Practically, I do not estimate temp space requirement before I execute a statement. I usually configure 20 GB disk space for the temp tablespace, no matter how much is used by all sessions.

Still you use 7.3.4 !!!!
I have Oracle experience from Rel 5 to 9i.
To me Release 7.3.4 is the best Oracle Release I ever worked.

To answer your question, you can't do it in 8i, or 7.3.4. Period.

Tamil