Review Prerequisites to Perform Application Consistent Backup for Oracle Database

To back up an Oracle database with consistent data, ensure that the ARCHIVELOG mode is enabled to archive the Redo logs.

Note: The data volume must include Oracle data files, control files, server parameter file, and online redo logs. The archived redo logs must be physically located on a separate volume.

Follow these steps to verify if the ARCHIVELOG mode is enabled:

  1. Log into the Oracle server as an Oracle user with SYSDBA privileges.
  2. Enter the following command at the SQL*Plus prompt:

    3. ARCHIVE LOG LIST;

  3. Archive log settings for the current instance is displayed.
  4. Configure the following settings:

    5. Database log mode: Archive Mode

    Automatic archival: Enabled

  5. Start the ARCHIVELOG mode.

    6. Note: If the ARCHIVELOG mode is not enabled, start the ARCHIVELOG mode to back up the database.

Follow these steps to start the ARCHIVELOG mode:

  1. Shut down the Oracle server.
  2. Run the following statements in Oracle:

    3. CONNECT SYS/SYS_PASSWORD AS SYSDBA

    STARTUP MOUNT;

    ALTER DATABASE ARCHIVELOG;

    ALTER DATABASE OPEN;

  3. By default, archive logs are written to the flash recovery area. If you do not want to write archive logs to the flash recovery area, set the LOG_ARCHIVE_DEST_n parameter to the location where you want to write archive logs.

    4. SQL>ALTER SYSTEM SET LOG_ARCHIVE_DEST_1='LOCATION=e:\app\administrator\oradata\<oracle_database_name>\arch' SCOPE= BOTH;

    System altered.

    SQL> ARCHIVE LOG LIST;

  4. Archive log settings for the current instance is displayed.
  5. Configure the following settings:

    6. Database log mode: Archive Mode

    Automatic archival: Enabled

    Archive destination: E:\app\oracle\oradata\<oracle_database_name>\arch

    Oldest online log sequence: 21

    Current log sequence: 23

The Oracle VSS writer service started and is functioning properly.