Hi everyone We introduced external authentication on windows 2000. I had the following init.ora parameter set REMOTE_LOGIN_PASSWORDFILE = EXCLUSIVE OS_AUTHENT_PREFIX= "" and i forgot to set REMOTE_OS_AUTHENT = true. connect with a / didn't work (of course). I searched on Metalink and found 2 possible causes the REMOTE_OS_AUTHENT = true parameter was not set in init.ora and the SQLNET.AUTHENTICATION_SERVICES = (NTS) was not set in sqlnet.ora (server and cliënt) I set both parameters and stopped/started the database, but connect / did still not work (invalid username/password was the message). When i change SQLNET.AUTHENTICATION_SERVICES in (NONE) (the default value) it WORKED!! Can anyone explain to me why SQLNET.AUTHENTICATION_SERVICES = (NTS) doesn't work as described by Metalink. Thanks in Advance vr. gr. g.g. kor rdw ict groningen -- Please see the official ORACLE-L FAQ: http://www.orafaq.com -- Author: INET: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Fat City Network Services -- (858) 538-5051 FAX: (858) 538-5051 San Diego, California -- Public Internet access / Mailing Lists -------------------------------------------------------------------- To REMOVE yourself from this mailing list, send an E-Mail message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (note EXACT spelling of 'ListGuru') and in the message BODY, include a line containing: UNSUB ORACLE-L (or the name of mailing list you want to be removed from). You may also send the HELP command for other information (like subscribing).