Configuring Oracle Backup

The Oracle Backup plug-in allows you to back up data stored and used by Oracle database without stopping the service. Currently, Handy Backup allows you to back up the following data:

• All database tables
• Archive logs before and after backup
• SPFILE
• Controlfile
• Settings and preferences
• Passwords

To learn how to configure Oracle backup with Handy Backup, please read the instructions on this page and follow them carefully.

To learn about the very processes of backup and restoration of Oracle database, please refer to Backing up and Restoring Oracle Databases.

Configuring Hot Oracle Database Backup

In order to make hot Oracle backup, it is necessary to enable the ARCHIVELOG mode. If the database runs in the NOARCHIVELOG mode, then it will be stopped, backed up, and then started again.

To check the current active mode, use the following SQL query:

SQL> select log_mode from sys.v$database;

If the value of LOG_MODE is NOARCHIVELOG, then you need to change it through the following query:

SQL> alter database archivelog;

Note: To change the mode, your Oracle database instance must be mounted but not open. If it is open, you need to shutdown it, startup it with the mount option, enable the ARCHIVELOG mode, and then open the database for normal use:

SQL> shutdown immediate;

SQL> startup mount;

SQL> alter database archivelog;

SQL> alter database open;

Configuration of Remote and Local Oracle Backup

If you use Handy Backup Server, it is possible to back up Oracle databases running on a networked computer. To do it, follow these steps:

1. Install Backup Network Workstation on the computer with Oracle database.
2. Add the user account under which Backup Network Workstation will be launched to the ORA_DBA group.

Backups of local Oracle database can be created with any edition of Handy Backup that has the Oracle Backup plug-in available. The user account under which Handy Backup runs must have membership of the ORA_DBA group.

Adding Users to the ORA_DBA Group (Required for Oracle Backup)

To add a user to the ORA_DBA group, follow these steps:

1. Make sure that you have Oracle installed on your PC.
2. On the Windows Start menu, right click Computer, and then click Manage. The Computer Management dialog opens.
3. In the left pane, expand System Tools, then expand Local Users and Groups, and then click Users.
4. In the right pane, right-click the desired user account, and then click Properties. The User Properties dialog opens.

5. Under the Member Of tab, click Add.
6. In the bottom pane, select ORA_DBA, and then click OK.
7. Click OK.
8. Click OK.

To learn how to back up and restore Oracle databases, please refer to Backing up and Restoring Oracle Databases.