database/tablespaces in backup mode and copy with the OS utilities? Or is it something to do with raw storage, in which case I didn't think you could use the OS copy utilities, but I'm not really sure since I've never worked with raw storage. Thanks, Branddon ________________________________ From: rjamya [mailto:rjamya@xxxxxxxxx] I have a 450gb db that we clone 3 times a day. we use raw copy method. there is no downtime to prod Privileged/Confidential Information may be contained in this message or attachments hereto. Please advise immediately if you or your employer do not consent to Internet email for messages of this kind. Opinions, conclusions and other information in this message that do not relate to the official business of this company shall be understood as neither given nor endorsed by it.