"However I can't say that the parallel queries were really causing any performance problem." Then why do anything? Also, I'd stay away from parallel hints. Talk about adding work. In my world a hint is a coding change with all the trapping that entail. Why take a system/object changeable setting and put it in code? It's like asking a lawyer to build a house; she could probably do it, but it will cost you and the skill-set is not optimal. I've never had a good experience with parallel_adaptive_multi_user, but I know some who use it. It is Not good if SLAs are tied to strict performance levels. Ted No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.7.1/805 - Release Date: 5/15/2007 10:47 AM -- //www.freelists.org/webpage/oracle-l