SQL & PL/SQL

How can one activate a database link w/in SQL*Plus or DBA Studio?

I'm trying to re-create my schema in a new instance and in order to execute my materialized view SQL I must first create a new database link. I'm using the same info as in our other instance so am sure the connection will work IF I can get the database link to be 'active'. I created the link in DBA Studio and attempted to test, but received the error "Database link is not active." Canned it and created through SQL*Plus with same result. I see no option to activate and cannot find any info in 8i DBA Handbook or 8i DBA Bible.

Only way to create an active dblink is to find another link that is already active and do a Create Like.

I figure there's an easy solution to this problem, but cannot figure out what it is. Any help is appreciated!

Thanks.