I have to through my $.02 worth in. We prefer using tape to refresh the data in our test environment. We do a full system back up on Friday nights and use these tapes to refresh the test data. It is the best tape validation method we've found. Yes it takes longer, but you *know* your data has been backed up. Rich Holloway Systems Administrator Providence Health Plans Phone: (503) 574-7457 Fax: (503) 574-8614 [log in to unmask] The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of my company. They belong solely to me. If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough. -- Mario Andretti