Hello Again,

I have tried what you suggested. I cannot connect as sys. I have changed the system password - and gone through the sentax per your response. When I tried to connect as system, I got the SAME 2 errors pertaining to alter session.

I wish I were more knowledgeable of SQL - I use mostly the OEM because I am new and like to use the interface better than the command line.

It just keeps coming back to the "Alter Session" problem. Even if I go into DBA Studio, and click on the orcl db there - I get the same message before even getting a login window... same 2 messages.

Unless you think there is some value I can glean from this... or others in the forum.... I am ready to blow it all away and start over. I can't imagine what I have done to screw up the database like this. I have wasted a week messing with it.

What would be the SQL statements to change the "Alter Session" settings? Any suggestions?

Thanks again for your imput...