The following is a basic steps for an automatic start up and shutdown Oracle instances during UNIX system startup or shutdown.

The process of startup and shutdown for Oracle on different UNIX Operating Systems are similar to each other. But you should always, for more accurate Information refer to Oracle Installation

Guide

The following are files which are invoked during system startup and shutdown, respectively.

Script Description

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$ORACLE_HOME/bin/dbstart -- Ensures a clean startup of instance(s), even after system failure

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$ORACLE_HOME/bin/dbshut -- Ensures a clean shutdown for instances

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/etc/init.d or /var/opt/oracle/oratab  -- Contains a field that specifies whether a particular instance should be brought |up/down at system startup/shutdown time.

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Solaris: (This is only applicable for Solaris Operating System.)

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Relevant Files

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/etc/rc2.d/S99dbstart -- Link to the script /etc/init.d/dbora

/etc/rc0.d/K01dbshut -- Link to the script /etc/init.d/dbora

/etc/init.d/oratab -- Oracle oratab file

Before explaining how to automatically start and shutdown your instances, consider the process by which this happens. If the startup or shutdown is not working, you will have a better chance of determining what went wrong.

When an UNIX machine boots, it runs scripts beginning with S<nn><name> in /etc/rc3.d. The number <nn> indicates the order in which these scripts will be run. The <name> is a reminder to the Unix administrator as to the function of the script.

Similarly, on shutdown scripts named K<nn><name> are run from /etc/rc0.d.

Setting Up:

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1. Ensure the /var/opt/oracle/oratab file is complete and correct.

Database entries in the oratab file have the following format:

ORACLE_SID:ORACLE_HOME:Y

Where Y specifies you want to startup the database automatically.

2. Copy dbora to /etc/init.d/dbora.

3. As root create the following links.

# ln -s /etc/init.d/dbora /etc/rc3.d/S99dbora

# ln -s /etc/init.d/dbora /etc/rc0.d/K01dbora

4. Test the script created in Step 2.

To test the script created above, without rebooting do the

following:

# su – root

# /etc/init.d/dbora start (for startup)

# /etc/init.d/dbora stop (for shutdown)