In Greenplum 4.2, updating the gp_segment_configuration and other catalog tables directly is not allowed. Because this action is very critical, EMC Greenplum Support must be engaged. Follow these steps: Start cluster in maintenance mode gpstart -U maintenance Log in to the database using maintenance connection Note: Only superuser can connect in maintenance mode. PGOPTIONS='-c gp_maintenance_conn=true' psql <database_name> gptest=# show allow_system_table_mods; allow_system_table_mods ------------------------- DML gptest=# show allow_segment_DML; allow_segment_DML ------------------- on gptest=# show gp_maintenance_conn; gp_maintenance_conn --------------------- on |