[ntadmin2]

A quick question: how do you multiplex control files?
Can't multi-plex from Enterprise Manager, can't manually edit the spfile.
Oracle instructions say to shut down database and edit the spfile but how do you do this?

[ebrian]

The docs are great for this kinda stuff (Managing Control Files).

[ntadmin2]

But that's exactly where i came from and why i posted on the forum.
Oracle advice on how to multiplex control files (from that link):
1.Shut down the database.
2.Copy an existing control file to a new location, using operating system commands.
3.Edit the CONTROL_FILES parameter in the database initialization parameter file to add the new control file name, or to change the existing control filename.
4.Restart the database.

But how do i do step3 when i can't edit the spfile for my database directly? (since it is a binary file).

[anacedent]

Sql> Create Pfile From Spfile;

[MCrowley]

You need to create a new SPFILE.

http://download.oracle.com/docs/cd/B...htm#sthref5347

You may need to create a pfile from the spfile to begin with, though.

[ntadmin2]

Gotcha. Thanks guys.

[pablolee]

Edit: Screwed up and posted twice. 2nd post is more readable. Soz

[pablolee]

You do NOT need to create a new sp file, nor do you need to create a pfile from the spfile. You simply need to alter the control_files parameter whilst the database is up and running and add the scope = spfile onto the end of the code:

alter system set control_files = 'ctrl1','ctrl2','ctrln'
scope = spfile

Then shutdown the db, copy the controlfile and start the db.

[ntadmin2]

Did the create pfile from spfile, edited the pfile and then turned it back into a pfile yesterday and it worked, now i've got multiplexed control files :-)
But this way looks quicker and I've got another identical system so i'll try this method on the 2nd oracle server.
(i will try 'scope = both' to make changes on the running instance as well as the spfile).

[pablolee]

Do not use 'scope = both', it will not work.
The reason for 'scope = spfile' is so that the instance will not try to write to an spfile that currently does not exist. If you use scope = both, the instance will instantly start trying to write to an spfile that you have not yet created.
scope = spfile is the only one that will work with this particular set of tasks.

[ntadmin2]

ok, scope=spfile and then i'll restart to make sure it worked. Thanks.