Thanks Helder, you are definitely very helpful!

Just to clarify --
1. Since my other Oracle server(9i) already has all the file structures set up, how do I replicate the file structure on the original server as you suggested in the previous post? Or you really mean just copy the data files, control files and init.ora file to the correct places in the new server?

2. Will this work if the original server is 8i while the new server is 9i?

3. Which doc can I look to find more info on Oradim?

Thanks again...