Yes, there is a LongdbALRT.log file. However, it wasn't updated during any of the bad boots, so looks like Dave is right. But I listed all the log files that were updated, so it certainly appears as if that little line in oradim.log was the only indication of the problem. As I keep asserting, Oracle *has* to simplify and improve their administration nonsense if they want to compete.

In that vein, I've been reading up on 9i a little - looks like they've done a *lot* with the administrative stuff. including a *lot* better integration with Window, but not much at all with the SQL, unfortunately. Actually, since I won't have to re-write whole sections of my book for 9i, I'm actually rather glad they didn't completely re-structure the SQL or the optimizer .

- Chris