>>> I get this issue if (for example): >>> ORACLE_SID=oradb1 >>> sqlplus /nolog >>> connect sys@oradb2 as sysdba >>> Enter password: >>> Connected. >>> this connected me as sysdba to oradb2 (which has a password file) >>> SQL> connect / as sysdba >>> ERROR: >>> ORA-01031: insufficient privileges >>> this errored during the connection as sysdba to oradb1 (which does not have >>> a password file) Check MetaLink Note:69642.1 UNIX: Checklist for Resolving Connect AS SYSDBA Issues Try commenting out the SQLNET.AUTHENTICATION_SERVICES in the sqlnet.ora file. Regards, Dimitre Radoulov