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# 3 Postinstallation Database Creation on Windows

This chapter describes how to create a database after installing Oracle Database, using either Database Configuration Assistant or command-line tools.

This chapter contains these topics:

- Naming Conventions for Oracle Database

- Accessing Data Files and Log Files on Remote Computers

- Creating a Database on Windows Using Database Configuration Assistant

- Creating a Database on Windows Using Command-Line Tools

- Using ORADIM to Administer an Oracle Database Instance

## Naming Conventions for Oracle Database

All mounted Oracle Database servers in a network must have unique database names. When a database is created, a name is associated with it and stored in its control files. If you provide the database keyword, either in the `CREATE DATABASE` statement or when prompted by Database Configuration Assistant, then that value becomes the name for that database.

If you attempt to mount two Oracle Database servers with the same database name, then you receive the following error during mounting of the second server:

    ORA-01102: cannot mount database in EXCLUSIVE mode

If there are two or more Oracle Database servers on the same computer, but located in different Oracle homes, then the following rules apply:

- Each database name must be unique

- Each SID must be unique

To change the name of an existing database, you must use the `CREATE CONTROLFILE` statement to re-create your control files and specify a new database name.

Note: Directory path examples in this chapter follow Optimal Flexible Architecture (OFA) guidelines. If you specified non-OFA directories during installation, then your directory paths will differ.

## Accessing Data Files and Log Files on Remote Computers

Oracle Database can access database files on a remote computer using Universal Naming Convention (UNC), but it may degrade database performance and network reliability. UNC is a PC format for specifying locations of resources on a local area network. UNC uses the following format:

    \\server-name\shared-resource-path-name

For example, the UNC specification for file `system01.dbf` in directory `C:\oracle\product\10.2.0\oradata\orcl` on shared server `argon` would be `\\argon\oracle\product\10.2.0\oradata\orcl\system01.dbf`.

Locations of archive log files cannot be specified using UNC. Always set initialization parameter `LOG_ARCHIVE_DEST_``n` to a mapped drive. If you set it to a UNC specification, then Oracle Database does not start and you receive the following errors:

    ORA-00256: cannot translate archive destination string '\meldell\rmdrive'
    ORA-09291: sksachk: invalid device specified for archive destination
    OSD-04018: Unable to access the specified directory or device
    O/S-Error: (OS 2) The system cannot find the file specified

An ORA-00256 error also occurs if you enter `\\\meldell\rmdrive` or `\\\meldell\\rmdrive`. Control files required the additional backslashes for Oracle8 release 8.0.4, but redo log files and datafiles did not.

## Creating a Database on Windows Using Database Configuration Assistant

Oracle recommends you use Database Configuration Assistant to create a database, because it is easier. It offers the same interface and operates the same way on all supported platforms, so no step-by-step procedures or screen shots are included here.

See Also: Oracle Database 2 Day DBA for instructions on using Database Configuration Assistant

Database Configuration Assistant enables you to:

- Create a Database

- Configure Automatic Storage Management

- Configure Database Options in a database

- Delete a Database

- Manage Templates

An initialization parameter file is an ASCII text file containing parameters. It can be used to create and modify a database using command-line tools. When you create a database using Database Configuration Assistant, a server parameter file (SPFILE) is created from the initialization parameter file, and the initialization parameter file is renamed. Oracle does not recognize the renamed file as an initialization parameter file, and it is not used after the instance is started.

If you want to modify an instance created with Database Configuration Assistant after it starts up, you must use `ALTER SYSTEM` statements. You cannot change the SPFILE itself, because it is a binary file that cannot be browsed or edited using a text editor. The location of the newly-created SPFILE is `ORACLE_BASE``\``ORACLE_HOME``\database`. The SPFILE filename is `spfile` `SID``.ora`.

See Also: "Managing Initialization Parameters Using a Server Parameter File" in Oracle Database Administrator's Guide

## Creating a Database on Windows Using Command-Line Tools

This section describes how to create a new database manually. As part of its database software files, Oracle Database provides a sample database creation script and a sample initialization parameter file, both of which can be edited to suit your needs. Alternatively, if you have an existing script you can use it as-is to create a database manually or edit it using the sample database creation script as a guide.

Database creations are of three types:

- Copy an existing database and delete the old database.

- Copy an existing database and keep the old database.

- Create a new database when no database exists on your system.

Table 3-1 summarizes tasks involved in creating a new database for each of these database creation categories. Each step is explained in detail in the following subsections.

Table 3-1 Manual Database Creation Tasks

Task | Copy existing database and delete old database | Copy existing database and keep old database | Create new database when no database exists on system
--- | --- | --- | ---
Creating Directories | Yes | Yes | Yes
Exporting an Existing Database | Yes | MaybeFoot 1 | Not applicable
Deleting Database Files | Yes | No | Not applicable
Modifying the Initialization Parameter File | Yes | Yes | Yes
Starting an Oracle Database Instance | Yes | Yes | Yes
Creating and Starting an Oracle Database Service | No | Yes | Yes
Putting the CREATE DATABASE Statement in a Script | Yes | Yes | Yes
Running the CREATE DATABASE Script | Yes | Yes | Yes
Importing a Database | Yes | MaybeFoot 2 | Not applicable
Updating ORACLE_SID in the Registry | No | Only if you change the default `SID` | Yes
Backing Up the New Database | Yes | Yes | Yes

Footnote 1 Yes if you copy data from the existing database to the new database; no otherwise.
Footnote 2 Yes if you import tables and other objects exported from the existing database; no otherwise.

We use an example in the following sections to demonstrate how to create a database. In this example, the existing database is the starter database with a `SID` of `orcl` located in directory `C:\oracle\product\10.2.0\oradata\orcl`. You will copy `orcl` to a new database with a database name and `SID` of `prod` located in directory `C:\oracle\product\10.2.0\oradata\prod`. You will then delete starter database `orcl`.

### Creating Directories

Create the following directories in which to put administration and database files for new database `prod`:

- `C:\oracle\product\10.2.0\admin\prod`

- `C:\oracle\product\10.2.0\admin\prod\bdump`

- `C:\oracle\product\10.2.0\admin\prod\pfile`

- `C:\oracle\product\10.2.0\admin\prod\udump`

- `C:\oracle\product\10.2.0\oradata\prod`

### Exporting an Existing Database

You are required to export an existing database only if you intend to copy its contents to a new database. If you are working with data from an earlier Oracle release, then you can use Export for this task. If you are using Oracle Database 10g Release 1 (10.1) or later data, then Oracle recommends that you use Data Pump Export because it supports new Oracle Database 10g Release 1 (10.1) or later features, such as floating points.

Although you can start Data Pump Export or Export in either parameter mode or interactive mode, Oracle recommends parameter mode. Interactive mode provides less functionality than parameter mode and exists for backward compatibility only.

The syntax for Data Pump Export parameter mode is:

    C:\> expdp SYSTEM/password DUMPFILE=myexp.dmp FULL=y LOGFILE=myexp.log

The syntax for Data Pump Export interactive mode is:

    C:\> expdp SYSTEM/password

Enter only the command `expdp` `SYSTEM`/`password` to begin an interactive session and let Data Pump Export prompt you for information it needs.

Note: If you use parameter mode, then Data Pump Export considers filenames and directory names to be invalid if they contain one or more blank spaces. The workaround is to enclose the full path in the `DUMPFILE=` parameter in triple quotation marks. For example: `DUMPFILE="""C:\program files\export.dmp"""` If Data Pump Export is used in interactive mode, then the filename or directory name can contain a space without quotation marks.

The syntax for Export parameter mode is:

    C:\> exp SYSTEM/password FILE=myexp.dmp FULL=y LOG=myexp.log

The syntax for Export interactive mode is:

    C:\> exp SYSTEM/password

Enter only the command `exp` `SYSTEM`/`password` to begin an interactive session and let Export prompt you for information it needs.

Note: If you use parameter mode, then Export considers filenames and directory names to be invalid if they contain one or more blank spaces. The workaround is to enclose the full path in the `FILE=` parameter in triple quotation marks. For example: `FILE="""C:\program files\export.dmp"""` If Export is used in interactive mode, then the filename or directory name can contain a space without quotation marks.

See Also: Oracle Database Utilities for more information on using Data Pump Export or Export

To export all data from an existing database to a new database:

1. Set `ORACLE_SID` to the database service of the database whose contents you intend to export. For example, if the database you intend to export is starter database `orcl`, then enter the following at the command prompt. Note that there are no spaces around the equal sign (`=`) character.

       C:\> set ORACLE_SID=orcl

2. If the existing database is Oracle Database 10g Release 1 (10.1) or later, then start Data Pump Export from the command prompt:

       C:\> expdp SYSTEM/password DUMPFILE=myexp.dmp FULL=y LOG=myexp.log

   You now have a full database export of starter database `orcl` in file `myexp.dmp`. All messages from Data Pump Export are logged in file `myexp.log`.

3. If the existing database is before Oracle Database 10g Release 1 (10.1), then start Export from the command prompt:

       C:\> exp SYSTEM/password FILE=myexp.dmp FULL=y LOG=myexp.log

   You now have a full database export of starter database `orcl` in file `myexp.dmp`. All messages from Export are logged in file `myexp.log`.

### Deleting Database Files

Deleting database files is required only when you copy an existing database to a new database to replace the old database. In the following example, you delete the database files of starter database `orcl`.

To delete database files:

1. Shut down starter database `orcl` at the command prompt:

       C:\> oradim -SHUTDOWN -SID orcl -SHUTTYPE inst -SHUTMODE immediate

2. Delete the following files from directory `C:\oracle\product\10.2.0\oradata\orcl`:

   File Name | File Name | File Name | File Name
   --- | --- | --- | ---
   `control01.ctl` | `drsys01.dbf` | `temp01.dbf` | `xdb01.dbf`
   `control02.ctl` | `cwmlite01.dbf` | `tools01.dbf` | `redo01.log`
   `control03.ctl` | `example01.dbf` | `undotbs01.dbf` | `redo02.log`
   `index01.dbf` | `system01.dbf` | `user01.dbf` | `redo03.log`

### Modifying the Initialization Parameter File

To use starter database `orcl` as the basis for your new database, first copy `ORACLE_BASE``\admin\orcl\pfile\init.ora`. Second, put the copy in `ORACLE_BASE``\admin\prod\pfile\init.ora`. Third, modify the file as described in this section.

Note: Beginning with Oracle9i release 2 (9.2), nesting of quotation marks using the backslash (\) escape character is no longer supported. This may affect how Oracle Database interprets parameter values in your initialization parameter file. For example, if you specified `CONTROL_FILES = "ctlfile\'1.ora"` in releases prior to release 9.2, the filename would be interpreted as `ctlfile'1.ora`. Starting with release 9.2, the filename would be interpreted as `ctlfile\'1.ora`. Oracle highly recommends modifying your parameter files to remove such references. See Oracle Database Reference for other methods of nesting quotation marks in initialization parameter values.

If you do not have an existing database on your system, then you cannot copy an existing initialization parameter file to use as the basis for your new initialization parameter file. However, you can use the sample initialization parameter file `initsmpl.ora` provided in

    ORACLE_BASE\ORACLE_HOME\admin\sample\pfile

as the basis for the initialization parameter file for database `prod`.

If you use `initsmpl.ora` as the basis for the initialization parameter file, then you must set the following parameters to the indicated values, or you will not be able to start database `prod`:

- `DB_NAME=prod.domain`

  Parameter `DB_NAME` indicates the database name and must match the name used in the `CREATE DATABASE` statement in "Putting the CREATE DATABASE Statement in a Script". You give a unique database name to each database. You can use up to eight characters for a database name. The name is not required to match the SID of the database service.

- `INSTANCE_NAME=prod.domain`

- `SERVICE_NAMES=prod.domain`

- `CONTROL_FILES = ( "C:\oracle\product\10.2.0\oradata\prod\control01.ctl", "C:\oracle\product\10.2.0\oradata\prod\control02.ctl", "C:\oracle\product\10.2.0\oradata\prod\control03.ctl")`

  Parameter `CONTROL_FILES` lists database control files. You do not have control files on your file system at this point, because control files are created when you run the `CREATE DATABASE` statement. Ensure that you specify the complete path and filename, including drive letter.

- `BACKGROUND_DUMP_DEST = C:\oracle\product\10.2.0\admin\prod\bdump`

- `USER_DUMP_DEST = C:\oracle\product\10.2.0\admin\prod\udump`

- `DB_FILES=100`

  Modifying initialization parameter `DB_FILES` is not required, but it is recommended to optimize performance. Set this parameter to the same number as the value of the `MAXDATAFILES` option of the `CREATE DATABASE` statement. The value of `100` is used for this example.

  See Also: Oracle Database Reference for information on other initialization parameters that you can add or modify

### Starting an Oracle Database Instance

Start an instance without mounting a database.

    STARTUP NOMOUNT

You are not required to specify the `PFILE` clause in this example, because the initialization parameter file is stored in the default location. At this point, there is no database. Only the SGA is created and background processes are started in preparation for the creation of a new database.

### Creating and Starting an Oracle Database Service

You are required to create and start an Oracle Database service only if you do one of the following:

- Copy an existing database to a new database and keep the old database

- Create a new database when you have no other database to copy

Before you create the database, first create a Windows service to run the database. This service is the Oracle Database process, `oracle.exe`, installed in the form of a Windows service.

Use ORADIM to create the service. After it has been created, the service starts automatically. See "Using ORADIM to Administer an Oracle Database Instance" for information on how to use ORADIM.

To create and start an Oracle Database service:

1. Run ORADIM from the command prompt:

       C:\> oradim -NEW -SID prod -STARTMODE manual
       -PFILE "C:\oracle\product\10.2.0\admin\prod\pfile\init.ora"

   Note that the previously created initialization parameter file is specified, with complete path, including drive name. You can check if the service is started in the Services window of the Control Panel.

2. Set `ORACLE_SID` to equal `prod`. Note that there are no spaces around the equal sign (=) character:

       C:\> set ORACLE_SID=prod

### Putting the CREATE DATABASE Statement in a Script

The `CREATE DATABASE` statement is a SQL statement that creates the database. A script containing this statement can be used anytime you create a database.

The `CREATE DATABASE` statement may have the following parameters:

- `MAXDATAFILES` - default value: 32, maximum value: 65534

- `MAXLOGFILES` - default value: 32, maximum value: 255

When you run a `CREATE DATABASE` statement, Oracle Database performs several operations depending upon clauses that you specified in the `CREATE DATABASE` statement or initialization parameters that you have set.

Note: Oracle-managed files is a feature that works with the `CREATE DATABASE` statement to simplify administration of Oracle Database. Oracle-managed files eliminates the requirement to directly manage operating system files comprising an Oracle Database server, because you specify operations in terms of database objects rather than filenames. For more information on using Oracle-managed files see Oracle Database Administrator's Guide.

To create database `prod`, copy and save the following statement in a file named `script_name``.sql`:

    CREATE DATABASE prod
    MAXLOGFILES 5
    MAXDATAFILES 100
    DATAFILE 'C:\oracle\product\10.2.0\oradata\prod\system01.dbf' SIZE 325M REUSE
    AUTOEXTEND ON NEXT 10240K MAXSIZE UNLIMITED
    UNDO TABLESPACE "UNDOTBS" DATAFILE 'oracle\product\10.2.0\oradata\prod\undotbs01.dbf'
    SIZE 200M REUSE AUTOEXTEND ON NEXT 5120K MAXSIZE UNLIMITED
    CHARACTER SET WE8MSWIN1252
    logfile 'C:\oracle\product\10.2.0\oradata\prod\redo01.log' size 100M reuse,
            'C:\oracle\product\10.2.0\oradata\prod\redo02.log' size 100M reuse,
            'C:\oracle\product\10.2.0\oradata\prod\redo03.log' size 100M reuse;

### Running the CREATE DATABASE Script

To use the SQL script to create a database:

1. Verify that the service is started in the Control Panel. In this example, the service name is `OracleServicePROD`, and its status column must display Started. If not, then select the service name and choose Start.

   You can also check the status of the service by entering the following at the command prompt:

       C:\> net START

   A list of all Windows services currently running on the system appears. If `OracleServicePROD` is missing from the list, then enter:

       C:\> net START OracleServicePROD

2. Make `PROD` the current `SID`:

       C:\> set ORACLE_SID=PROD

3. Add `ORACLE_BASE``\``ORACLE_HOME``\bin` to your `PATH` environment variable:

       set PATH=ORACLE_BASE\ORACLE_HOME\bin;%PATH%

4. Start SQL*Plus from the command prompt, and connect to the database as SYSDBA:

       C:\> sqlplus /NOLOG
       SQL> CONNECT / AS SYSDBA

   The message `connected` appears.

5. Turn on spooling to save messages:

       SQL> SPOOL script_name.log

6. Run script `script_name``.sql` that you created in "Putting the CREATE DATABASE Statement in a Script":

       SQL> @C:\oracle\product\10.2.0\db_1\rdbms\admin\script_name.sql;

   If the database is successfully created, then the instance is started and the following message appears numerous times: `Statement` `processed`

### Importing a Database

You can use Data Pump Import (for Oracle Database 10g Release 1 (10.1) or later data) or Import (for earlier data) to import the full export created in "Exporting an Existing Database" into the new database. Although you can start Data Pump Import or Import using either parameter mode or interactive mode, Oracle recommends parameter mode because it provides more functionality. Interactive mode exists solely for backward compatibility.

The syntax for Data Pump Import parameter mode is:

    C:\> impdp SYSTEM/password DUMPFILE=myexp.dmp FULL=y LOG=myexp.log

The syntax for Data Pump Import interactive mode is:

    C:\> impdp SYSTEM/password

Enter only `impdp` `SYSTEM/``password` to begin an interactive session and let Data Pump Import prompt you for information it needs.

Note: If you use parameter mode, then Data Pump Import considers filenames and directory names to be invalid if they contain one or more blank spaces. The workaround is to enclose the full path in the `DUMPFILE=` parameter in triple quotation marks. For example: `DUMPFILE="""C:\program files\export.dmp"""` If you use Data Pump Import in interactive mode, then the filename or directory name can contain a space without quotation marks.

The syntax for Import parameter mode is:

    C:\> imp SYSTEM/password FILE=myexp.dmp FULL=y LOG=myexp.log

The syntax for Import interactive mode is:

    C:\> imp SYSTEM/password

Enter only `imp` `SYSTEM/``password` to begin an interactive session and let Import prompt you for information it needs.

Note: If you use parameter mode, then Import considers filenames and directory names to be invalid if they contain one or more blank spaces. The workaround is to enclose the full path in the `FILE=` parameter in triple quotation marks. For example:
    FILE="""C:\program files\export.dmp"""
If you use Import in interactive mode, then the filename or directory name can contain a space without quotation marks.

Note: If the original database from which the export file was generated contains a tablespace that is not in the new database, then Import tries to create that tablespace with associated datafiles. The easy solution is to ensure that both databases contain the same tablespaces. Datafiles are not required to be identical. Only tablespace names are important.

See Also: Oracle Database Utilities for more information on using Data Pump Import or Import

### Updating ORACLE_SID in the Registry

If this is the first database on the system or if you intend to make the new database the default database, then you must make a change in the registry.

1. Start Registry Editor at the command prompt:

       C:\> regedt32

   The Registry Editor window appears.

2. Choose subkey `\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ORACLE\HOME0` for the first Oracle home on your computer. For subsequent installations to different Oracle homes on the same computer, the path is `\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ORACLE\HOME` `ID` where ID is the unique number identifying the Oracle home.

   See Also: Chapter 14, "Configuration Parameters and the Registry" for more information on subkey locations for multiple Oracle homes

3. Locate parameter `ORACLE_SID` on the right side of the Registry Editor window.

4. Double-click the parameter name and change the data to the new SID, which is `prod` in this example.

If you do not yet have parameter `ORACLE_SID`, because this is the first database on your system, then you must create it.

To create parameter `ORACLE_SID`:

1. Choose Add Value from the Edit menu.

   The Add Value dialog appears:

   Description of the illustration addvalue.gif

2. Enter `ORACLE_SID` in the Value Name field.

3. Select REG_EXPAND_SZ (for an expandable string) in the Data Type list.

4. Click OK.

   A string editor dialog appropriate for the data type appears:

   Description of the illustration stringre.gif

5. Enter prod in the String field.

6. Click OK.

   Registry Editor adds parameter `ORACLE_SID`.

7. Choose Exit from the Registry menu.

   Registry Editor exits.

### Backing Up the New Database

Caution: If anything goes wrong while operating the new database without a backup, then you must repeat the database creation procedure. Back up your database now to prevent loss of data.

To back up the new database:

1. Shut down the database instance and stop the service:

       C:\> oradim -SHUTDOWN -SID prod -SHUTTYPE srvc,inst -SHUTMODE immediate

   Caution: Although ORADIM returns the prompt immediately, you must wait for the database and the service to stop completely before continuing to Step 2. Wait until the Control Panel indicates service `OracleServicePROD` has stopped. If you do not do this, then the backup may be useless because it was taken while data was being written to datafiles.

2. Using the tool of your choice, back up database files.

   Database files consist of the initialization parameter file, control files, online redo log files, and datafiles.

   When the backup is complete, you can start the database again, create users and objects, if necessary, make any other changes, and use the database.

   Be sure to back up the database after making any significant changes, such as switching archiving mode or adding a tablespace or datafile.

   See Also: For more information on archiving, backup, and recovery Oracle Database Concepts Oracle Database Backup and Recovery Basics Oracle Database 2 Day DBA

Caution: Do not store database files on a compressed drive. This can result in write errors and decreased performance.

## Using ORADIM to Administer an Oracle Database Instance

ORADIM is a command-line tool that is available with Oracle Database. You are required to use ORADIM only if you are manually creating, deleting, or modifying databases. Database Configuration Assistant is an easier tool to use for this purpose.

The following sections describe ORADIM commands and parameters. Note that each command is preceded by a dash (`-`). To get a list of ORADIM parameters, enter:

    oradim -? | -h | -help

Note: Specifying `oradim` without any options also returns a list of ORADIM parameters and descriptions.

When you use ORADIM, a log file called `oradim.log` opens in `ORACLE_BASE``\``ORACLE_HOME``\database`, or in the directory specified by registry parameter `ORA_CWD`. All operations, whether successful or failed, are logged in this file. You must check this file to verify success of an operation.

If you have installed an Oracle Database service on Windows 2000, then when logging in as SYSTEM user (LocalSystem), with startup mode set to Automatic, it is possible that the Oracle Database service starts but the database does not start automatically. The following error message is written to file `ORADIM.LOG` in directory `ORACLE_BASE``\``ORACLE_HOME``\database`:

    ORA-12640: Authentication adapter initialization failed

Oracle Enterprise Management Agent, Oracle Enterprise Manager Management Server and Oracle Internet Directory may also fail, because they cannot connect to the database for the same reason. The workarounds are:

- Modify `SQLNET.ORA`

  You can modify `SQLNET.ORA`, either by removing the line

      sqlnet.authentication_services=(NTS)

  or by changing it to

      sqlnet.authentication_services=(NONE)

- Start the database after the service starts

  You can start the database manually after the Oracle Database service has started, using SQL*Plus and connecting as `SYSDBA`.

- Start the service as a specific user

  See Also: Your operating system documentation for instructions on starting services

### Creating an Instance

To use ORADIM to create an instance, enter:

    oradim -NEW -SID SID | -SRVC service_name | -ASMSID SID | -ASMSRVC service_name
    [-SYSPWD password] [-STARTMODE auto | manual] [-SRVCSTART system | demand]
    [-PFILE filename | -SPFILE] [-SHUTMODE normal | immediate | abort] [-TIMEOUT
    secs] [-RUNAS osusr/ospass]

where

- `-NEW` indicates that you are creating a new instance. This is a mandatory parameter.

- `-SID` `SID` is the name of the instance to create.

- `-SRVC` `service_name` is the name of the service to create (`OracleService` `SID`).

- `-ASMSID` `SID` is the name of the Automatic Storage Management (ASM) instance to create.

- `-ASMSRVC` `service_name` is the name of the ASM service to create.

- `-STARTMODE` `auto` | `manual` indicates whether to start the instance when the Oracle Database service is started. Default is `manual`.

- `-SRVCSTART system | demand` indicates whether to start the Oracle Database service on computer restart.

- `-PFILE` `filename` is the initialization parameter file to be used with this instance. Ensure that you specify the complete path name of this file, including drive letter.

- `-SPFILE` indicates that a server parameter file (SPFILE) be used during startup instead of a PFILE.

- `-TIMEOUT` `secs` sets the maximum time to wait (in seconds) before the service for a particular `SID` stops.

To create an instance called `PROD`, for example, you can enter:

    C:\> oradim -NEW -SID prod -STARTMODE auto -PFILE C:\oracle\product\10.2.0\admin\prod\pfile\init.ora

### Starting an Instance and Services

To use ORADIM to start an instance and services, enter

    oradim -STARTUP -SID SID | -ASMSID SID [-SYSPWD password] [-STARTTYPE srvc |
    inst | srvc,inst] [-PFILE filename | -SPFILE]

where

- `-STARTUP` indicates that you are starting an instance that already exists. This is a mandatory parameter.

- `-SID` `SID` is the name of the instance to start.

- `-ASMSID` `SID` is the name of the ASM instance to start.

- `-STARTTYPE` `srvc`, `inst` indicates whether to start the service or the instance. One or both values can be specified. If it is not specified, then the registry is checked for the current setting.

  `-STARTTYPE srvc` is equivalent to running `net start oracleservice<sid>` from the command line.

  `-STARTTYPE inst` is equivalent of running `startup` within SQL*Plus.

- `-PFILE` `filename` is the initialization parameter file to be used with this instance. Ensure that you specify the complete path name of this file, including drive letter.

- `-SPFILE` indicates that a server parameter file (SPFILE) be used during startup instead of a PFILE.

To start an instance called `puma`, for example, you can enter:

    C:\> oradim -STARTUP -SID puma -STARTTYPE inst -PFILE C:\oracle\product\10.2.0\admin\prod\pfile\init.ora

### Stopping an Instance and Services

The Enterprise Database Control service (`OracleDBConsole` `SID`) is dependent on the Oracle Database service (`OracleService` `SID`). You must stop the dependent Enterprise Database Control service (if installed) before running `ORADIM` to stop the database instance service.

To use ORADIM to stop an instance, enter:

    oradim -SHUTDOWN -SID SID | -ASMSID SID [-SYSPWD password]
    [-SHUTTYPE srvc | inst | srvc,inst] [-SHUTMODE normal | immediate | abort]

where

- `-SHUTDOWN` indicates that you are stopping an instance. This is a mandatory parameter.

- `-SID` `SID` specifies the name of the instance to stop.

- `-ASMSID` `SID` is the name of the ASM instance to stop.

- `-SHUTTYPE` `srvc`, `inst` indicates whether to stop the service or the instance. One or both values can be specified. If it is not specified, then the registry is checked for the current setting.

- `-SHUTMODE` specifies how to stop an instance. This is an optional parameter. If you do not specify how to stop an instance, then `normal` is the default mode.

To stop an instance called `puma`, for example, you can enter:

    C:\> oradim -SHUTDOWN -SID puma -SHUTTYPE srvc,inst

### Editing an Instance

You can edit an existing instance to change such values as instance name, startup mode, shutdown mode, and shutdown type. To use ORADIM to modify an instance, enter:

    oradim -EDIT -SID SID | -ASMSID SID [-SYSPWD password] [-STARTMODE auto |
    manual] [-SRVCSTART system | demand] [-PFILE filename | -SPFILE][SHUTMODE normal
    | immediate | abort] [SHUTTYPE srvc | inst | srvc,inst]

where

- `-EDIT` indicates that you are modifying an instance. This is a mandatory parameter.

- `-SID` `SID` specifies the name of the instance to modify. This is a mandatory parameter.

- `-ASMSID` `SID` is the name of the ASM instance to modify.

- `-STARTMODE` indicates whether to start the instance when the Oracle Database service is started. Default is `manual`.

- `-SRVCSTART system | demand` indicates whether to start the Oracle Database service on computer restart.

- `-PFILE` `filename` specifies the initialization parameter file to be used with this instance. Ensure that you specify the complete path name of this file, including drive letter.

- `-SPFILE` indicates that a server parameter file (SPFILE) be used during startup instead of a PFILE.

- `-SHUTMODE` specifies how to stop an instance. This is an optional parameter. If you do not specify how to stop an instance, then `normal` is the default mode.

- `-SHUTTYPE` indicates whether to stop the service or the instance. One or both values can be specified. If it is not specified, then the registry is checked for the current setting.

To specify a new initialization parameter file for the instance `prod`, for example, you can enter:

    C:\> oradim -EDIT -SID prod -PFILE C:\oracle\product\10.2.0\admin\lynx\pfile\init.ora

### Deleting an Instance

The Enterprise Database Control service (`OracleDBConsole` `SID`) is dependent on the Oracle Database service (`OracleService` `SID`). You must stop the dependent Enterprise Database Control service (if installed) before running `ORADIM` to delete the database instance.

To use ORADIM to delete an instance, enter:

    oradim -DELETE -SID SID | -ASMSID SID | -SRVC service_name | -ASMSRVC service_name

where

- `-DELETE` indicates that you are deleting an instance or service. This is a mandatory parameter.

- `-SID` `SID` specifies the name of the SID to delete.

- `-SRVC` `service_name` specifies the name of the service to delete.

- `-ASMSID` `SID` is the name of the ASM instance to delete.

- `-ASMSRVC` `service_name` is the name of the ASM service to delete.

To delete an instance called `prod`, for example, you can enter:

    C:\> oradim -DELETE -SID prod