Please read the documentation. I presume this is a 10+ version of Oracle since FORCE I believe came out in 10. So here is a good place to start. http://download.oracle.com/docs/cd/B19306_01/appdev.102/b14258/d_stats.h tm#sthref6748 If you are still confused after reading up on the parameters, I'd be happy to discuss it further with you. ----------------------- Ric Van Dyke Hotsos Enterprises ----------------------- Hotsos Symposium March 7 - 11, 2010 I was there, were you? ________________________________ From: oracle-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:oracle-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Ojha, Ajeet (GE Healthcare, consultant) Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2010 3:47 AM To: oracle-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: parameters in dbms_stats Hello All What is the menaing of two parameters used in dbms_stats.gather_table_stats 1) NO_INVALIDATE 2) FORCE When and why we should be using them. What is advantage and disadvantages of using them . Thanks much.