1.10. Configuring the Control File Autobackup

RMAN can be configured to automatically back up the control file and other server parameter files whenever information impacting the control file is changed or modified. This is a valuable asset to a backup because this allows RMAN to recover the database even if the control file or server parameter file is lost. This process is called control file autobackup.

The common naming of the server parameter file and control file allow RMAN to search and restore these files without accessing the RMAN repository. Once the control file is restored and mounted, the RMAN repository becomes available. RMAN can then use the repository information to restore datafiles and archive logs.

Configuring the autobackup of the control file is a straightforward process that is handled by the CONFIGURE command. Let's walk through an example:

RMAN> configure controlfile autobackup on;

using target database controlfile instead of recovery catalog
new RMAN configuration parameters:
CONFIGURE CONTROLFILE AUTOBACKUP ON;
new RMAN configuration parameters are successfully stored

RMAN>

You can also configure the format of the autobackup of the control file. This is performed by specifying a format setting in the CONFIGURE command. Let's look at an example:

RMAN> configure controlfile autobackup format
2> for device type disk to 'c:oraclestagingora101ccf_%F';

new RMAN configuration parameters:
CONFIGURE CONTROLFILE AUTOBACKUP FORMAT FOR DEVICE TYPE DISK TO
  'c:oraclestagi
ngora101ccf_%F'; new RMAN configuration parameters are successfully stored
RMAN>