Quantech server backup

[Guest helenw]

I need some advice/guidance on how to backup my Quantech server. Corbel provides some batch files that will backup the Oracle database directly to the tape drive, however I want to do the backup to a file on the hard drive and then do a full backup of the server using the backup software. I have been unable to get this to work. Any ideas on how to do the backup? How are other people doing this backup?

[Guest JohnB10]

Assuming you want to do "Cold" backups (with the database turned off), here's the general process that can be put into an NT script:

(1) Disable access to the database to other users;

(2) Do an Oracle Full Export to a file (preferably on a different device than where your database files live);

(3) Shut down the database;

(4) Use your backup software to backup your server's file system.

(5) Bring the database back up.

This strategy gives you two recovery plans. You can recover from the Oracle Export file (which is now on tape). Secondly, you could recover by using the actual database files. I've successfully used both ways to recover our Oracle database.

I think Corbel should be able to help you out with the detail of the above (I know it's pretty general). Personally, I've also found the following book VERY useful: "Oracle DBA Handbook, 7.3 Edition". Finally, as with any backup/recovery plan, you definitely want to test it to make sure it's working for you.