Enable ARCHIVELOG mode for an Oracle database - Cloud Backup

By default, an Oracle database runs in NOARCHIVELOG mode. Before you can use Cloud Backup, you must switch the database to ARCHIVELOG mode. This section outlines the required steps.

Log on to the Oracle database as a sysdba.

Run the ARCHIVE LOG LIST SQL command to check the current archive status of the database.

A sample output is as follows.

Database log mode              No Archive Mode  #NOARCHIVELOG mode
Automatic archival             Disabled
Archive destination            USE_DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST  
Oldest online log sequence     1    
Current log sequence           2

Note

If the Database log mode parameter is set to Archive Mode, ARCHIVELOG mode is already enabled.

ARCHIVELOG mode cannot be enabled while the database is in the OPEN state. Run the SHUTDOWN IMMEDIATE SQL command to shut down the database.
Important
Perform this operation during off-peak hours.
Run the STARTUP MOUNT SQL command to start the database in the MOUNT state.
Run the ALTER DATABASE ARCHIVELOG SQL command to enable ARCHIVELOG mode.
Run the ARCHIVE LOG LIST SQL command again to check the archive status.
A sample output is as follows.
```
Database log mode              Archive Mode  #ARCHIVELOG mode
Automatic archival             Enabled
Archive destination            USE_DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST
Oldest online log sequence     1
Next log sequence to archive   2
Current log sequence           2
```
Note
After enabling this mode, the default log archive path for Oracle is the flashback recovery area ($ORACLE_BASE/fast_recovery_area). This folder has a default size of only 4 GB and is also the default path for backup files and flashback logs. To prevent database service issues caused by insufficient disk space, adjust the folder size or change the log archive path.
Run the ALTER DATABASE OPEN SQL command to open the database.