Read ancient Oracle database into current Oracle version An old computer with Oracle 8i is dead.  We have the daily backup of the database (C:\oradata).  We are unable to install this old Oracle version anywhere because we don't have the install CDs for it.  

Can we read this database with, for example, Oracle Express? If yes, how?
Oracle 8.x.x has been out of support for some time.

Apologies for the bad news, but your only option is to either recover the software from the dead disk, or ask Oracle (obviously with a valid support contract) for a copy of the software. Raise a ticket on My Oracle Support and they will help you.