Re: dbexport/dbimport problems

David Chan has shown that on one example, a very large table, access to the data was severely affected by the location of the index relative to the data. However, this was a very large database. I think that users should be aware of the times when they are likely to encounter such large tables and be able to PLAN for these tables. I also believe that many users do not spend enough time knowing the characteristics of their installation. Then, when they make changes using DBEXPORT/DBIMPORT they suddenly get completely different performance metrics. But by then it is too late. So, when do people use DBEXPORT/DBIMPORT? A common time is when moving databases or tables between machines. Another common time is when they want to reorganise DBSPACE use. Using the DBEX/IMPORT technique at these times could give strange results. I even have my doubts about much of the preceived wisdom about dropping and recreating indexes either side of batch updates, deletes, etc. And even about the wisdom of creating new indexes. Malcolm Weallans Online Database Consultancy 2 Arkley Court Maidenhead Berks SL6 2YR Phone 0628-72154 Fax 0628-37463 CIX - onlinedbc