I believe it should be set to only one option, either NTS or none, not both. They are mutually exclusive. From the docs: http://download.oracle.com/docs/cd/B19306_01/network.102/b14213/sqlnet.htm#sthref443 "it is recommended that this parameter be set to either none or to one of the authentication methods" If it's working that way on some systems, it may be that they're actually using a different sqlnet.ora file than the one you think they're using, e.g. in their TNS_ADMIN directory. Regards, Brandon ________________________________ 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.