Ed,
The answer is no. You don't have to specify the compatible parameter at all
in the init.ora or spfile, and it will default to the current Oracle
version, but if you specify it, then you need to put something valid in the
field. ' ' (space) or '' (null) are not valid and you will get some error
(ORA-400 or similar I think) for these entries.

I am struggling to think of a reason why you would want to do this...
HTH
John.

-----Original Message-----
From: Edwards Ed
[mailto:oracledba-ezmlmshield-x62982770.[Email address protected]
Sent: 28 March 2006 16:32
To: LazyDBA Discussion
Subject: Oracle Compatible Parameter

To All,
Can you start an Oracle 9i database with the compatible parameter set
to blank (' ')? Can you start an Oracle 10G database with the
compatible parameter set to blank (' ')?


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