Duplicating databases: URGENT !!!

Hello all. I'm running into a little difficulty with an Informix database 7.12?? on Solaris 2.5.1. I have a small database on a production box that I want to do some additional coding around. Thusly I need to make a duplicate of the db. If I try dbexport it complains that the database is being used by another user, even though all applications bound to this db are off. dbexport <dbname> -o <directory> name. This would be ideal as my understanding is that this will allow me a perfect copy, see below. I then tried "onunload -t <filename> <dbname>" this worked well as did the subsequent onload. However it turns out that this method does not preserve the logging spec. for the database and does not allow schema editing. Documentation says that "ontape -s -L0 -B <dbname>" will change logging to buffered logging and preform the level0 backup required to commit loggin changes. This or any thing like it gives me the following: access sysdbspaces (SQL:-229 ISAM:-131) Program over. Now I can't drop the table(or anthing else) as it has picked up the change of loggin status and has, as expected, locked the db until the level 0. I can't however preform the level0. I've tried seting tape parameters to /dev/null and specific filenames on a number of different filesystes and get the same error. Now I can't use, drop or update the database as it is locked. Tips, help? TIA Colin Ryan -- ======================================================== Truth in Data Consultation..... Prophet Consulting Group ========================================================