Here are the steps to restore a control file in different scenarios:
1. Restoring Control File from RMAN Backup
If you have an RMAN backup, follow these steps:
Step 1: Connect to RMAN
Connect to the RMAN utility as the Oracle user with SYSDBA privileges.
Command:
rman target /
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Step 2: Start the Database in NOMOUNT Mode
Irf
Since the control file is not available, the database must be started in NOMOUNT mode.
Command:
ed
STARTUP NOMOUNT;
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Step 3: Restore the Control File
am
Restore the control file from the RMAN backup.
rman
oh
RESTORE CONTROLFILE FROM '/path/to/backup/controlfile.bkp';
Alternatively, if you are using a recovery catalog or the control file autobackup feature, RMAN can
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automatically restore the most recent control file backup:
rman
RESTORE CONTROLFILE FROM AUTOBACKUP;
Step 4: Mount the Database
After restoring the control file, mount the database to make it accessible to further recovery operations.
rman
ALTER DATABASE MOUNT;
Step 5: Recover the Database
After restoring the control file, you need to recover the database (apply archived logs, redo logs, or
backups):
rman
RECOVER DATABASE;
Step 6: Open the Database
Once the recovery is complete, open the database normally.
rman
ALTER DATABASE OPEN RESETLOGS;
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2. Restoring Control File Manually (Without RMAN)
If you don't have RMAN backups but have a copy of the control file (either from a backup or another
Irf
mirrored location), follow these steps:
Step 1: Shutdown the Database (If Necessary)
ed
If the database is running, shut it down.
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sql
am
SHUTDOWN IMMEDIATE;
Step 2: Copy the Control File
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If you have a manual backup of the control file (e.g., from a cold backup or another mirrored control file
location), copy it back to its original location.
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For example:
Command
cp /backup/controlfile.ctl /u01/app/oracle/oradata/mydb/control01.ctl
If multiple control files were configured, you can restore them all to their respective locations.
Step 3: Start the Database in NOMOUNT Mode
Start the database in NOMOUNT mode, as the control file is required to mount the database.
sql
STARTUP NOMOUNT;
Step 4: Mount the Database
After replacing the control file, mount the database.
sql
ALTER DATABASE MOUNT;
Step 5: Recover the Database (If Necessary)
If required, recover the database by applying the archived redo logs.
sql
RECOVER DATABASE;
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Step 6: Open the Database
Open the database in normal mode. If the control file was replaced or if it was restored from an old
Irf
backup, you must use RESETLOGS to open the database.
sql
ed
ALTER DATABASE OPEN RESETLOGS;
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3. Restoring Control File in a Data Guard Environment
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If the control file is lost in a Data Guard standby environment, follow these steps:
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Step 1: Create a Standby Control File from Primary
On the primary database, create a control file for standby recovery:
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sql
ALTER DATABASE CREATE STANDBY CONTROLFILE AS '/tmp/standby_controlfile.ctl';
Step 2: Transfer the Standby Control File
Transfer the newly created standby control file to the standby database server.
Command
scp /tmp/standby_controlfile.ctl
standby_user@standby_server:/u01/app/oracle/oradata/standby/control01.ctl
Step 3: Replace the Control File on Standby
On the standby server, replace the old control file with the newly transferred control file.
Step 4: Start the Standby Database in NOMOUNT Mode
Start the standby database in NOMOUNT mode.
sql
STARTUP NOMOUNT;
Step 5: Mount the Standby Database
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Mount the standby database.
Irf
sql
ALTER DATABASE MOUNT STANDBY DATABASE;
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Step 6: Start Managed Recovery
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Start the managed recovery process.
sql
am
ALTER DATABASE RECOVER MANAGED STANDBY DATABASE USING CURRENT LOGFILE DISCONNECT;
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4. Restoring Control File Using Control File Trace
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If there is no RMAN backup but you have a control file trace (controlfile trace), you can recreate
the control file:
Step 1: Get the Control File Trace
Look for the control file trace in the alert log or the USER_DUMP_DEST directory. Oracle automatically
generates a control file trace upon database creation or other control file-related operations.
Step 2: Modify the Trace File
Open the trace file and remove unnecessary lines (e.g., comments). Modify it according to your
environment, especially the file paths of the datafiles, redo log files, and control files.
Step 3: Shut Down the Database
Shutdown the database if it's running.
sql
SHUTDOWN IMMEDIATE;
Step 4: Start the Database in NOMOUNT Mode
Start the database in NOMOUNT mode.
sql
STARTUP NOMOUNT;
Step 5: Run the Modified Script
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Run the modified control file trace script to recreate the control file.
sql
Irf
@/path/to/modified_controlfile_trace.sql
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Step 6: Recover the Database
After creating the control file, recover the database if necessary.
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sql
am
RECOVER DATABASE;
Step 7: Open the Database
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Finally, open the database using RESETLOGS.
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sql
ALTER DATABASE OPEN RESETLOGS;
Summary of Key Commands:
1. Restore from RMAN:
rman
RESTORE CONTROLFILE FROM AUTOBACKUP;
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2. Manual Restore:
Command
Irf
cp /backup/controlfile.ctl /u01/app/oracle/oradata/mydb/control01.ctl
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3. Create a Standby Control File:
sql
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ALTER DATABASE CREATE STANDBY CONTROLFILE AS
'/path/to/standby_controlfile.ctl';
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4. Recreate Control File from Trace:
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sql
@/path/to/modified_controlfile_trace.sql
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Conclusion
Restoring the control file is an essential step in database recovery, whether you are restoring from RMAN
backups, manually copying a backup control file, or using a control file trace. Always ensure the control
file is restored properly and that the database is in sync with the redo logs and datafiles before opening
the database.
