To ensure Oracle Rdb database security and integrity, a Unique Identifier has been added to the database root file and the database storage area file and storage area snapshot file headers. The Unique Identifier in the root file must match the Unique Identifier in the storage area file headers or a storage area cannot be accessed from the database root. The Unique Identifier values are displayed both in VMS date format surrounded by quotes and as a hexadecimal number surrounded by parentheses. The values displayed are the Unique Identifier values for the current RMU/ALTER session. The Unique Identifier values will not be written to the root or storage area files until the user ends the current session with the RMU/ALTER "COMMIT" command. If the user ends the current session with the RMU/ALTER "ROLLBACK" command, the Unique Identifier values will not be written to the root or storage area files and the Unique Identifier values in effect at the start of the session just ended will be restored for the new session. Any Unique Identifier values that have been changed during the current session will be displayed as "(marked)" before they are committed or rolled back. To execute the DISPLAY or DEPOSIT ROOT command, the user must be attached to the database which the root and areas belong to, either by specifying the database name when issuing the RMU/ALTER command or by executing the "ATTACH" command from the "RdbALTER>" prompt.