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Question and Answer

Tom Kyte

Thanks for the question, Venkateswara Reddy.

Asked: August 16, 2002 - 12:40 pm UTC

Last updated: January 31, 2003 - 11:24 am UTC

Version: 8.1.5

Viewed 1000+ times

You Asked

Hi Tom

After a long time I posting my doubt. I have installed Oracle 8.1.5 around 1.5years back with Archived Log Mode. But so far I never used any archived log files for recovery purpose(that situation din't arise ). Now the current files gone around 3.5GB only *.ARC Files. current number is 3729. So my doubt is how many days I should preserve this files.

Thanks in advance

Reddy

and Tom said...

You need to keep the archives generated during and since your last hot backup.

It is not "some number of days"

It is dependent on your backup schedule. Before you do a backup, alter system switch logfile. remember the current log at that point. You need that log plus all generated logs from that point in time to recover that backup. As long as you have that backup, you need those logs. When you get rid of that backup, you can get rid of the archives that are needed for it (but not for the next one!)

You need to read the backup and recovery guide:

</code> http://docs.oracle.com/cd/A87860_01/doc/server.817/a76993/toc.htm <code>




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Comments

Comment

Salim, August 16, 2002 - 2:23 pm UTC

Not to be arrogant, I think if someone is using oracle for 1.5 years, probably this not the place for oracle 101 questions. This denies other folks waiting in line to ask their questions.



Tom Kyte
August 16, 2002 - 7:35 pm UTC

Salim --

I've read some of the other comments that follow this and here is my 2cents.

For ever question you actually see published here, there are 2 more you do not. I could easily have answered this and not shown anyone. I made a concious decision to publish it -- why? Because this question comes up with frightening frequency.

Backup and recovery is a very important topic. I took the the opportunity to use this question as a "wake up" for others that might be thinking along the same lines (that archives just "expire" after some number of days or something).

It happens alot, it is a very vitial, important topic -- and one that lots of people think they understand but they don't. If they think they understand, they have no motivation to actually learn it. It is a catch 22. The day they learn they got it wrong is most likely the day they lose their database as well (and guess what, they get really mad at us/me).

I am of the belief that there aren't any dumb questions, just questions. What is obvious to me is totally foreign to others (and vice versa, I've been at round tables talking about bio-warfare topics. Man was I just totally out of it, had really "stupid" things to say).

Just one "subtle" point. If you start a sentence with "Not to be arrogant".... The rest of it might sound that way.

The only questions I really don't like are ones with bogus email addresses (had 3 more of those today again). Those are denying others.

I don't agree with Saleem's coment

A reader, August 16, 2002 - 4:05 pm UTC

I don't see what Saleem's problem is , when person like Tom whose time is so premium and got his hands busy all the
took his time and answered this question .
Yes this is not Oracle 101 site . This is Oracle 100001
Site . I browse and learn every day from this site . Before posting any question I search this site as much as I can
and post the question only when I couldn't find the answer .
Most likely everyone does that . The question may seems to be easy for you but not for the one who asked it. So please lean some professionalism from on very same site from none other than the man behind it(Tom) , and please don't be so rude to others .
Thanks

Please spell my name correctly

SALIM, August 16, 2002 - 5:34 pm UTC

I dont not agree with your analysis, my intent was not to be rude but to be polite to others in queue.

I appreciate that you search the site before posting your question/s and I hope more people start doing this. However, majority of the people do not follow this route. I think some basic common sense and knowledge of oracle beyond oracle 101 will help fellow forumers...:)



Archive Logs

Reddy, August 18, 2002 - 12:24 pm UTC

Thank you Mr. Tom

I am very happy to inform, I got it clear how to maintain archive log from you.

Thank you very much

Reddy

on Saleem's Comment

Reddy, August 18, 2002 - 12:29 pm UTC

Mr. Saleem

If Some one using Oracle since 1.5 years, they will come to know about everything in Oracle ( its a Ocean man). Why you are feeling bad about this question. I am just borning kid in oracle ocean.



Minimum How many archivelog files required

Reddy, January 31, 2003 - 3:18 am UTC

HI tom

Thanks for your my previous questions.

Here I have one questions regarding archive log files.

If I am not taking backup in archive log mode from past 5 years. Now I want to take hot backup then I will send the source machine permanently. The backup machine cannot hold the 5 years archieve log file. So for my complete database protection minimum how many files required.

Thanks

Reddy

Tom Kyte
January 31, 2003 - 8:24 am UTC

you need to hire a DBA asap.

they would be able to explain to you that 5 years between backups is about 4.99 years too long.

I don't really understand your question i guess, or you have no real backups.

Lets not be so hard on people

Andrew Gilfrin, January 31, 2003 - 11:24 am UTC

So what people are saying is that if its a question which is so simple everybody should know, then dont tell them. Well how did you find out when you should delete archive log files. Many companies do not provide training and people just have to get by with the little knowledge they can bring together. I remember before I was given the chance to take an Oracle DBA course I had a serious lack of knowledge, going on the course filled so many gaps for me.

However I do think its a little scary that they havent taken a backup for 5 years. :)

I'm sure there are many things people do not know which others feel they should, lets all be a little more patient and allow Tom to answer and publish the questions people want to ask and he feels are helpfull to others however scary that may be :) .