mahsnj , PMFJI, but the "Oracle9i Database Utilities" manual, in chapter 1 - Export, says :

"Rows in tables that contain objects and LOBs will now be exported using conventional path, even if direct path was specified."

SO, I pass a BUFFER param always, so IF my direct-path ends being "downgraded" to an conventional path due the LOBs it uses the correct BUFFER, and if not BUFFER is ignored (at least this have been my experience).

[]s

Chiappa