Restore database from backup without control files

If you just had to restore from backup and do not have any control files, how would you go about bringing up this database?

Brian Peasland

Published: 06 Aug 2007

If you have just had to restore from backup and do not have any control files, how would you go about bringing up this database? I know how to back up the control file but I want to know how to restore.

If you do not have a control file, you can create one from scratch in SQL*Plus as follows:

```
sqlplus /nolog
```
```
CONNECT / AS SYSDBA
```
```
STARTUP NOMOUNT
```

   CREATE CONTROLFILE DATABASE orcl NORESETLOGS NOARCHIVE
   MAXLOGFILES 32 
   LOGFILE GROUP 1 '/oradata1/orcl/redo01.log' SIZE 500M
           GROUP 2 '/oradata1/orcl/redo02.log' SIZE 500M
   DATAFILE
      '/oradata1/orcl/system01.dbf',
      '/oradata1/orcl/undotbs01.dbf'
   CHARACTER SET us7ascii;

```
ALTER DATABASE MOUNT;
```

RECOVER DATABASE USING BACKUP CONTROLFILE;

```
ALTER DATABASE OPEN;
```

As you can see in step 4, you have to supply all of the information the control file needs. This can be a daunting task which is why backups of your control file are essential. Go here for a complete list of options for the CREATE CONTROLFILE command.

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Restore database from backup without control files

If you just had to restore from backup and do not have any control files, how would you go about bringing up this database?

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