Lost privileges on import

I have noticed a persistent problem with some roles and privileges being lost on imports.

Twice I have had to rebuild or move a database by exporting it, rebuilding the instance either on the same machine or a new server, and after import privileges have been lost. I have created the users with the appropriate roles and privileges prior to import, and I have ended up dropping roles and reassigning them back to users in order to re-enable the privileges I need for those users. This problem is not universal, nor can I see a pattern other than it happens after an import from a previous Oracle export. In both cases, the export and import were from the same version of Oracle. I have tried manipulating a number of features such as service packs, NT services, sequences of import, etc.

The problem I have described is more of an annoyance, but I was wondering if anyone had any insights as to parameter settings for the importer that might overcome this problem. I have been using procedures that had never caused me problems under 7.x.

My current platform is 8.0.5 on NT 4.0, Dell Poweredge 6300, 1gb RAM, 7-9Gb 10,000RPM LVD drives with six drives in a Perc array with 16MB cache. The only other software of any significance is a Seagate back-up program, but this problem occurred on another server that did not have this software.

The lost privileges on import seems to be independent of the NT service pack level used. I have run with SP3, SP4, and SP5, and the problem has appeared with all three service packs.

It appears to me like this is simply an Oracle bug with a workaround, but we have less experienced DBAs on staff who might end up getting confused by these conflicts because they do not manifest themselves as privilege problems directly.

Any help would be appreciated, including bug reports.

Thanks,
Chris Weiss
Compuware Corporation
Professional Services Division Received on Tue Jul 06 1999 - 13:20:56 CDT