EMC® Avamar® 7.

1 for Oracle

User Guide
302-000-844
REV 03
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Published December, 2014

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2 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

CONTENTS

Figures 7

Tables 9

Preface 11

Chapter 1 Introduction 15
Architecture.................................................................................................. 16
Stand-alone configuration................................................................16
High-availability configuration......................................................... 17
Data Domain system support........................................................... 18
Log files........................................................................................... 18
Backup and restore operations......................................................................18
Backups and restores in Avamar Administrator................................ 18
Backup..........................................................................................................20
Backup types................................................................................... 20
Archive log backups......................................................................... 22
Automatic Storage Management and raw file structure support........ 22
Oracle offline backup....................................................................... 22
RMAN tuning options....................................................................... 22
RMAN backup optimization.............................................................. 23
RMAN multisection backups.............................................................24
Restore and recovery.....................................................................................24
Corrupt block recovery..................................................................... 24
Flashback Database recovery........................................................... 24
Roll forward recovery........................................................................24
Concurrent backups and restores.................................................................. 25
Multiple databases....................................................................................... 25
Multi-streaming.............................................................................................25
Oracle Exadata.............................................................................................. 26
Oracle recovery catalog................................................................................. 26
Preprocessing and postprocessing backup and restore scripts...................... 26

Chapter 2 Installation 29
Preparing to install the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle.......................................... 30
System requirements....................................................................... 30
Oracle requirements.........................................................................30
VCS configurations...........................................................................31
Downloading the software................................................................31
Installing the Avamar file system client............................................ 31
Installing, upgrading, and uninstalling the software on HP-UX....................... 32
Installing the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on HP-UX.............................32
Upgrading the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on HP-UX........................... 33
Uninstalling the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on HP-UX........................ 33
Installing, upgrading, and uninstalling the software on IBM AIX.....................33
Installing the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on IBM AIX.......................... 33
Upgrading the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on IBM AIX.........................34

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Uninstalling the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on IBM AIX...................... 35

Installing, upgrading, and uninstalling the software on Linux........................ 36
Installing the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on Linux.............................. 36
Upgrading the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on Linux............................ 37
Uninstalling the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on Linux..........................38
Installing, upgrading, and uninstalling the software on Solaris......................38
Installing the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on a stand-alone Solaris..... 39
Installing the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on a Solaris cluster............. 40
Upgrading the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on Solaris.......................... 43
Uninstalling the Avamar plug-in on a stand-alone Solaris................. 43
Uninstalling the Avamar Cluster Client for Solaris............................. 44
Installing, upgrading, and uninstalling the software on Windows.................. 44
Installing the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on Windows ....................... 44
Configuring the Avamar cluster client on Windows........................... 45
Upgrading the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on Windows...................... 47
Uninstalling the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on Windows....................48
Excluding Oracle directories from file system backups...................................49

Chapter 3 Oracle RAC Configuration 53

Managing Oracle RAC on Linux or UNIX..........................................................54
Running the rac_config script........................................................... 54
Changing the listening port for RAC avagent..................................... 55
Registering the Avamar client........................................................... 56
Changing the active node.................................................................57
Removing the Oracle RAC configuration............................................57
Managing Oracle RAC on Windows Server 2008.............................................57
Running AvamarRACConfiguration.exe............................................. 58
Starting the EMCagent clusterware resource.....................................59
Verifying the Oracle RAC configuration............................................. 59
Stopping the Oracle EMCagent......................................................... 59
Adding a new node to an Oracle RAC configuration...........................60
Re-registering a node with a different Avamar server........................ 60
Resetting the Oracle RAC configuration............................................ 61

Chapter 4 Backup 63
Creating the Oracle user account...................................................................64
Enabling Block Change Tracking....................................................................64
Preparing the database for backup ............................................................... 64
Performing on-demand backup..................................................................... 66
Scheduling backups......................................................................................69
Creating a dataset............................................................................ 70
Creating a group...............................................................................73
Enabling scheduled backups........................................................... 74
Monitoring backups...................................................................................... 74
Canceling backups........................................................................................ 75
Oracle RAC backup failures........................................................................... 75
Restarting the backup after the active node’s instance goes down... 75
Restarting the backup after a node goes down................................. 75

Chapter 5 Restore and Recovery 77

Preparing the database for recovery.............................................................. 78
Configuring Flashback Database recovery........................................ 78
Configuring the database for corrupt block recovery......................... 78

4 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

 CONTENTS

Preparing the database for restore................................................................ 78

Restore types................................................................................................ 80
Restoring a database to the original client.....................................................80
Restoring a database to a different client...................................................... 84
Monitoring restores....................................................................................... 89
Canceling restores.........................................................................................90
Performing a disaster recovery...................................................................... 90

Chapter 6 Backup and Restore with Oracle RMAN 93

Preparing the system for RMAN backups and restores................................... 94
Creating an avtar flag file..................................................................94
Specifying the SBT_LIBRARY parameter............................................ 95
Specifying the library path settings.................................................. 95
Specifying the SECTION SIZE parameter for multisection backups.... 96
RMAN substitution variables %d and %U......................................... 97
Specifying RMAN parameters to improve performance...................................97
Specifying the maxopenfiles parameter............................................97
Specifying the filesperset parameter................................................ 97
Enabling RMAN backup optimization................................................98
Specifying before and after flags to increase index lookup speed.....99
Backing up Oracle data with RMAN..............................................................100
Backing up a database...................................................................100
Backing up a tablespace................................................................ 101
Backing up a datafile..................................................................... 102
Restoring Oracle data with RMAN................................................................ 102
Restoring a database..................................................................... 102
Restoring a tablespace...................................................................105
Restoring a tablespace to a specific time........................................105
Restoring datafiles......................................................................... 108
Using advanced restore commands.............................................................109
Using the catalog for backup and restores......................................109
Performing a redirected restore...................................................... 109
Managing backup retention.........................................................................110
Configuring retention policies........................................................ 110
Crosschecking backups................................................................. 111
Deleting backups........................................................................... 112
Mixing RMAN and Avamar Administrator backups.......................... 113
Synchronizing the RMAN catalog.................................................... 113
Allocating multiple channels....................................................................... 113

Appendix A RAC Issues When Not Using Shared Var Directory 115
Configuring the plug-in without a shared var directory................................. 116
Installing the Avamar software....................................................... 116
Running the rac_config script......................................................... 116
Registering and activating the Avamar client.................................. 117
Restoring a backup to the inactive node...................................................... 117
Deactivating the active node.......................................................... 117
Registering and activating the inactive node.................................. 118
Removing the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle configuration.................................118
Removing the plug-in from the active node.....................................118
Removing the plug-in from the inactive node..................................119

Appendix B Plug-in Options 121

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CONTENTS

How to set plug-in options...........................................................................122

Backup options........................................................................................... 122
Specifying the channel_maxopenfiles option as normal text.......... 125
Restore options...........................................................................................125
Recovery modes and values........................................................... 127
Timestamp order of precedence rules.............................................128
Preprocessing and postprocessing scripts and attributes............................ 128
Preprocessing and postprocessing usage examples.......................130

Appendix C Troubleshooting 135

Backup and restore problems and solutions................................................136
avoracle Error <7936>: No valid targets found................................. 136
Backups fail when backup copies is set to more than 1..................136
Backups unavailable after registering secondary RAC node............ 137
Cannot open file f_cache.dat error..................................................137
Cannot Sync error...........................................................................137
Hot backup fails with Oracle not available error..............................137
Level-1 backup of a large database fails with a snapview timeout.. 138
ORA-19870: error while restoring backup piece..............................138
ORA-25153: Temporary Tablespace is Empty..................................139
ORA-27211: Failed to load Media Management Library.................. 139
Restore fails to complete successfully............................................ 139
RMAN backup script fails with media management errors.............. 140
RMAN backup script fails with ORA-19511..................................... 140
RMAN-06056: could not access datafile n error on AIX................... 141
RMAN script fails with WriteFile failed error.................................... 142
Time-out errors when using multiple RMAN channels..................... 142
Unable to process snapview workorder.......................................... 142
Unable to send CTL message..........................................................142
Configuration problems and solutions.........................................................143
Avamar client and Avamar Plug-in for Oracle registration................143
Bitwidth of Avamar Plug-in for Oracle and Oracle............................143
Cluster Configuration Tool fails to start...........................................144
Determining the version of Oracle.................................................. 144
Disk space for the /var/avamar directory........................................145
Oracle RAC database failover......................................................... 145
Requirements for libobk_avamar.so and libobk_avamar.dll........... 146
RMAN executable file and Oracle versions......................................146
Stopping Avamar Administrator processes..................................... 147
Unable to browse Oracle databases with Avamar Administrator..... 147
Verifying the client and plug-in versions.........................................147

Glossary 149

6 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

FIGURES

1 Avamar Plug-in for Oracle in a stand-alone configuration............................................... 16

2 Avamar client and Avamar server process flow diagram................................................. 19
3 Level 1 differential backups...........................................................................................21
4 Level 1 cumulative backups...........................................................................................21
5 RMAN multiplexing........................................................................................................ 23

EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide 7

FIGURES

8 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

TABLES

1 Revision history............................................................................................................. 11
2 Hardware requirements ................................................................................................ 30
3 Environment variables for libobk................................................................................... 96
4 Backup plug-in options................................................................................................122
5 Restore plug-in options................................................................................................125
6 Recovery mode options............................................................................................... 127
7 Preprocessing and postprocessing attributes.............................................................. 129
8 Attribute flags..............................................................................................................129
9 Avamar client installation verification.......................................................................... 148

EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide 9

TABLES

10 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

PREFACE

As part of an effort to improve its product lines, EMC periodically releases revisions of its
software and hardware. Therefore, some functions described in this document might not
be supported by all versions of the software or hardware currently in use. The product
release notes provide the most up-to-date information on product features.
Contact your EMC technical support professional if a product does not function properly
or does not function as described in this document.

Note

This document was accurate at publication time. Go to EMC Online Support (https://
support.EMC.com) to ensure that you are using the latest version of this document.

Purpose
This guide describes how to install, configure, administer, and use the EMC Avamar Plug-
in for Oracle.
Audience
This document is intended for:
l System administrators who are responsible for installing software and maintaining
servers and clients on a network
l Oracle Database Administrators (DBAs) who are responsible for backing up and
maintaining Oracle databases
Revision history
The following table presents the revision history of this document.
Table 1 Revision history

Revision Date Description

03 December 15, 2014 Corrected Managing Oracle RAC on Windows Server 2008 in
Oracle RAC Configuration on page 53.

02 August 15, 2014 Added RMAN substitution variables %d and %U on page 97.

01 June 11, 2014 Initial release of Avamar 7.1.

Related documentation
The following EMC publications provide additional information:
l EMC Avamar Administration Guide
l EMC Avamar Backup Clients User Guide
l EMC Avamar for Windows Server User Guide
l EMC Avamar Operational Best Practices
l EMC Avamar Compatibility and Interoperability Matrix
l EMC Avamar Release Notes
l EMC Avamar and EMC Data Domain System Integration Guide
Special notice conventions used in this document
EMC uses the following conventions for special notices:

EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide 11

PREFACE

NOTICE

Addresses practices not related to personal injury.

Note

Presents information that is important, but not hazard-related.

Typographical conventions
EMC uses the following type style conventions in this document:

Bold Use for names of interface elements, such as names of windows, dialog
boxes, buttons, fields, tab names, key names, and menu paths (what
the user specifically selects or clicks)

Italic Use for full titles of publications referenced in text

Monospace Use for:
l System code
l System output, such as an error message or script
l Pathnames, file names, prompts, and syntax
l Commands and options

Monospace italic Use for variables

Monospace bold Use for user input

[] Square brackets enclose optional values

| Vertical bar indicates alternate selections - the bar means “or”

{} Braces enclose content that the user must specify, such as x or y or z

... Ellipses indicate nonessential information omitted from the example

Where to get help

The Avamar support page provides access to licensing information, product
documentation, advisories, and downloads, as well as how-to and troubleshooting
information. This information may enable you to resolve a product issue before you
contact EMC Customer Support.
To access the Avamar support page:
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2. Type a product name in the Find a Product box.
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5. (Optional) Add the product to the My Products list by clicking Add to my products in
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12 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

 PREFACE

Documentation
The Avamar product documentation provides a comprehensive set of feature
overview, operational task, and technical reference information. Review the
following documents in addition to product administration and user guides:
l Release notes provide an overview of new features and known limitations for a
release.
l Technical notes provide technical details about specific product features,
including step-by-step tasks, where necessary.
l White papers provide an in-depth technical perspective of a product or products
as applied to critical business issues or requirements.

Knowledgebase
The EMC Knowledgebase contains applicable solutions that you can search for either
by solution number (for example, esgxxxxxx) or by keyword.
To search the EMC Knowledgebase:
1. Click the Search link at the top of the page.
2. Type either the solution number or keywords in the search box.
3. (Optional) Limit the search to specific products by typing a product name in the
Scope by product box and then selecting the product from the list that appears.
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5. (Optional) Specify advanced options by clicking Advanced options and
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6. Click the search button.

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Live chat
To engage EMC Customer Support by using live interactive chat, click Join Live Chat
on the Service Center panel of the Avamar support page.

Service Requests
For in-depth help from EMC Customer Support, submit a service request by clicking
Create Service Requests on the Service Center panel of the Avamar support page.

Note

To open a service request, you must have a valid support agreement. Contact your
EMC sales representative for details about obtaining a valid support agreement or
with questions about your account.

To review an open service request, click the Service Center link on the Service
Center panel, and then click View and manage service requests.

Facilitating support
EMC recommends that you enable ConnectEMC and Email Home on all Avamar
systems:
l ConnectEMC automatically generates service requests for high priority events.
l Email Home emails configuration, capacity, and general system information to
EMC Customer Support.

EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide 13

PREFACE

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14 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

CHAPTER 1
Introduction

This chapter includes the following topics:

l Architecture.......................................................................................................... 16
l Backup and restore operations..............................................................................18
l Backup..................................................................................................................20
l Restore and recovery............................................................................................. 24
l Concurrent backups and restores.......................................................................... 25
l Multiple databases............................................................................................... 25
l Multi-streaming.....................................................................................................25
l Oracle Exadata...................................................................................................... 26
l Oracle recovery catalog......................................................................................... 26
l Preprocessing and postprocessing backup and restore scripts.............................. 26

Introduction 15
Introduction

Architecture
® ®
The EMC Avamar Plug-in for Oracle works with Oracle and Oracle Recovery Manager
(RMAN) to back up Oracle databases, tablespaces, or datafiles to an Avamar server or an
®
EMC Data Domain system. The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle serves as a backup module
and the Avamar server or Data Domain system as a storage device. You can perform
backups and restores from Avamar Administrator or from the RMAN command line
interface.
From the RMAN command line interface, RMAN uses the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle as a
data mover to perform backup and recovery. From Avamar Administrator, the Avamar
Plug-in for Oracle creates an RMAN script to perform the backup or restore operation and
spawns an RMAN process to run the script. RMAN then uses the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle
as a data mover to perform a backup or a restore operation.

Stand-alone configuration
You can deploy the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle in stand-alone configurations for all
supported platforms.
The following figure shows a stand-alone configuration that uses the Avamar Plug-in for
Oracle to back up or restore Oracle data to or from an Avamar server or a Data Domain
system.
Figure 1 Avamar Plug-in for Oracle in a stand-alone configuration

The EMC Avamar Compatibility and Interoperability Matrix provides more information about
supported platforms.

16 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

 Introduction

High-availability configuration
You can also deploy the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle in high-availability (HA) configurations
such as Microsoft Cluster Server (MSCS), Solaris Cluster Server (VCS), and Oracle Real
Application Clusters (RAC).

MSCS configurations
The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle supports two-node MSCS configuration. You can use the
Avamar Plug-in for Oracle to back up Oracle database files from Windows Server 2008
and MSCS for both 32-bit and 64-bit platforms.

VCS configurations
The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle supports both two-node active/active and two-node active/
passive VCS configurations. You can use the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle to back up Oracle
database files from Solaris platforms that run VCS.
In an active/active cluster configuration, each node runs an instance of the Avamar Plug-
in for Oracle as an application in separate service groups. This functionality provides
application redundancy. When a failure occurs on one active node, the other active node
hosts both service groups.
In an active/passive cluster configuration, the service group is online on the active node
until a failover occurs. Then the service group comes online on the passive node.
You can run backups and restores from both nodes.

RAC configurations
RAC is an option for an Oracle database that enables multiple nodes to have shared
access to a single database. The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle supports backups of RAC
configuration on HP-UX, IBM AIX, Linux, Solaris, or Windows platforms.
The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle installation packages for the HP-UX, IBM AIX, Linux, and
Solaris platforms include three configuration scripts for Oracle RAC:
l rac_config—Configures the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle to back up and restore RAC
databases.
l rac_deconfig—Deletes the RAC configuration from the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle.
l rac_stop—Removes the Avamar agent (EMCagent) from the Oracle Clusterware
resource list.
The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle installation package for Microsoft Windows includes
AvamarRACConfiguration.exe.
You use Avamar Administrator to back up and restore Oracle RAC databases just as you
would for non-RAC databases. In an Oracle RAC configuration, each cluster node runs a
local instance of the Oracle database and maintains a local copy of online logs. The
instance name differs from the database unique name.
To back up an Oracle RAC database, the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle connects to the
instance of the database that is running on the current active node. To restore an Oracle
RAC database, you must first shut down all database instances, and then start the
instance on the registered node in a “no mount” state.
When one cluster node fails or is taken offline, the other cluster nodes continue
operating. The Oracle RAC database remains available to users without interruption. The
Avamar Plug-in for Oracle backs up and restores Oracle RAC databases by connecting to

High-availability configuration 17
Introduction

the instance that runs on the cluster node. This node is the one registered with the
Avamar server.
Because each node runs an instance of the Oracle database in a RAC configuration, when
a failover occurs, users access the database on the failover node. The failover process is
transparent to the users.

Data Domain system support

The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle supports backups to and restore from Data Domain
systems. You can back up Oracle data to a Data Domain system by using Avamar
Administrator or by using RMAN backup scripts. The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle stores the
metadata for the backup on the Avamar server.
Before you can store backups on a Data Domain system, you must add the Data Domain
system to the Avamar configuration by using Avamar Administrator. After you configure
the Data Domain system, you can back up Oracle database files to the Data Domain
system by selecting the appropriate plug-in option from Avamar Administrator or by
specifying the Data Domain system as the target system for RMAN backup scripts. You
can also specify a Data Domain system when you create a dataset for a scheduled
backup.
You must store the full backup for a client and all subsequent incremental backups on
either the Avamar server or a single Data Domain system. The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle
does not support backups that are stored partly on Avamar and partly on a Data Domain
system. For example, the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle does not support the following types
of backups:
l Full backup on a Data Domain system and incremental backups on the Avamar server
l Full backup on the Avamar server and incremental backups on a Data Domain system
l Full backup on one Data Domain system and incremental backups on another Data
Domain system
If you change the device on which backups for a client are stored, you must then perform
a full backup before you perform any further incremental backups.
The steps to restore backups are the same whether you restore backups from the Avamar
server or from a Data Domain system. The restore process determines the location of the
backup.
The EMC Avamar and EMC Data Domain System Integration Guide provides more information
about configuring Data Domain systems for use with Avamar systems.

Log files
The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle creates log files during backup and restore operations. The
log files are for debugging purposes. Backup and restore operations from Avamar
Administrator create the avoracle.log file in the install-directory/var/
clientlogs directory.

Backup and restore operations

You can perform backup and restores by using Avamar Administrator or by running RMAN
scripts from the command line.

Backups and restores in Avamar Administrator

During backups or restores in Avamar Administrator, the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle
generates an RMAN script that performs the backup or restore of the specified database.

18 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

 Introduction

The Avamar client agent runs RMAN with this script. The script directs Oracle to open a
connection with an Avamar Media Management library, which invokes an avtar session
to connect to the Avamar server.
The following figure shows the process flow between the Avamar client and Avamar
server.
Figure 2 Avamar client and Avamar server process flow diagram

The Oracle backup process generates an RMAN script similar to the following script:
configure controlfile autobackup on;
run {
allocate channel c1 type sbt;
send 'connect information for avtar to connect to the Avamar
server';
backup database;
}

During the backup or restore operation, RMAN creates a log file that you can view from
Avamar Administrator:

Recovery Manager: Release 11.1.0.7.0 - Production

Copyright (c) 1995, 2004, Oracle. All rights reserved.
connected to target database: ORACLE (DBID=1420649215) using target
database controlfile instead of recovery catalog
RMAN> configure controlfile autobackup on;
2> run {
3> allocate channel c1 type sbt;
4> send '... ';
6> backup database;
7> }
8>
old RMAN configuration parameters:
CONFIGURE CONTROLFILE AUTOBACKUP OFF;
new RMAN configuration parameters:
CONFIGURE CONTROLFILE AUTOBACKUP OFF;
new RMAN configuration parameters are successfully stored
allocated channel: c1
channel c1: sid=142 devtype=SBT_TAPE
channel c1: AVTAR/Avamar backup (EMC)
sent command to channel: c1

Starting backup at 23-NOV-12

channel c1: starting full datafile backupset
channel c1: specifying datafile(s) in backupset
input datafile fno=00001 name=D:\ORACLE\PRODUCT\10.1.0\ORADATA\ORACLE
\ORACLE\SYSTEM01.DBF

Backups and restores in Avamar Administrator 19

Introduction

input datafile fno=00003 name=D:\ORACLE\PRODUCT\10.1.0\ORADATA\ORACLE

\ORACLE\SYSAUX01.DBF
input datafile fno=00002 name=D:\ORACLE\PRODUCT\10.1.0\ORADATA\ORACLE
\ORACLE\UNDOTBS01.DBF
input datafile fno=00004 name=D:\ORACLE\PRODUCT\10.1.0\ORADATA\ORACLE
\ORACLE\USERS01.DBF
channel c1: starting piece 1 at 23-NOV-12
channel c1: finished piece 1 at 23-NOV-12
piece handle=15gfs32k_1_1 comment=API Version 2.0,MMS Version
2.2.0.108 channel c1: backup set complete, elapsed time: 00:00:45
channel c1: starting full datafile backupset channel c1: specifying
datafile(s) in backupset including current controlfile in backupset
including current SPFILE in backupset channel c1: starting piece 1 at
23-NOV-12 channel c1: finished piece 1 at 23-NOV-12 piece
handle=16gfs341_1_1 comment=API Version 2.0,MMS Version 2.2.0.108
channel c1: backup set complete, elapsed time: 00:00:17 Finished
backup at 21-MAR-11 released channel: c1

Recovery Manager complete.

Backup
The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle enables you to back up Oracle database files and archive
logs by using Avamar Administrator or RMAN backup scripts. When you use an RMAN
script, you can back up an Oracle database, a tablespace, or a single datafile.

Backup types
The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle supports the following types of backups:
l Backups of Oracle database files and archive logs.
l Cold (offline) backups of the Oracle file system.
l Four backup levels:
n Full—Backs up all datafiles and archive logs. Level full, the default backup level, is
not part of the incremental backup strategy.
n Level 0 (incremental)—Backs up all datafiles and archive logs. You must run a
Level 0 backup before you run a Level 1 backup.
n Differential (incremental)—Backs up all database blocks that have changed since
the most recent incremental (differential or cumulative) or level 0 backup. The
following figure shows daily level 1 differential backups during a two-week period.

20 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

 Introduction

Figure 3 Level 1 differential backups

n Cumulative (incremental)—Backs up all database blocks that have changed since

the most recent level 0 backup.
Restoring a backup from a cumulative backup is faster than restoring a backup
from a differential backup. Cumulative backups, however, require more disk
space and take longer to complete than differential backups.
Perform cumulative level backups when recovery time is more important than disk
space. The following figure shows daily level 1 cumulative backups during a two-
week period.
Figure 4 Level 1 cumulative backups

l On-demand or scheduled backups—You can perform on-demand backups or

schedule backups to run automatically.

Backup types 21
Introduction

Archive log backups

The Backup Command Line Options dialog box includes the following backup options:
Back up database, Back up archive logs, and Delete archive log after backup.
You must select at least one of the backup options, otherwise the backup fails. The
Avamar Plug-in for Oracle does not validate these options. When you select the Back up
archive logs option, the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle ignores the incremental backup
options and performs a full backup.
Avamar Administrator does not support restores of only archive logs. To restore only
archive logs, you must use an RMAN script.

Automatic Storage Management and raw file structure support

The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle supports backups of databases that use Automated
Storage Management (ASM) for storage management and raw file structure.

Oracle offline backup

The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle supports Oracle’s offline backup feature, which enables
you to back up a database that is in a mount state. This type of backup is equivalent to a
hot backup of a database. A restore of an offline backup uses the same procedure that a
restore of a hot backup uses.

RMAN tuning options

Backups you perform with the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle in Avamar Administrator use
RMAN. RMAN reads the individual data files, bundles the files into backup sets, and then
sends the backup set to avtar.
To create the backup set, RMAN simultaneously reads multiple files from the disk, and
then writes the blocks of file data into the same backup set. The combination of blocks
from multiple files is called backup multiplexing. The following figure shows multiplexing
three files into a backup piece.

22 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

 Introduction

Figure 5 RMAN multiplexing

In Figure 5 on page 23, RMAN simultaneously reads three files and writes them to the
backup set intermingled. The RMAN multiplexing feature intermingles the backup files,
and does not provide the data stream in a similar format for subsequent reads.
Because of the way the RMAN multiplexing feature intermingles files, backups by the
Avamar Plug-in for Oracle to the Avamar server can contain the duplicate data even if no
changes were made to the database since the last backup. The RMAN multiplexing
feature, therefore, can negatively affect the data deduplication ratio of the Avamar Plug-in
for Oracle.
The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle improves data deduplication performance by enabling you
to use the Filesperset option in Avamar Administrator.
The Filesperset option specifies the number of files to include in each backup set. The
default value of the Filesperset option is 1. When you specify a value for the Filesperset
option, RMAN uses the value as a limit for the number of files RMAN includes in a backup
set.

RMAN backup optimization

The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle supports the RMAN backup optimization feature through
the RMAN CLI only. By enabling the backup optimization feature, the RMAN backup
command skips the backup of a file if an identical file is already backed up to the
allocated device type.
You enable backup optimization with the configure backup optimization on
RMAN command.
Enabling backup optimization reduces backup time. The Oracle documentation provides
more information about backup optimization.
Enabling RMAN backup optimization on page 98 provides more information about
performing backups that use the backup optimization feature.

RMAN backup optimization 23

Introduction

RMAN multisection backups

The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle supports the Oracle multisection backup feature through
the RMAN CLI only. To use this feature, you perform backups with the SECTION SIZE
parameter to divide data files into subsections. Each subsection is then backed up in
parallel across multiple channels. The Oracle documentation provides more information
about the multisection backup feature.

Restore and recovery

The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle supports the restore of a database backup from one system
to another system or to a directory on the same system. During a restore you can recover
corrupt blocks or recover data blocks from the flash recovery area (FRA).

Corrupt block recovery

The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle includes the Corrupt blocks option, which enables you to
recover corrupt data blocks only and not the entire database. The Corrupt blocks option
is an advanced option in the Restore Command Line Options dialog box.
To use the Corrupt blocks option, you must first configure the database to use
checksums to verify data blocks. To enable this feature, set the initialization parameter,
DB_BLOCK_CHECKSUM, to TYPICAL for the Oracle database. This setting enables RMAN to
detect both physical and logical corruption:
l Physical corruption can occur because of defective memory boards, defective
controllers, or broken sectors on a hard disk.
l Logical corruption can occur if the contents of a data block are logically inconsistent.
Examples of logical corruption include corruption of a row piece or an index entry.
You can use the Corrupt blocks option while the database is open.

Flashback Database recovery

The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle supports Oracle Flashback Database recovery. The
Flashback Database feature enables you to rewind the database to a target time, system
change numbers (SCN), or a log sequence number. The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle
provides a new option in the Restore Command Line Options dialog box that enables you
to perform a recovery from Flashback Database logs.
Plug-in Options on page 121 provides more information about Flashback Recovery
options.

Roll forward recovery

The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle supports roll-forward recovery by providing the Open the
database with resetlogs after recovery advanced option in Avamar Administrator. The
installation of the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle enables this advanced option by default.
The Open the database with resetlogs after recovery option instructs the restore
operation to open the database with resetlogs after the restore completes. The opening
of the database with resetlogs initializes the logs, resets the log sequence number,
truncates the available changes in the redo logs, and starts a new incarnation of the
database.
To roll forward a database after a restore operation completes, you must clear the Open
the database with resetlogs after recovery option in the Restore Command Line Options

24 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

 Introduction

dialog box. When you clear this option, the restore operation does not open the database
with resetlogs. You can then apply archive logs to recover the database to the most
current point-in-time that is available.

Concurrent backups and restores

The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle supports concurrent backups, restore, or both types of
operations from Avamar Administrator. You can select multiple databases for a backup or
restore operation and the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle runs the backup or restore operations
concurrently.
When the operation completes, the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle creates a snapview with all
of the files backed up or restored. For differential, cumulative, and archive log only
backups, the snapview also contains the backup files from the previous backups.
You can perform concurrent backups on Oracle 10g and later. You cannot run concurrent
backups of the same database from Avamar Administrator and the RMAN CLI
simultaneously.
Avamar Plug-in for Oracle backups from Avamar Administrator use the same page cache
files per database. Concurrent backups to a Data Domain system do not use cache files.

Multiple databases
The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle supports the selection of multiple databases for both
backup and restore operations.
When multiple databases are backed up on the same workorder, they are logically
grouped so that Avamar Administrator can present a hierarchical view of the databases
during subsequent restore operations. This grouping is accomplished by prefixing a path
that comprises the ORACLE-INSTANCE and ORACLE-SID to each database within the
backup. For example, an Oracle 11g database with ORACLE-SID set to orcl is prefixed
with /11g/orcl/.

Multi-streaming
Multi-streaming is a feature that enables a backup or a restore to use multiple RMAN
channels to the Avamar server or the Data Domain system. A backup or restore that uses
multiple RMAN channels runs multiple instances of avtar in parallel.
RMAN might not use all the RMAN channels you specify. For example, if you specify 4
RMAN channels for a backup, RMAN might use only 2 channels. The backup ignores the
other 2 channels. The default number of RMAN channels is 1 and the maximum is 10.
Allocating multiple RMAN channels for backups and restores can improve performance.
Performance improvements for backups and restores, however, depend on the Oracle
server configuration.
You can specify multiple RMAN channels for backups and restores by using the Number
of RMAN Channels option in Avamar Administrator or by specifying allocate
channel commands in an RMAN script.

Concurrent backups and restores 25

Introduction

Oracle Exadata
Oracle Exadata is a product that combines hardware and software to run Oracle. The
Avamar Plug-in for Oracle supports Oracle Exadata for Oracle Database Machine and
Exadata Storage Server (attached to an external database server) configurations.
The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle supports the same environment for Oracle Exadata
(including the Oracle database versions, operating system versions, and Avamar
versions) as the environment that the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle supports for Oracle RAC.
The EMC Avamar Compatibility and Interoperability Matrix provides more information about
supported environments for the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle.
You must install and configure the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on the Exadata database
server the same way you install and configure the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle in Oracle RAC
configurations. Use Avamar Administrator to back up and restore the Exadata database
server just as you would for non-Exadata database servers. Backup on page 63 and
Restore and Recovery on page 77 provide more information.

Oracle recovery catalog

The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle supports the Oracle recovery catalog feature during
backups and restores.
When you select the Use recovery catalog option for a backup, the backup updates the
recovery catalog in the normal manner. All backups include the database control file so
that future restore operations do not depend on the recovery catalog.
When Avamar Administrator cannot use the recovery catalog for a restore, the restore
must use the database control file. You can, however, restore a database from an Avamar
backup by using the recovery catalog from RMAN. Using the catalog for backup and
restores on page 109 provides more information.

Preprocessing and postprocessing backup and restore scripts

The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle supports preprocessing and postprocessing scripts for
both backup and restore operations that you perform in Avamar Administrator.
Preprocessing and postprocessing scripts are user-written shell scripts (.sh) on Linux or
UNIX. On Windows, scripts are batch scripts (.bat), vb Scripts (.vbs), and JScripts
(.js). The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle runs preprocessing and postprocessing scripts as
root on Linux or UNIX, and as an administrator on Windows.
You can use preprocessing and postprocessing scripts for various tasks, such as the
following tasks:
l Copying logs from the var directory to different directory before a backup.
l Preparing the databases for a backup or restore.
l Running SQL queries to get database information.
l Setting environment parameters.
All preprocessing and postprocessing scripts must be in the /avamar/etc/scripts
directory on the client. The preprocessing and postprocessing feature is an advanced
option in Avamar Administrator. Preprocessing and postprocessing scripts and
attributes on page 128 provides more information.
In addition to using preprocessing and postprocessing scripts, the Avamar Plug-in for
Oracle supports the use of preprocessing and postprocessing attributes. You specify

26 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

 Introduction

preprocessing and postprocessing attributes and attribute values in the Enter Attribute
and Enter Attribute Value fields.

Preprocessing and postprocessing backup and restore scripts 27

Introduction

28 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

CHAPTER 2
Installation

This chapter includes the following topics:

l Preparing to install the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle.................................................. 30

l Installing, upgrading, and uninstalling the software on HP-UX............................... 32
l Installing, upgrading, and uninstalling the software on IBM AIX.............................33
l Installing, upgrading, and uninstalling the software on Linux................................ 36
l Installing, upgrading, and uninstalling the software on Solaris.............................. 38
l Installing, upgrading, and uninstalling the software on Windows.......................... 44
l Excluding Oracle directories from file system backups...........................................49

Installation 29
Installation

Preparing to install the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle

Review the system requirements for the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle to ensure that the
environment meets these requirements before you perform the installation. You must
download the Avamar file system client and Avamar Plug-in for Oracle installation
packages from the Avamar server.

System requirements
The environment must meet client compatibility requirements before you install the
Avamar Plug-in for Oracle.
Client compatibility requirements are available in the EMC Avamar Compatibility and
Interoperability Matrix on EMC Online Support at https://support.EMC.com. The
requirements in the matrix include supported operating systems and application
versions. The Avamar file system client and the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle that you install
on the host must be the same version.

Hardware requirements
The following table lists hardware requirements for the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle.

Table 2 Hardware requirements

Resource Requirement
RAM 64 MB

Hard drive space 130 MB permanent hard drive space for software installation. The Avamar
client software also requires an additional 12 MB of permanent hard drive
space for each 64 MB of physical RAM. The local cache files use this space.

Network interface 10BaseT minimum. 100BaseT or higher recommended, configured with the
latest drivers for the platform.

Software requirements
To install the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle in a Windows cluster requires the Microsoft .NET
Framework 4 software.
You can download and install the .NET Framework 4 from the Microsoft Download Center.

Oracle requirements
Ensure that you meet Oracle requirements before you install the Avamar Plug-in for
Oracle.
1. Ensure that you have operating system root privileges on the Oracle server.
2. Ensure that Oracle and RMAN are installed and functioning properly.
3. Ensure that the Avamar server is operational and present on the same network as the
Oracle server by opening a command shell on the Oracle server and typing the
following command:
ping Avamar-server

where Avamar-server is the network hostname (as defined in DNS) or IP address of the
Avamar server.

30 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

 Installation

4. Note the network hostname (which is a DNS entry) for the Avamar server and the
utility node.
The installation and configuration of the Avamar system adds these entries to DNS.

VCS configurations
The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle supports both two-node active/active and two-node active/
passive VCS configurations. You can use the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle to back up Oracle
database files from Solaris platforms that run VCS.
In an active/active cluster configuration, each node runs an instance of the Avamar Plug-
in for Oracle as an application in separate service groups. This functionality provides
application redundancy. When a failure occurs on one active node, the other active node
hosts both service groups.
In an active/passive cluster configuration, the service group is online on the active node
until a failover occurs. Then the service group comes online on the passive node.
You can run backups and restores from both nodes.

Downloading the software

Download the installation package for the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle from the Avamar
server, and then save the package to a temporary directory.

Note

For a Solaris cluster (VCS) configuration, download the Avamar Cluster Client for Solaris.
The Avamar Cluster Client for Solaris includes the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle.

Procedure
1. Log in to the Oracle server with the necessary privileges to perform an installation.
2. Open a web browser and type the following URL:
http://Avamar_server

where Avamar_server is the DNS name or IP address of the Avamar server.

The EMC Avamar Web Restore page appears.
3. Click Downloads.
The Downloads list appears.
4. Click + next to the platform heading for the Oracle server.
5. Click + next to the operating system heading for the Oracle server.
6. Click the link for the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle installation package.
7. Save the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle installation package to a temporary directory.

Installing the Avamar file system client

You install the appropriate Avamar file system client before you install the Avamar Plug-in
for Oracle.
Install and register the Avamar file system client.
Procedure
l For HP-UX, IBM AIX, Linux, and Solaris systems, follow the instructions in the EMC
Avamar Backup Clients User Guide.

VCS configurations 31
Installation

l For Windows systems, follow the instructions in the EMC Avamar for Windows Server
User Guide.

Installing, upgrading, and uninstalling the software on HP-UX

You can install, upgrade, and uninstall the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on HP-UX.

Installing the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on HP-UX

You can use the swinstall command to install the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle in the
default var directory or in a new location. You use the -x ask=true option with the
swinstall command to specify a new location for the var directory during the Avamar
Client for HP-UX installation.
When you install the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle after you install the Avamar Client for HP-
UX, the plug-in installation does not automatically use the same location for the var
directory that you specified during the Avamar Client for HP-UX installation. You must
install the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle by using the -x ask=true option with the
swinstall command.
Ensure that you install the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle in the same directory as the Avamar
Client for HP-UX.
Procedure
1. Log in to the Oracle server as root.
2. Change the directory to the temporary directory by typing the following command:
cd /tmp

where tmp is the temporary directory.

3. To install the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle in the default directory, type the following
command:
swinstall -s AvamarRMAN-platform-version.depot \*

where:
l platform is the HP-UX platform type.
l version is the Avamar version number.
4. To install the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle in an alternate directory:
a. Type the following command:
swinstall -x ask=true -s /tmp/AvamarRMAN-platform-version.depot
hpuxrman,l=/install_path

where:
l platform is the HP-UX platform type.
l version is the Avamar version number.
l install_path is the installation directory.
b. Type the name of the directory to use for the installation.
The following appears in the command shell:
Confirm ‘/install_path/’ is the desired location. [n]

32 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

 Installation

c. Type y to confirm the location.

Upgrading the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on HP-UX

You can upgrade the Avamar Client for HP-UX and Avamar Plug-in for Oracle software on a
client computer from version 5.x to version 7.1. To upgrade from versions earlier than 5.x,
use the appropriate documentation to upgrade to 5.x. Then upgrade from 5.x to 7.1.
The version of the Avamar Client for HP-UX and Avamar Plug-in for Oracle must be the
same version.
Procedure
1. Uninstall the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle. Uninstalling the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on
HP-UX on page 33 provides instructions.
2. Uninstall the Avamar Client for HP-UX. The EMC Avamar Backup Clients User Guide
provides instructions.
3. Download and install the new version of the Avamar Client for HP-UX. The EMC Avamar
Backup Clients User Guide provides instructions.
4. Download the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle installation package. Downloading the
software on page 31 provides instructions.
5. Install the new version of the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle. Installing the Avamar Plug-in
for Oracle on HP-UX on page 32 provides instructions.

Uninstalling the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on HP-UX

You can uninstall the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle from an HP-UX system by using the
swremove command.
When you uninstall the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle and the Avamar Client for HP-UX from
the host system, scheduled backups no longer occur for the client. You cannot restore
backups to the client after you uninstall the software.
You can retire or delete a client either before or after you uninstall the Avamar Plug-in for
Oracle:
l To keep the backups for the client so that you can restore the backups to a different
client, retire the client by using Avamar Administrator.
l To delete the backups for the client, delete the client by using Avamar Administrator.
The EMC Avamar Administration Guide provides more information.
Procedure
1. Log in to the Oracle server as root.
2. Uninstall the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle by typing the following command:
swremove hpuxrman

Installing, upgrading, and uninstalling the software on IBM AIX

You can install, upgrade, and uninstall the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on IBM AIX.

Installing the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on IBM AIX

You can install the Avamar Client for AIX software in either the default installation
directory or an alternate directory. Use the geninstall command to install the Avamar

Upgrading the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on HP-UX 33

Installation

Plug-in for Oracle in the default var directory or use the installp command to install
the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle in a new location.
Ensure that you install the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle in the same directory as the Avamar
Client for AIX. The installation returns an error if you install the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle
in the default directory after you install the Avamar Client for AIX in an alternate directory.
Procedure
1. Log in to the Oracle server as root.
2. Change the directory to the temporary directory by typing the following command:
cd /tmp

where tmp is the temporary directory.

3. To install the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle in the default directory, type the following
command:
geninstall -d AvamarRMAN-aix6-ppc-version.bff all

where version is the version of the Avamar software.

4. To install the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle in an alternate directory, type the following
command:
installp -R /install_path -d AvamarRMAN-aix6-ppc-version.bff all

where:
l install_path is the directory for the installation files.
l version is the Avamar software version.

Upgrading the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on IBM AIX

You can upgrade the Avamar Client for AIX and Avamar Plug-in for Oracle software on a
client computer from version 5.x to version 7.1. To upgrade from versions earlier than 5.x,
use the appropriate documentation to upgrade to 5.x. Then upgrade from 5.x to 7.1.
You must upgrade the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle before you upgrade the Avamar Client for
AIX. The versions of the Avamar Client for AIX and Avamar Plug-in for Oracle must be the
same.
Procedure
1. Download the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle installation packages. Downloading the
software on page 31 provides instructions.
2. Log in to the Oracle server as root.
3. Change the directory to the temporary directory by typing the following command:
cd /tmp

where tmp is the temporary install directory.

4. To upgrade the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle in the default installation directory, type the
following command:
geninstall -d AvamarRMAN-platform-version.bff all

where:
l platform is the AIX system type.
l version is the Avamar software version.

34 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

 Installation

5. To upgrade the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle in an alternate installation directory, type
the following command:
installp -R /install_path -d AvamarRMAN-platform-version.bff all

where:
l install_path is the alternate installation directory.
l platform is the AIX system type.
l version is the Avamar software version.
6. Download the Avamar Client for AIX. The EMC Avamar Backup Clients User Guide
provides instructions.
7. To upgrade the Avamar Client for AIX in the default installation directory, type the
following command:
geninstall -d AvamarClient-platform-version.bff all

where:
l platform is the AIX system type.
l version is the Avamar software version.
8. To upgrade the Avamar Client for AIX in an alternate installation directory, type the
following command:
installp -R /install_path -d AvamarClient-platform-version.bff all

where:
l install_path is the alternate installation directory.
l platform is the AIX system type.
l version is the Avamar software version.

Uninstalling the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on IBM AIX

You can uninstall the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle from an IBM AIX system by using the
geninstall -u command.
When you uninstall the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle and the Avamar Client for AIX from the
host system, scheduled backups no longer occur for the client. You cannot restore
backups to the client after you uninstall the software.
You can retire or delete a client either before or after you uninstall the Avamar Plug-in for
Oracle:
l To keep the backups for the client so that you can restore the backups to a different
client, retire the client by using Avamar Administrator.
l To delete the backups for the client, delete the client by using Avamar Administrator.
The EMC Avamar Administration Guide provides more information.
Procedure
1. Log in to the Oracle server as root.
2. To list Avamar packages installed in the default directory, type the following
command:
lslpp -l | grep Avamar

The following appears in the command shell:

AvamarClient-aix6-ppc VERSION COMMITTED EMC Avamar client
VERSION

Uninstalling the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on IBM AIX 35

Installation

AvamarRMAN-aix6-ppc VERSION COMMITTED EMC Avamar client

VERSION
3. To list Avamar packages installed in an alternate installation directory, type the
following command:
lslpp -la -R /install_path | grep Avamar

where install_path is the alternate installation directory.

4. To uninstall the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle software, type the following command:
geninstall -u AvamarRMAN-aix6-ppc-version.bff

where version is the Avamar version number.

Installing, upgrading, and uninstalling the software on Linux

You can install, upgrade, and uninstall the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on Linux.

Installing the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on Linux

You can install the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle software in either the default installation
directory or an alternate directory.
Ensure that you install the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle in the same directory as the Avamar
Client for Linux.
Procedure
1. Log in to the Oracle server as root.
2. Change the directory to the temporary directory by typing the following command:
cd /tmp

where tmp is the temporary directory.

3. To install the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle in the default directory, type the following
command:
rpm -ivh AvamarRMAN-linux-platform-version.rpm

where:
l platform is the Linux system type.
l version is the Avamar software version.
4. To change base directory for the installation, type the following command:
rpm --relocate /usr/local/avamar=/install_path -i AvamarRMAN-linux-
platform-version.rpm

where:
l install_path is the new directory.
l platform is the Linux system type.
l version is the Avamar software version.
5. To change the base directory and var directory locations during the installation, type
the following command:
rpm -ivh --relocate /usr/local/avamar=install_path --relocate /var/
avamar=var_path AvamarRMAN-linux-platform-version.rpm

36 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

 Installation

where:
l install_path is the new directory.
l var_path is the new var directory.
l platform is the Linux system type.
l version is the Avamar software version.

Upgrading the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on Linux

You can upgrade the Avamar Client for Linux and Avamar Plug-in for Oracle software on a
client computer from version 5.x to version 7.1. To upgrade from versions earlier than 5.x,
use the appropriate documentation to upgrade to 5.x. Then upgrade from 5.x to 7.1.
The versions of the Avamar Client for Linux and Avamar Plug-in for Oracle must be the
same.
Procedure
1. Upgrade the Avamar Client for Linux by using the instructions in the EMC Avamar
Backup Clients User Guide.
2. Change the directory to the temporary directory by typing the following command:
cd /tmp

where tmp is the temporary install directory.

3. To upgrade the software in the default directory, type the following command:
rpm -Uvh AvamarRMAN-linux-platform-version.rpm

where:
l platform is the Linux platform type.
l version is the Avamar software version.
4. To upgrade the software in a nondefault installation directory, type the following
command:
rpm -Uvh --relocate /usr/local/avamar=install_path AvamarRMAN-
linux-platform-version.rpm

where:
l install_path is the installation directory that you specified when you installed the
earlier version of the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle software.
l platform is the Linux platform type.
l version is the Avamar software version.
5. To upgrade the software and use a nondefault var directory, type the following
command:
rpm -Uvh --relocate /var/avamar=var_path AvamarRMAN-linux-platform-
version.rpm

where:
l var_path is the var directory that you specified when you installed the earlier
version of the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle software.
l platform is the Linux platform type.
l version is the Avamar software version.

Upgrading the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on Linux 37

Installation

The rpm -Uvh command automatically uninstalls the earlier version of the Avamar
Plug-in for Oracle, and then installs the new version.

Uninstalling the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on Linux

You can uninstall the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle from a Linux system by using the rpm -e
command.
When you uninstall the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle and the Avamar Client for Linux from the
host system, scheduled backups no longer occur for the client. You cannot restore
backups to the client after you uninstall the software.
You can retire or delete a client either before or after you uninstall the Avamar Plug-in for
Oracle:
l To keep the backups for the client so that you can restore the backups to a different
client, retire the client by using Avamar Administrator.
l To delete the backups for the client, delete the client by using Avamar Administrator.
The EMC Avamar Administration Guide provides more information.
Procedure
1. Log in to the Oracle server as root.
2. To view all Avamar packages installed on the system, type the following command:
rpm -qa | grep Av

A list of Avamar software appears in the command shell:

download-AvamarRMAN-version
download-AvamarClient-version

where version is the Avamar software version.

3. To uninstall the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle, type the following command:
rpm -e AvamarRMAN-version

where version is the version of the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle.

4. To uninstall the Avamar Client for Linux, type the following command:
rpm -e AvamarClient-version

where version is the version of Avamar Client for Linux.

The following output appears in the command shell:
avagent.d Info: Stopping Avamar Client Agent (avagent)...
avagent.d Info: Client Agent stopped.

Installing, upgrading, and uninstalling the software on Solaris

You can install, upgrade, and uninstall the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on a stand-alone
Solaris system or on a Solaris cluster (VCS).

38 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

 Installation

Installing the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on a stand-alone Solaris

You can install the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on a stand-alone system or on a Solaris
cluster (VCS).

Note

To install the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on a Solaris cluster (VCS), skip this procedure and
continue with Installing the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on a Solaris cluster on page 40.

Procedure
1. Log in to the Oracle server as root.
2. Change the directory to the temporary directory by typing the following command:
cd /tmp

where tmp is the temporary install directory.

3. Install the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle by typing the following commands:
pkgadd -d AvamarRMAN-solaris10-platform-version.pkg

where:
l platform is the Solaris platform type.
l version is the Avamar version number.
The following output appears in the command shell:
The following packages are available:
1 AVMRrman Avamar Client Plugin for Oracle RMAN
(sparc) 7.1.100-nnn
Select package(s) you wish to process (or 'all' to process
all packages). (default: all) [?,??,q]:
4. Type 1 and press Enter.
The following output appears in the command shell:
Processing package instance <AVMRrman> from
</AvamarRMAN-solaris10-sparc-7.1.100-nnn.pkg>
Avamar Client Plugin for Oracle RMAN(sparc) 7.1.100-nnn
## Executing checkinstall script.
Using as the package base directory.
## Processing package information.
## Processing system information.
4 package pathnames are already properly installed.
## Verifying package dependencies.
## Verifying disk space requirements.
## Checking for conflicts with packages already installed.
## Checking for setuid/setgid programs.
This package contains scripts which will be executed with
super-user permission during the process of installing this
package.
Do you want to continue with the installation of <AVMRrman>
[y,n,?]
5. Type y and press Enter.
The installation runs to completion.

Installing the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on a stand-alone Solaris 39

Installation

Installing the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on a Solaris cluster

In a VCS configuration, you install the Avamar Cluster Client for Solaris on both nodes in
the cluster. The Avamar Cluster Client for Solaris includes the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle.

Note

To install the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on a stand-alone Solaris system, skip this
procedure and complete Installing the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on a stand-alone
Solaris on page 39.

Procedure
1. Log in to the active VCS node as root.
2. Change the directory to the temporary directory by typing the following command:
cd /tmp

where tmp is the temporary install directory.

3. Install the software by typing the following commands:
pkgadd -d AvamarClusterClient-solaris10-platform-version.pkg

where:
l platform is the Solaris platform type.
l version is the Avamar version number.
The following packages are available:
1 AVMRclusclnt Avamar Cluster Client
(sparc) 7.1.100-nnn
Select package(s) you wish to process (or 'all' to process
all
packages). (default: all) [?,??,q]:
4. Type 1 and press Enter.
The following output appears in the command shell:
Processing package instance <AVMRclusclnt> from
</home/source/fresh/installers/solpkgs/PKGS/
AvamarClusterClient-solaris10-sparc-7.0.100-nnn.pkg>
Avamar Cluster Client(sparc) 7.1.100-nnn
This software is copyright EMC Corporation, 2001-2014
Please read and agree to the End User License Agreement
which will be placed in the base directory of the install
as a file named AvamarClient-License.txt.
## Executing checkinstall script.
Using as the package base directory.
## Processing package information.
## Processing system information.
## Verifying package dependencies.
## Verifying disk space requirements.
## Checking for conflicts with packages already installed.
## Checking for setuid/setvtgid programs.
This package contains scripts which will be executed with
super-user permission during the process of installing this
package.
Do you want to continue with the installation of

40 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

 Installation

<AVMRclusclnt>
[y,n,?] y
5. Type y and press Enter.
The installation runs to completion.
6. Run avclustinstall by typing the following commands:

cd /opt/AVMRclusclnt/bin/
./avclusinstall

The following output appears in the command shell:

Setting PATH set for Veritas Cluster Server commands
Available service groups for configuration
1. oraclegrp
Select an option:
7. Type 1 and press Enter.
The following output appears in the command shell:
Selected service group: oraclegrp
Group State
oraclegrp PARTIAL
Enter the resource name of Avamar application for selected
service group (Default: avagent_oraclegrp):

Note

The state of oraclegrp can be either ONLINE or PARTIAL. Usually the state is
ONLINE.

8. Type the resource name of the Avamar application and press Enter.
The following output appears in the command shell:
Available mount Resources:
1. oramnt (Mount point: /fsclus01)
Selected mount resource: oramnt
Do you want to install Avamar Client Plugin for Oracle RMAN?
(y/n)[y]:
9. Type y and press Enter.
The following output appears in the command shell:
Enter the hostname or dns alias associated with virtual-ip
(15.16.140.13):
10.Type the hostname or DNS alias and press Enter.
The following output appears in the command shell:
Active node detected
=== Client Registration and Activation
This script will register and activate the client with the
Administrator server.
Using /opt/AVMRclusclnt/cluster/oraclegrp/var as the var dir
for the group oraclegrp avagent
Enter the Administrator server address (DNS text name or
numeric IP address, DNS name preferred):

Installing the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on a Solaris cluster 41

Installation

Note

The hostname or DNS alias must match the hostname specified by the HOST
parameter in the tnsnames.ora and listener.ora files.

11.Type the hostname (defined in DNS) or IP address for the Administrator server and
press Enter.
The following output appears in the command shell:
Enter the Avamar server domain [clients]:
12.Type the domain name and press Enter.
The following output appears in the command shell:
avagent.d Info: Client Agent not running.
avagent Info <5241>: Logging to /opt/AVMRclusclnt/cluster/
oraclegrp/var/avagent.log
avagent Info <5174>: - Reading /opt/AVMRclusclnt/cluster/
oraclegrp/var/avagent.cmd
avagent.d Info: Client activated successfully.
avagent Info <5241>: Logging to /opt/AVMRclusclnt/cluster/
oraclegrp/var/avagent.log
avagent Info <5174>: - Reading /opt/AVMRclusclnt/cluster/
oraclegrp/var/avagent.cmd
avagent Info <5417>: daemonized as process id 7154
avagent.d Info: Client Agent started.
avagent.d Info: Stopping Avamar Client Agent (avagent)...
avagent.d Info: Client Agent stopped.
Registration Complete.
Avamar Client has been installed for service group
'oraclegrp' successfully.
Do you want to install Avamar in another service group?
(y/n) [n]:
13.Type n and press Enter.
14.Log in to the passive node as root and type the following commands:

cd /opt/AVMRclusclnt/bin
./avclusinstall

The following output appears in the command shell:

Setting PATH set for Veritas Cluster Server commands
Available service groups for configuration
1. oraclegrp
Select an option:
15.Type 1 and press Enter.
The following output appears in the command shell:
Selected service group: oraclegrp
Group State
oraclegrp OFFLINE
Do you want to install Avamar Client Plugin for Oracle RMAN?
(y/n)[y]:
16.Type y and press Enter.
The following output appears in the command shell:

42 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

 Installation

Passive node detected.

Avamar Client has been installed for service group
'oraclegrp' successfully.
Do you want to install Avamar in another service group?
(y/n) [n]:
17.Type n and press Enter.
18.Bring VCS resources online by typing the following command:
hares -online avagent_servicegroup -sys hostname

where:
l avagent_servicegroup is the default name of the Avamar VCS cluster agent. If you
did not select the default name in Upgrading the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on HP-
UX on page 33, use the name you specified in Upgrading the Avamar Plug-in for
Oracle on HP-UX on page 33.
l hostname is the system where the VCS service group is in PARTIAL state.

Upgrading the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on Solaris

You can upgrade the Avamar Client for Solaris and Avamar Plug-in for Oracle software on
a client computer from version 5.x to version 7.1. To upgrade from versions earlier than
5.x, use the appropriate documentation to upgrade to 5.x. Then upgrade from 5.x to 7.1.
The versions of the Avamar Client for Solaris and Avamar Plug-in for Oracle must be the
same.
Procedure
1. Uninstall the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle. Uninstalling the Avamar plug-in on a stand-
alone Solaris on page 43 provides instructions.
2. Uninstall the Avamar Client for Solaris. The EMC Avamar Backup Clients User Guide
provides instructions.
3. Download the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle installation package. Downloading the
software on page 31 provides instructions.
4. Download and install the new version of the Avamar Client for Solaris. The EMC Avamar
Backup Clients User Guide provides instructions.
5. Install the new version of the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle:
l Installing the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on a stand-alone Solaris on page 39
provides instructions for installations on a stand-lone system.
l Installing the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on a Solaris cluster on page 40 on a Solaris
cluster.

Uninstalling the Avamar plug-in on a stand-alone Solaris

When you uninstall the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle and the Avamar Client for Solaris from
the host system, scheduled backups no longer occur for the client. You cannot restore
backups to the client after you uninstall the software.
You can retire or delete a client either before or after you uninstall the Avamar Plug-in for
Oracle:
l To keep the backups for the client so that you can restore the backups to a different
client, retire the client by using Avamar Administrator.
l To delete the backups for the client, delete the client by using Avamar Administrator.
The EMC Avamar Administration Guide provides more information.

Upgrading the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on Solaris 43

Installation

Procedure
1. Log in to the Oracle server host as root.
2. To view all Avamar packages installed on the system, type the following command:
pkginfo | grep AVMR

Information similar to the following appears in the command shell:

The following packages are currently installed:
1 AVMRclnt Avamar Client
(sparc) 7.1.100-nnn
2 AVMRrman Avamar Client Plugin for Oracle RMAN
(sparc) 7.1.100-nnn
3. To uninstall the software, type the following command:
pkgrm package_name

where package_name is the Avamar plug-in package displayed in step 2.

The following output appears in the command shell:
The following package is currently installed:
package_name
Do you want to remove this package?
4. Type y and press Enter.
The following output appears in the command shell:
Removal of package_name was successful.

Uninstalling the Avamar Cluster Client for Solaris

The Avamar Cluster Client for Solaris includes the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle. To uninstall
the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on a Solaris cluster, you uninstall the Avamar Cluster Client
for Solaris.
The EMC Avamar Backup Clients User Guide provides instructions for uninstalling the
Avamar Cluster Client for Solaris software.

Installing, upgrading, and uninstalling the software on Windows

You can install, upgrade, and uninstall the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on a stand-alone
Windows system or on a Windows cluster.

Installing the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on Windows

You install the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on both Windows stand-alone systems and
MSCS two-node clusters. In a cluster, install the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on both nodes
and in the same directory on each node.
If UAC is enabled on the client computer, you must start the setup wizard by using
administrator privileges. Otherwise, the software does not install correctly. This
procedure provides one method to bypass UAC. The Microsoft documentation provides
other methods and additional information.

44 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

 Installation

Note

The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle is automatically installed in the same folder as the Avamar
Client for Windows.

Procedure
1. Log in to the Oracle server as an administrator.
2. Go to the temporary directory that contains the installation files that you downloaded
in Downloading the software on page 31.
3. Start the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle installation:
l If UAC is disabled, double-click the installation package to open it.
l If UAC is enabled, open a command prompt as an administrator, change directory
to the location of the installation package, and then type the following command:
msiexec /i AvamarRMAN-windows-platform-version.msi

where:
n platform is the Windows platform type.
n version is the Avamar software version.
The welcome page appears.
4. Click Next.
The Ready to install EMC Avamar Backup Plug-in for Oracle page appears.
5. Click Install.
The Installing EMC Avamar Backup Plug-in for Oracle page appears. A status bar
shows the installation’s progress. After the installation completes, the Completed the
EMC Avamar Backup Plug-in for Oracle Setup Wizard page appears.
6. Click Finish.
7. In a cluster, repeat this installation procedure on each node.

Configuring the Avamar cluster client on Windows

The Avamar cluster client enables you to back up and restore Oracle data on shared
storage in a cluster, regardless of which node is managing the data at the time of the
backup or restore. Use the Cluster Configuration Tool to configure the Avamar cluster
client on the active node in an active/passive configuration or on both active nodes in an
active/active configuration.
Before you begin
Before you run the Cluster Configuration Tool, ensure that the Avamar Client for Windows
and the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle are installed on each node in the cluster.
Procedure
1. Log in to the active node in the cluster as a domain administrator. The account must
be a member of the local Administrators group on each cluster node.
2. Start the Cluster Configuration Tool:
l On Windows Server 2012, open the Start screen and select Cluster Configuration
Tool.
l On Windows Server 2008, open the Start menu and select Program Files > EMC
Avamar > Cluster Configuration Tool.
The welcome page appears.

Configuring the Avamar cluster client on Windows 45

Installation

3. Click Next.
The Plug-Ins page appears.
4. Select EMC Avamar Backup Plug-in for Oracle from the Avamar Backup Plug-ins list,
and then click Next.
The Cluster Nodes page appears with a list of nodes and their status.
5. Ensure that the status of all nodes is Up, and then click Next.
The Operations page appears.
6. Select the Configure new Oracle Virtual Client for cluster option, and then click Next.

Note

Select the Use existing configuration to configure new nodes for Oracle Virtual
Clients on cluster option to add a node to an existing configuration. The EMC Avamar
for Windows Server User Guide provides more information.

The Prerequisites page appears. A check mark next to a prerequisite indicates that
the prerequisite is met.
7. Ensure that the environment meets all prerequisites on the Prerequisites page.
If a prerequisite is not met, exit the wizard, resolve the issue, and restart the wizard.
8. Select the Internet Protocol version that the environment uses, and then click Next.
The Attach to Service page appears.
9. Select the cluster service for the plug-in, and then click Next.
The Server Settings page appears.
10.Specify the settings for the Avamar server:
a. Type either the DNS name of the Avamar server in the Name box or the IP address
in the IPv4/IPv6 address box.
b. Type the name of the Avamar domain for the cluster client in the Client domain for
cluster box.
To specify a domain at the root level, type /domain, where domain is the domain
name. To specify a subdomain, type /domain/subdomain, where domain is the
domain name and subdomain is the subdomain name.
c. Type the data port for Avamar client/server communication in the Port number
box.

Note

Port 28001 is the default port that the Avamar client uses to communicate with the
Avamar server.

d. Type the name of the shared network directory or volume in the Cluster client’s var
directory box or click Browse to select a shared network directory or volume.
The shared network directory or volume stores the cluster client configuration and
the log files. All nodes in the cluster must have write access to this directory or
volume.

46 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

 Installation

Note

Select a volume that the cluster owns instead of a remote pathname on the
network.

e. Click Next.
The Summary page appears.
11.Review the configuration settings, and then click Configure.
The Progress page provides the status of the configuration. When the configuration
process completes, the Results page appears.
12.Click Close.

Upgrading the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on Windows

You can upgrade the Avamar Client for Windows and Avamar Plug-in for Oracle software
on a client computer from version 5.x to version 7.1. To upgrade from versions earlier
than 5.x, use the appropriate documentation to upgrade to 5.x. Then upgrade from 5.x to
7.1.
The steps to upgrade the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on Windows depend on whether the
installation is on a stand-alone server or in a cluster.

Upgrading on a stand-alone Windows server

When you upgrade the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on a stand-alone server, you do not
need to uninstall earlier versions before you install a new version. The installation
determines that an earlier version is installed, and then prompts you to upgrade to the
new version or remove the current version.
Procedure
1. Ensure that you meet all system requirements for the new version. Preparing to install
the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on page 30 provides more information.
2. Upgrade the Avamar Client for Windows by running the Windows client installation
wizard for the new version on the client computer. The EMC Avamar for Windows Server
User Guide provides instructions.
3. Upgrade the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle by running the plug-in installation wizard for
the new version on the client computer. Installing the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on
Windows on page 44 provides instructions.

Upgrading in a Windows cluster

When you upgrade the Avamar Client for Windows and Avamar Plug-in for Oracle software
in a cluster, you must uninstall the earlier version of the Avamar client and plug-in from
each node, and then install the new version.
Procedure
1. Uninstall the current version of the Avamar Client for Windows and Avamar Plug-in for
Oracle:
a. Use the earlier version of the Cluster Configuration Tool to uninstall the Avamar
cluster client. Uninstalling the cluster client on page 48 provides instructions.
b. Uninstall the earlier version of the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on each node in the
cluster.
c. Uninstall the earlier version of the Avamar Client for Windows on each node in the
cluster.

Upgrading the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on Windows 47

Installation

The plug-in guide for the earlier versions provides instructions.

2. Install the new version of the Avamar Client for Windows and Avamar Plug-in for
Oracle:
a. Install the Avamar Client for Windows in the same directory on each node in the
cluster. The EMC Avamar for Windows Server User Guide provides instructions.
b. Install the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle in the same directory on each node in the
cluster. Installing the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on Windows on page 44 provides
instructions.
c. Register each node in the cluster with the Avamar server. The EMC Avamar for
Windows Server User Guide provides instructions.
d. Use the Cluster Configuration Tool to install the Avamar cluster client on an active
node. Configuring the Avamar cluster client on Windows on page 45 provides
instructions.

Uninstalling the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on Windows

When you uninstall the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle and the Avamar Client for Windows from
the host system, scheduled backups no longer occur for the client. You cannot restore
backups to the client after you uninstall the software.
You can retire or delete a client either before or after you uninstall the Avamar Plug-in for
Oracle:
l To keep the backups for the client so that you can restore the backups to a different
client, retire the client by using Avamar Administrator.
l To delete the backups for the client, delete the client by using Avamar Administrator.
The EMC Avamar Administration Guide provides more information.
The steps to uninstall the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle on Windows depend on whether the
installation is on a stand-alone server or in a cluster.

Uninstalling on a stand-alone Windows server

You use the Windows uninstall feature to uninstall the Avamar Client for Windows and
Avamar Plug-in for Oracle software.
Procedure
1. Uninstall the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle by using Programs and Features.
2. Uninstall the Avamar Client for Windows by using Programs and Features.

Uninstalling the cluster client

In a Windows cluster, you use the Cluster Configuration Tool to uninstall the Avamar
cluster client. Then you use the Windows uninstall feature to uninstall the Avamar Client
for Windows and Avamar Plug-in for Oracle software from each node.
Procedure
1. Log in to the active node in the cluster as a domain administrator. The account must
be a member of the local Administrators group on each cluster node.
2. Start the Cluster Configuration Tool:
l On Windows Server 2012, open the Start screen and select Cluster Configuration
Tool.
l On Windows Server 2008, open the Start menu and select Program Files > EMC
Avamar > Cluster Configuration Tool.

48 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

 Installation

The welcome page appears.

3. Click Next.
The Plug-Ins page appears.
4. Select EMC Avamar Backup Plug-in for Oracle and click Next.
The Cluster Nodes page appears with a list of nodes and each node’s status.
5. Ensure that the status of all nodes is Up, and then click Next.
The Operations page appears.
6. Select Remove the Oracle Virtual Client from all nodes in cluster and click Next.
The Prerequisites page appears. A check mark next to a prerequisite indicates that
the prerequisite has been met.
7. Ensure that the environment meets all prerequisites on the page, and then click Next.
The Summary page appears.
8. Review the configuration settings and click Uninstall.
The Progress page provides the status of the uninstall operation. When the uninstall
completes, the Results page appears.
9. Click Close.
10.Uninstall the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle from each node by using Programs and
Features.
11.Uninstall the Avamar Client for Windows from each node by using Programs and
Features.

Excluding Oracle directories from file system backups

You can optimize Oracle database backups and save storage space by creating a dataset
that excludes the platform-specific file system from the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle backup.

Note

Including Oracle database files with the file system backup consumes storage space in
the Avamar system and increases network traffic during the nightly backup window.

Create a dataset that excludes the entire root directory branch for each Oracle instance,
and then assign the dataset to the Avamar client. For example, if the full pathname of a
database instance is /space/local/oracle/ora901, exclude this directory in the
Avamar dataset.
Procedure
1. Open the oratab file in a text editor and note the home directory for all Oracle
database instances.
2. In Avamar Administrator, select Tools > Manage Dataset.
The Manage All Datasets window appears.
3. Click New.
The New Dataset dialog box appears.
4. In the Name box, type a name for the dataset.
The name can include alphanumeric characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9) and the following
special characters: period (.), hyphen (-), and underscore (_). Do not use Unicode

Excluding Oracle directories from file system backups 49

Installation

characters or the following special characters: ` ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) = + [ ] { } | \ / ; : ' "

<>,?
5. Click the Source Data tab.
The Source Data tab is where you define a list of source data plug-ins that contribute
data to this dataset.
a. Select Enter Explicitly and select the plug-in from the Select Plug-In Type list.
b. To remove a plug-in from the dataset, select the plug-in from the list in the bottom
portion of the New Dataset dialog box, and then click -. Repeat this step as
necessary.

Note

The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle does not support include or exclude lists in
datasets.

6. Click the Options tab and select the plug-in from the Select Plug-In Type list.
The windows expands to display plug-in options.
7. Complete the following fields:
a. Leave the Oracle instance name field blank. The Oracle instance name is filled in
when the Oracle server is assigned to a group.
b. Type the username to use to authenticate the Oracle database in the Username
field. If you leave the Username field blank, RMAN tries to log in with the same
username and password that the Avamar client agent uses, and attempts to
assume SYSDBA privileges.
c. Type the password for the account in the Password field.
d. Click OK.
The New Dataset dialog box closes. The new dataset appears in the left pane of
the Manage All Datasets window.
8. Click OK.
The Manage All Datasets window closes.
9. In Avamar Administrator, click the Policy launcher button.
The Policy window appears.
10.Click the Policy Management tab.
11.Click the Clients tab.
The left pane contains a list of domains.
12.Click the domain that contains the Oracle server.
A list of Avamar clients appears in a table to the right of the domains list.
13.Click the client that runs the Oracle server.
14.Select Actions > Client > Edit Client.
The Edit Client dialog box appears.
15.In the Edit Client dialog box, complete the following setting:
a. Click the Dataset tab.
b. From the Select An Existing Dataset list, select the dataset you created in step
4 on page 49.

50 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

 Installation

c. Select Override group dataset.

d. Click OK.

Excluding Oracle directories from file system backups 51

Installation

52 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

CHAPTER 3
Oracle RAC Configuration

This chapter includes the following topics:

l Managing Oracle RAC on Linux or UNIX.................................................................. 54

l Managing Oracle RAC on Windows Server 2008.....................................................57

Oracle RAC Configuration 53

Oracle RAC Configuration

Managing Oracle RAC on Linux or UNIX

The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle supports Oracle RAC configurations on HP-UX, IBM AIX,
Linux, and Solaris systems. Before you can back up Oracle RAC configurations, you must
run the rac_config script and register the client with the Avamar server.

Note

EMC recommends that you configure a shared var directory to ensure automatic failover
for the Avamar agent if the active node goes down. If you do not configure a shared var
directory, you must manually activate another node when the active node goes down.
RAC Issues When Not Using Shared Var Directory on page 115 provides more
information.

Running the rac_config script

To configure Oracle RAC on HP-UX, IBM AIX, Linux, or Solaris, you run the rac_config
script on each RAC node. Specify the same shared Avamar var directory for each node
that you configure.
Procedure
1. Log in to one of the Oracle RAC nodes as root.
2. Change the directory to /usr/local/avamar/bin by typing the following
command:
cd /usr/local/avamar/bin

3. Start the script by typing the following command:

./rac_config

The following output appears in the command shell:

Enter the path of Oracle Clusterware Home : /u01/app/11.2.0/
grid
Using ORACLE_HOME : /u01/app/11.2.0/grid
Setting PATH set for Oracle commands
Oracle cluster version 11 R2
Do you want to configure on a cluster shared filesystem?
[y/n] [y]: y
Enter the full path of var directory location[]:
4. Type the directory path, and then press Enter.
The following output appears in the command shell:
Enter the virtual hostname [vlrac1]:

where vlrac1 is the scan name for Oracle grid 11g R2.
5. Press Enter to accept the default virtual hostname.
The following output appears in the command shell:
Using vlrac1 as hostname
6. Repeat steps 2 through 5 on the other nodes.

54 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

 Oracle RAC Configuration

Changing the listening port for RAC avagent

The rac_config script configures the system to use a fixed listening port number,
28003, for communication. Some RAC configurations might have firewall limitations that
do not allow the use of the default listening port, 28003. In these instances, you can
manually change the listening port to be a random port number by changing the value of
the --acport option or by replacing the --acport option in the avagent.cmd file.

Changing the value of the acport option in the avagent.cmd file

Procedure
1. Log in to the Oracle RAC system as root.
2. Add the Oracle Clusterware Home directory to the PATH environment variable.
3. Stop the avagent process for RAC by typing the following command:
crsctl stop resource EMCagent

4. Navigate to the shared var directory for RAC.

This directory contains the avagent.cmd file.
5. Open the avagent.cmd file in an editor.
6. Change the value for the --acport option to a number between 28003 and 28008.
7. Save and close the avagent.cmd file.
8. Restart the avagent process for RAC by typing the following command:
crsctl start resource EMCagent

Replacing the acport option in the avagent.cmd file

Procedure
1. Log in to the Oracle RAC system as root.
2. Stop the avagent process for RAC by typing the following command:
crsctl stop resource EMCagent

3. Navigate to the shared var directory for RAC.

This directory contains the avagent.cmd file.
4. Open the avagent.cmd file in an editor.
5. Replace the --acport line with the following two lines:

--disable_nonlocal_listenport
--disablegui

6. Restart the avagent process for RAC by typing the following command:
crsctl start resource EMCagent

Changing the listening port for RAC avagent 55

Oracle RAC Configuration

Registering the Avamar client

After you run the rac_config script on each RAC node, you run the avregister
command on one cluster node. The avregister command registers and activates the
Avamar client with the Avamar server.
Procedure
1. Log in to one of the Oracle RAC nodes as root.

Note

Run avregister on one RAC node only.

2. Change the directory to /usr/local/avamar/ora_rac/bin by typing the

following command:
cd /usr/local/avamar/ora_rac/bin

3. Start the registration script by typing the following command:

./avregister

The following output appears in the command shell:

=== Client Registration and Activation
This script will register and activate the client with the
Administrator server.
Enter the Administrator server address (DNS text name or
numeric IP address, DNS name preferred):
4. Type the DNS hostname or IP address of the Administrator server, and then press
Enter.
The following output appears in the command shell:
Enter the Avamar server domain [clients]:
5. Press Enter to accept the default domain (clients).
The following output appears in the command shell:
avagent.d Info: Server stopped. [ OK ]
avagent Info <5241>: Logging to /usr/local/avamar/
ora_rac/var/avagent.log
avagent.d Info: Client activated successfully. [ OK ]
avagent Info <5241>: Logging to /usr/local/avamar/
ora_rac/var/avagent.log
avagent Info <5417>: daemonized as process id 3385
avagent.d Info: Server started. [ OK ]
Registration Complete.
Results
Once you register the Avamar client with the Avamar server, start.sh runs and starts
EMCagent as an Oracle Clusterware resource on the current node. Backups and restores
connect to the RAC database instance on the active node. If the active node goes down,
EMCagent automatically restarts on one of the other RAC nodes. The new node then
automatically notifies Avamar server of the address change for the active node.

56 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

 Oracle RAC Configuration

Changing the active node

You can make the inactive node the active node by restarting the EMCagent on the
inactive node.
Procedure
1. Log in to the inactive cluster node as root.
2. Change the directory to the shared var directory.
3. Restart EMCagent by typing the following command:
./start.sh

Removing the Oracle RAC configuration

You can use rac_deconfig to remove the Oracle RAC configuration from one node only
or both nodes. If the EMCagent resource is online, you must first move it to a different
node before running rac_deconfig.
Procedure
1. Log in to the registered node as root.
2. Change the directory to /usr/local/avamar/bin by typing the following
command:
cd /usr/local/avamar/bin

3. Stop EMCagent and remove it from the Oracle Clusterware resources by typing the
following command:
./rac_stop

The following output appears in the command shell:

/usr/local/avamar/bin/rac_stop
Enter the path of Oracle Clusterware Home:
4. Run the rac_deconfig script by typing the following command:
./rac_deconfig

The following output appears in the command shell:

avagent.d Info: Client Agent not running.
[PASSED]
Results
The rac_deconfig script deletes the Avamar_install_dir/ora_rac directory.

Managing Oracle RAC on Windows Server 2008

The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle supports Oracle RAC configurations on Windows Server
2008 systems. Before you can back up Oracle RAC configurations on Windows Server

Changing the active node 57

Oracle RAC Configuration

2008 systems, you must run AvamarRACConfiguration.exe on one Oracle cluster

node.

Note

EMC recommends that you configure a shared var directory to ensure automatic failover
for the Avamar agent if the active node goes down. If you do not configure a shared var
directory, you must manually activate another node when the active node goes down.
RAC Issues When Not Using Shared Var Directory on page 115 provides more
information.

Running AvamarRACConfiguration.exe
AvamarRACConfiguration.exe is installed as part of the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle
installation and is located in C:\Program Files\avs\bin. To configure Oracle RAC
on Windows Server 2008, run AvamarRACConfiguration.exe on one Oracle cluster
node.
Procedure
1. Log in to one of the Oracle cluster nodes as an administrator.
2. Double-click C:\Program Files\avs\bin\AvamarRACConfiguration.exe.
The Setup Avamar RAC Configuration for Windows dialog box appears.
3. Select the correct name from the Choose Oracle RAC Scan Name/Virtual list:
l For Oracle 11g R1, select the virtual hostname.
l For Oracle 11g R2, select the scan name.
4. Type the full pathname and folder name for the var folder in the Var folder field.
To browse the file system for the var folder, click Browse and select the var folder
from the File Open dialog box.
5. Select the Shared checkbox if the var folder is a shared folder or disk.

Note

The Change Avamar Server Registration option is disabled if the Avamar server is not
configured.

6. Type the DNS hostname or IP address for the Avamar server in the Administrator
server hostname or IP field.
7. Type the port for the Avamar server in the Administrative server listen port field. The
default value is 28001.
8. Type the domain name in the Backup domain for this client field. The default value is
clients.
9. Select one or more nodes from the Available Nodes box.
To select multiple entries, press and hold the Ctrl key while you select entries with the
mouse.
10.Click Configure.

58 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

 Oracle RAC Configuration

Starting the EMCagent clusterware resource

You start the EMCagent on one node only.
Procedure
1. Log in to one of the Oracle cluster nodes as an administrator.
2. Start EMCagent from the Command Prompt by typing one of the following
commands:
l For Oracle 11g R1, type the following command:
crs_start EMCagent
l For Oracle 11g R2, type following command:
crsctl start resource EMCagent

Verifying the Oracle RAC configuration

After running AvamarRACConfiguration.exe and starting the EMCagent, verify the
Oracle RAC configuration.
Procedure
1. Log in to the Oracle cluster node as an administrator.
2. Ensure that the Avamar Oracle RAC Backup Agent appears in the Windows Services
list.
3. Verify that the EMCagent resource was added to Oracle Clusterware by typing one of
the following commands:
l For Oracle 11g R1, type the following command:
crs_stat EMCagent
l For Oracle 11g R2, type the following command:
crsctl status resource EMCagent

Stopping the Oracle EMCagent

You stop the EMCagent from the Oracle cluster node.
Procedure
1. Log in to the Oracle cluster node where EMCagent is running as an administrator.
2. Stop EMCagent from the Command Prompt by typing one of the following
commands:
l For Oracle 11g R1, type the following command:
crs_stop EMCagent
l For Oracle 11g R2, type the following command:
crsctl stop resource EMCagent

Starting the EMCagent clusterware resource 59

Oracle RAC Configuration

Adding a new node to an Oracle RAC configuration

You add a node to an Oracle RAC configuration by running
AvamarRACConfiguration.exe on any one node.
Procedure
1. Stop EMCagent from the Command Prompt by typing one of the following
commands:
l For Oracle 11g R1, type the following command:
crs_stop EMCagent
l For Oracle 11g R2, type the following command:
crsctl stop resource EMCagent
2. Use Avamar Administrator to deactivate the registered Oracle RAC client:
a. In Avamar Administrator, click the Policy launcher button.
The Policy window appears.
b. Click the Policy Management tab.
c. Click the Clients tab.
d. Select the client from the table.
e. Select Actions > Client > Edit Client.
The Edit Client dialog box appears.
f. Click the Properties tab.
g. Clear the Activated checkbox.
3. Run AvamarRACConfiguration.exe on any one node.
The Cluster Configured Node section displays all configured nodes.
The Oracle RAC Parameters, Logs/ Var Folder, and Registration group boxes are
disabled when you add a new node to a cluster configuration.
4. Select a node from the Available Nodes group box.
To select multiple entries, press and hold the Ctrl key while you select entries with the
mouse.
5. After you add the node to the configuration, start the EMCagent on any Clusterware
node:
l For Oracle 11g R1, type the following command:
crs_start EMCagent
l For Oracle 11g R2, type the following command:
crsctl start resource EMCagent

Re-registering a node with a different Avamar server

Run to AvamarRACConfiguration.exe to re-register a RAC node with a different
Avamar server.
Procedure
1. Stop EMCagent from the Command Prompt by typing one of the following
commands:

60 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

 Oracle RAC Configuration

l For Oracle 11g R1, type the following command:

crs_stop EMCagent
l For Oracle 11g R2, type the following command:
crsctl stop resource EMCagent

2. Run AvamarRACConfiguration.exe.
The Cluster Configured Nodes group box display all configured nodes.
3. Select the Change Avamar Server Registration checkbox.
The Setup Avamar Oracle RAC Configuration for Windows dialog box appears.
Selecting the Change Avamar Server Registration option clears the nodes in the
Available Nodes group box.
4. Type the DNS hostname or IP address for the Avamar server in the Administrator
server hostname or IP field.
5. Type the port for the Avamar server in the Administrative server listen port field. The
default value is 28001.
6. Type the domain name in the Backup domain for this client field. The default value is
clients.
7. Click Register.
8. After the registration completes, start the EMCagent on any of the Clusterware nodes
by typing one of the following commands:
l For Oracle 11g R1, type the following command:
crs_start EMCagent
l For Oracle 11g R2, type the following command:
crsctl start resource EMCagent

Resetting the Oracle RAC configuration

You cannot perform a reset operation on a node that is not a member of the cluster
configuration.
Procedure
1. Log in to the Oracle cluster node as an administrator.
2. On any cluster node, run AvamarRACConfiguration.exe.
The Setup Avamar RAC Configuration for Windows dialog box appears.
3. Click Reset.
All the nodes in Cluster Configured Nodes group box are deleted and unregistered
from the Avamar server.

Resetting the Oracle RAC configuration 61

Oracle RAC Configuration

62 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

CHAPTER 4
Backup

This chapter includes the following topics:

l Creating the Oracle user account........................................................................... 64

l Enabling Block Change Tracking............................................................................64
l Preparing the database for backup ....................................................................... 64
l Performing on-demand backup............................................................................. 66
l Scheduling backups..............................................................................................69
l Monitoring backups.............................................................................................. 74
l Canceling backups................................................................................................ 75
l Oracle RAC backup failures................................................................................... 75

Backup 63
Backup

Creating the Oracle user account

If an Oracle user account with SYSDBA privileges does not already exist, you must create
one. The Avamar software uses the Oracle account to perform database backups and
restores.
Procedure
l Specify the username and password in the Backup Command Line Options, Restore
Command Line Options, and New Dataset dialog boxes.
Oracle documentation provides instruction for creating an Oracle user account.

Note

To use an RMAN catalog, you must configure the catalog.

Enabling Block Change Tracking

The Block Change Tracking feature can improve level 1 (differential and
cumulative) backup performance by recording changed blocks in each datafile in a block
change tracking file.
Procedure
1. Determine whether Block Change Tracking is enabled by typing the following
command from an SQL prompt:
select status from v$block_change_tracking;

The STATUS column shows whether Block Change Tracking is enabled. The
FILENAME column contains the file name of the block change tracking file. Oracle
documentation provides more information about v$block_change_tracking.
2. Enable Block Change Tracking by typing the following command from an SQL
prompt:
alter database enable block change tracking using file 'filename';

where filename is the absolute pathname of the file to be used for Block Change
Tracking. Oracle uses this file to track datafile changes. Oracle documentation
provides more information about Block Change Tracking.

Note

To schedule level 0, level 1 differential, and level 1 cumulative backups, create three
backup schedules: one for level 0 backups, one for level 1 differential backups, and
one for level 1 cumulative backups. Scheduling backups on page 69 provides more
information.

Preparing the database for backup

Before you back up an Oracle database, you must prepare the database. You must
determine whether the database is in ARCHIVELOG mode. If the database is not in

64 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

 Backup

ARCHIVELOG mode, you must use the alter database archivelog command to
set it.
Procedure
1. Connect to the database by typing the following command:
sqlplus "/ as sysdba"

The command prompt changes to the SQL prompt.

2. Determine if the Oracle database is in ARCHIVELOG mode by typing the following
command:
select log_mode from v$database;

If archiving is not set for the database, screen output similar to the following output
appears:
LOG_MODE
----------
NOARCHIVELOG
3. Shut down the database by typing the following command:
shutdown immediate;

The following information appears in the command shell:

Database closed.
Database dismounted.
ORACLE instance shut down.
4. Start the database by typing the following command:
startup mount;

The following information appears in the command shell:

ORACLE instance started.
Total System Global Area 171966464 bytes
Fixed Size 787988 bytes
Variable Size 144964076 bytes
Database Buffers 25165824 bytes
Redo Buffers 1048576 bytes
Database mounted.
5. Change the database archiving mode by typing the following command:
alter database archivelog;

The following information appears in the command shell:

Database altered.
6. Open the database for normal operations by typing the following command:
alter database open;

The following information appears in the command shell:

Database altered.
7. Disconnect from the database by typing the following command:
exit

Preparing the database for backup 65

Backup

8. Back up the database by following the instructions in Performing on-demand

backup on page 66.

Performing on-demand backup

An on-demand backup is a user-initiated backup of Oracle data on a client. You can
perform an on-demand backup for the first backup of the client immediately after you
install the Avamar client software. You should also perform an on-demand backup before
system maintenance, software installations, or software upgrades.
Procedure
1. In Avamar Administrator, click the Backup & Restore launcher button.
The Backup, Restore and Manage window appears.
2. Click the Backup tab.
The top-left pane contains a list of domains.
3. Click the domain that contains the Oracle server.
A list of Avamar clients appears in the pane below the domains list.
4. Click the client that runs the Oracle server.
The plug-ins installed on the Oracle server appear in the left pane on the Backup tab.
5. Select the Oracle RMAN plug-in for the platform.
6. Select one or more databases for the backup.
The following figure shows the Backup, Restore and Manage window after selecting
the demodb database.

7. Select Actions > Back Up Now.

The On Demand Backup Options dialog box appears.
8. Select a retention policy setting for the backup:
l To automatically delete this backup from the Avamar server after a specific amount
of time, select Retention period and specify the number of days, weeks, months,
or years for the retention period.
l To automatically delete this backup from the Avamar server on a specific calendar
date, select End date and browse to that date on the calendar.

66 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

 Backup

l To keep this backup for as long as this client remains active in the Avamar server,
select No end date.
9. From the Avamar encryption method list, select the encryption method to use for
client/server data transfer during this backup.
The encryption technology and bit strength for a client/server connection depend on
several factors, including the client operating system and Avamar server version. The
EMC Avamar Product Security Guide provides additional information.
10.Click More Options.
The Backup Command Line Options dialog box appears.
11.Set the plug-in options:
a. Select Show Advanced Options to view advanced options.
b. Leave the Oracle Instance Name field blank. The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle
determines the Oracle instance name when you browse and select a target to back
up.
c. Type the username to use to authenticate the Oracle database in the Username
field. This is the user with SYSDBA privileges.
d. Type the password for the account in the Password field.
e. Select the number of channels to allocate during the backup from the Number of
RMAN Channels list. The maximum number is 10.
Backup options on page 122 provides more information about the Number of
RMAN Channels option.
f. Select one or more backup options:
l Select Back up database to back up the entire Oracle database.
l Select Back up archive logs to back up only the archive logs.
Archive backups are always full backups no matter which backup level you
choose.
l Select Delete archive logs after backup to automatically delete archive logs
after a successful database backup.

Note

The selection of multiple options is cumulative. To back up the entire database

and the archive logs, for example, select Back up database and Back up
archive logs.

g. (Linux and UNIX only) If the application bitness and OS bitness are not the same,
select the appropriate setting from the Media Management Library Bitwidth list.
If the application bitness and OS bitness are the same, leave the Media
Management Library Bitwidth set to Automatic, the default setting.

Note

The Management Library Bitwidth option does not apply to Windows platforms.

h. Select Exit a multiple target backup when any one backup fails to prevent a
multiple target backup from continuing after one of the backups fails.
i. Type the number of files that RMAN can open concurrently per channel in the
Filesperset field. The default value is 1.

Performing on-demand backup 67

Backup

j. (Advanced option) Do not select the Enable debugging message option. This
option is for troubleshooting backup problems. When you select the Enable
debugging messages option, the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle creates large log files.
k. (Advanced option) Leave the NLS_DATE_FORMAT field blank.
l. (Advanced option) Select the appropriate option from the Enhanced Data
Deduplication list:
l To use the global enhanced data deduplication setting already set on the
server, select Default. This is the default setting.
l To back up the datafiles without using enhanced data deduplication, select
Disabled.
l To use enhanced data deduplication for the backup, select Enabled.
m. Select a backup level from the Incremental Backup group box:
l Full backup backs up all the data in the database data files when you select the
Back up database option.
l Level 0 backup backs up all datafiles.
You must perform a level 0 backup before you perform a level 1 (differential or
cumulative) backup.
l Level 1 differential backup backs up only changed blocks of the database.
l Level 1 cumulative backup backs up all database blocks that have changed
since the most recent level 0 backup.

Note

The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle supports incremental (level 0 and level 1) backups
for Oracle 11g and later. To improve level 1 (differential or cumulative) backup
performance, enable the Block Change Tracking feature. Enabling Block
Change Tracking on page 64 provides more information.

n. (Optional) If you use a recovery catalog, select Use recovery catalog and complete
the following fields:
l Type the recovery catalog server name in the Recovery Catalog Server Name
field.
l Type the recovery catalog username in the Recovery Catalog User Name field.
l Type the recovery catalog password in the Recovery Catalog Password field.

Note

The Use recovery catalog option uses the values in the Recovery Catalog Server
Name, Recovery Catalog User Name, and Recovery Catalog Password fields to
form a recovery catalog server connection string for RMAN.

o. (Advanced option) Complete options in the Preprocessing Script group box:

l Type the name of a preprocessing script in the Run user-defined script at
beginning of backup field.
The preprocessing script must be in the /avamar/etc/scripts directory on
the client.
l Select Exit backup if script fails to stop processing the script when the script
returns a non-zero status code.

68 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

 Backup

Preprocessing and postprocessing scripts and attributes on page 128 provides

more information about using scripts.
p. (Advanced option) Complete options in the Postprocessing Script group box:
l Type the name of a postprocessing script in the Run user-defined script at end
of backup field.
The postprocessing script must be in the /avamar/etc/scripts directory
on the client.
l Select Exit process with if script failure exitcode to exit the script with an
exitcode from the script rather than with the standard avoracle exitcode.
Preprocessing and postprocessing scripts and attributes on page 128 provides
more information about using scripts.
q. Select Store backup on Data Domain system to store the backup on a Data Domain
system instead of the Avamar server, and then select the Data Domain system
from the list.
r. From the Encryption method to Data Domain system list, select the encryption
method to use for data transfer between the client and the Data Domain system
during the backup.
s. Click OK to close the Backup Command Line Options dialog box.
12.Click OK to close the On Demand Backup Options dialog box.
The following status message appears:
Backup initiated.
13.Click OK.

Scheduling backups
Scheduled backups run automatically to ensure that backups of the Oracle data occur on
an ongoing basis. You can schedule backups to run daily, weekly, or monthly. The
scheduled backup can include multiple clients or a single server.
Procedure
1. Create a dataset for the backups.
2. Create a group for the backups.
During the group creation process, you:
a. Assign the new dataset to the new group.
b. Assign a schedule to the new group.
c. Assign a retention policy to the new group.
d. Add one or more clients to the new group.
The EMC Avamar Administration Guide provides more information about groups, group
policy, datasets, schedules, and retention policies.
3. Enable scheduling for the group.

Scheduling backups 69
Backup

Creating a dataset
A dataset specifies the data to include in a scheduled backup and the options to use for
the backup. Create at least one dataset for scheduled backups on a client or group of
clients. Create multiple datasets to segregate client data.
Procedure
1. In Avamar Administrator, select Tools > Manage Datasets.
The Manage All Datasets window appears.
2. Click New.
The New Dataset dialog box appears.
3. In the Name box, type a name for the dataset.
The name can include alphanumeric characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9) and the following
special characters: period (.), hyphen (-), and underscore (_). Do not use Unicode
characters or the following special characters: ` ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) = + [ ] { } | \ / ; : ' "
<>,?
4. On the Source Data tab, select Enter Explicitly.
5. Select the Oracle RMAN plug-in for the platform from the Select Plug-In Type list.
6. Click ... (the Browse for files and/or folders button).
The Select Files and/or Folders dialog box appears.
7. Set the options in the Select Files and/or Folder dialog box:
a. Select the domain to view the clients.
A list of clients appears below the domain.
b. Select the client that runs the Oracle server.
A list of plug-ins appear in the pane to the right of the client’s list.
c. Click the Oracle RMAN plug-in.
A list of databases appear in the table to the right of the plug-ins.
d. Select one or more databases to include in the dataset.
The following figure shows the Select Files and/or Folders dialog box after
selecting the demodb database.

e. Click OK.

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 Backup

The Select Files and/or Folders dialog box closes and the New Dataset dialog box
lists the files, folders, or databases that you selected.
8. Remove all items from the source data list other than the Oracle databases:
a. Select an entry from the list.
b. Click -.
c. Repeat steps a and b to remove all other entries.
After removing non-database items, the Source Data tab should look similar to the
following figure.

9. Leave the Inclusion and Exclusion tabs as they are. The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle
does not support include or exclude lists.
10.Click the Options tab and set the plug-in options:
a. Select the Oracle RMAN plug-in from the Select Plug-In Type list.
The Oracle RMAN plug-in options appear.
b. Select Show Advanced Options to view advanced options.
c. Leave the Oracle Instance Name field blank. The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle
determines the Oracle instance name when you browse and select a target to back
up.
d. Type the username to use to authenticate the Oracle database in the Username
field. This is the user with SYSDBA privileges.
e. Type the password for the username account in the Password field.
f. Select the number of channels to allocate during the backup from the Number of
RMAN Channels list. The maximum number is 10.
Backup options on page 122 provides more information about the Number of
RMAN Channels option.
g. Select one or more backup options:
l Select Back up database to back up the entire Oracle database.
l Select Back up archive logs to back up only the archive logs.
Archive backups are always full backups no matter what the backup level you
choose.

Creating a dataset 71
Backup

l Select Delete archive logs after backup to automatically delete archive logs
following a successful database backup.

Note

The selection of multiple options is cumulative. To back up the entire database

and the archive logs, for example, select Back up database and Back up archive
logs.

h. (Linux and UNIX only) If the application bitness and OS bitness are not the same,
select the appropriate setting from the Media Management Library Bitwidth list. If
the application bitness and OS bitness are the same, leave the Media
Management Library Bitwidth set to the Automatic, the default setting.

Note

The Media Management Library Bitwidth option does not apply to Windows
platforms.

i. (Optional) Select Exit a multiple target backup when any one backup fails to
prevent a multiple target backup from continuing after one of the backups fail.
j. Type the number of files that RMAN can open concurrently per channel in the
Filesperset field. The default value is 1.
k. Select a backup level from the Incremental Backup group box:
l Full backup backs up all the data in the database data files when you select the
Back up database option.
l Level 0 backup backs up all datafiles.
You must perform a level 0 backup before you perform a level 1 (differential or
cumulative) backup.
l Level 1 differential backup backs up only changed blocks of the database.
l Level 1 cumulative backup backs up all database blocks that have changed
since the most recent level 0 backup.

Note

The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle supports incremental (level 0 and level 1) backups
for Oracle 11g and later. To improve level 1 (differential or cumulative) backup
performance, enable the Block Change Tracking feature. Enabling Block
Change Tracking on page 64 provides more information.

l. (Optional) If you use a recovery catalog, select Use recovery catalog and complete
the following fields:
l In the Recovery Catalog Server Name field, type the recovery catalog server
name.
l In the Recovery Catalog User Name field, type the recovery catalog username.
l In the Recovery Catalog Password field, type the recovery catalog password.

Note

If you select the Use recovery catalog option, the Recovery Catalog Server Name,
Recovery Catalog User Name, and Recovery Catalog Password settings are used to
specify a recovery catalog server connection string for RMAN.

72 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

 Backup

m. To store the backup on a Data Domain system instead of the Avamar server, select
Store backup on Data Domain system, and then select the Data Domain system
from the list.

Note

Plug-in Options on page 121 provides more information about the Avamar Plug-in
for Oracle plug-in options, including information about advanced options.

n. From the Encryption method to Data Domain system list, select the encryption
method to use for data transfer between the client and the Data Domain system
during the backup.
11.Click OK to close the New Dataset dialog box.
The new dataset is added to the list of datasets in the Manage All Datasets window.
12.Click OK to close the Manage All Datasets window.

Creating a group
When you create a group, you define the dataset, schedule, and retention policy, which
together comprise the group policy for scheduled backups of all members of the group. A
group must contain at least one Avamar client. When the group contains two or more
clients, the clients must belong to the same Avamar domain. You can override group
policy settings at the client level.
You cannot edit schedules or retention policies when you use the New Group wizard to
create a group. Review existing schedules and retention policies. If required, create new
ones before you create the group. EMC Avamar Administration Guide provides information
about schedules or retention policies.
Procedure
1. In Avamar Administrator, click the Policy launcher button.
The Policy window appears.
2. Click the Policy Management tab.
3. Click the Groups tab.
4. Select the domain for the group.
The Policy window displays a table that contains groups for the domain.
5. Select Actions > Group > New > Backup Group.
The New Group wizard appears.
6. Type a name for the new group in the Name box.
The name can include alphanumeric characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9) and the following
special characters: period (.), hyphen (-), and underscore (_). Do not use Unicode
characters or the following special characters: ` ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) = + [ ] { } | \ / ; : ' "
<>,?
7. Clear the Disabled checkbox to use this group for scheduled client backups.
Selecting the checkbox disables backups for the group.
8. From the Avamar encryption method list, select the encryption method to use for
client/server data transfer during this backup.
The encryption technology and bit strength for a client/server connection depend on
several factors, including the client operating system and Avamar server version. The
EMC Avamar Product Security Guide provides additional information.

Creating a group 73
Backup

9. Select the dataset you created from the Select an Existing Dataset list, then and click
Next.
The next New Group page appears with schedule information.
10.Select a schedule from the Select an Existing Schedule list, and then click Next.
The next New Group page appears with retention policy information.
11.Select a retention policy from the Select an Existing Retention Policy list, and then
click Next.
The final New Group page appears. A list of domains appears in the Choose Domain
pane.
12.Select the domain for the client.
A list of Avamar clients appears in the pane below the Choose Domain pane.
13.Select the checkbox next to the clients to include in the group.
The clients appear in the Members pane.
14.(Optional)To remove a client from the group, select the client from the Members list,
and then click the red X.
15.Click Finish.

Enabling scheduled backups

Scheduled backups occur only for enabled groups. Groups are disabled by default unless
you select the Enabled checkbox on the first page of the New Group wizard. If you did not
enable the group when you created it, use the menu options in the Policy window to
enable backups.
Procedure
1. In Avamar Administrator, click the Policy launcher button.
The Policy window appears.
2. Click the Policy Management tab.
3. Click the Groups tab.
4. Select the domain for the Oracle server.
5. Select the group that you created.
6. Enable the group by selecting Actions > Group > Disable Group.
Perform this step only if a check mark appears next to the Disable Group menu option.
7. Click Yes to enable this group.

Monitoring backups
You can monitor backups to ensure that the backups complete successfully and to
troubleshoot issues. The Activity Monitor in Avamar Administrator enables you to view
status information for both on-demand and scheduled backups.
Procedure
1. In Avamar Administrator, click the Activity launcher button.
The Activity window appears.
2. Click the Activity Monitor tab.
A list of all activities appears.

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 Backup

3. To filter the results to display only backup activity, select Actions > Filter.
The Filter Activity dialog box appears.
4. Select All Backups from the Type list.
5. Click OK.

Canceling backups
You can cancel a backup at any time before it completes. The cancellation can take five
minutes or more. The backup might complete before the cancellation finishes.
Procedure
1. In Avamar Administrator, click the Activity launcher button.
The Activity window appears.
2. Click the Activity Monitor tab.
A list of all activities appears.
3. Select the backup from the list.
4. Select Actions > Cancel Activity.
A confirmation message appears.
5. Click Yes.

Oracle RAC backup failures

An Oracle RAC backup fails when the Oracle instance on the active node goes down or
when a node goes down. For each type of failure, you must restart the backup.

Restarting the backup after the active node’s instance goes down
Procedure
1. Establish the active node by taking the appropriate action:
l Restarting the instance on the active node.
l Shutting down the current active node to enable one of the other nodes as the
active node.
2. Start a new backup.

Restarting the backup after a node goes down

Procedure
l If the var directory is located on a shared file system, another node automatically
takes over as the active node. You can then restart the backup.

Note

In this scenario, EMCagent is configured as an Oracle Clusterware resource.

l If EMCagent is not configured as an Oracle Clusterware resource and the var
directory is not shared across all nodes:

Canceling backups 75
Backup

a. Activate the Avamar agent on one of the available nodes. RAC Issues When Not
Using Shared Var Directory on page 115 provides more information.
b. Restart the backup.

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CHAPTER 5
Restore and Recovery

This chapter includes the following topics:

l Preparing the database for recovery...................................................................... 78

l Preparing the database for restore........................................................................ 78
l Restore types........................................................................................................ 80
l Restoring a database to the original client.............................................................80
l Restoring a database to a different client.............................................................. 84
l Monitoring restores............................................................................................... 89
l Canceling restores.................................................................................................90
l Performing a disaster recovery.............................................................................. 90

Restore and Recovery 77

Restore and Recovery

Preparing the database for recovery

Before you can use Avamar Plug-in for Oracle to recover data blocks from the flash
recovery area or recover corrupt data blocks, you must configure the Oracle database.

Configuring Flashback Database recovery

Procedure
1. Set the database to ARCHIVELOG mode.
2. Enable the flash recovery area.
The Oracle documentation provides instructions.
3. (For RAC configurations only) Configure the flash recovery area in a clustered file
system or in ASM.
4. Start the database in mount state by using the STARTUP command with the MOUNT
option.
After the restore completes successfully, Avamar issues the command to open the
database.

Configuring the database for corrupt block recovery

To configure the database for corrupt block recovery, set the DB_BLOCK_CHECKSUM
initialization parameter to TYPICAL for the Oracle database. This parameter setting
enables RMAN to detect both physical and logical corruption.

Preparing the database for restore

Before you restore an Oracle database, you must prepare the database depending on the
types of activities you plan to perform.
Procedure
1. (VCS clusters only) To restore the Oracle database to a Solaris VCS cluster, stop the
listener and other dependent processes. Otherwise, skip this step and continue with
step 3.
2. (Raw devices only) Before you restore datafiles on a raw device, back up the files in
the flash recovery area. Otherwise, skip this step and continue with step 3.

Note

For configurations in which you store the database on a raw file structure, Oracle
recommends that you use a normal file system as the flash recovery area.

3. Ensure that ORACLE_SID is set correctly by typing the following command:

echo $ORACLE_SID

$ORACLE-SID must point to the correct system identifier to restore the Oracle
database.
4. Complete the following steps to restore an Oracle Real Application Clusters (RAC)
database:

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 Restore and Recovery

a. Shut down all database instances on all nodes by typing the following commands:

sqlplus “/ as sysdba”
shutdown immediate;
exit

b. Start an instance without mounting the database on the registered node by typing
the following commands:

startup nomount;
exit

c. Skip step 5 and continue with step 6.

5. To restore a non-clustered Oracle database, close the database and start an instance
without mounting the database:
a. Connect to the database by typing the following command:
sqlplus "/ as sysdba"

The command prompt changes to the SQL prompt.

b. Shut down the database by typing the following command:
shutdown immediate;

The following information appears in the command shell:

Database closed.
Database dismounted.
ORACLE instance shut down.
c. Start the database by typing the following command:
startup nomount;

The following information appears in the command shell:

ORACLE instance started.
Total System Global Area 171966464 bytes
Fixed Size 787988 bytes
Variable Size 144964076 bytes
Database Buffers 25165824 bytes
Redo Buffers 1048576 bytes
Database mounted.
d. Disconnect from the database by typing the following command:
exit

The following information appears in the command shell:

Disconnected from Oracle Database 11g Enterprise Edition
Release 11.1.0.7.0
6. Move the existing datafiles (*.dbf), control files (*.ctl), redo log files (*.log),
archive log files (*.arc), and autobackup files (*.bkp). The following commands
move the existing database files to a convenient location:

mkdir $ORACLE_HOME/oradata/DB_NAME.saved
mv $ORACLE_HOME/oradata/DB_NAME/* \
$ORACLE_HOME/oradata/DB_NAME.saved
mkdir $ORACLE_HOME/flash_recovery_area/DB_NAME.saved

Preparing the database for restore 79

Restore and Recovery

mv $ORACLE_HOME/flash_recovery_area/DB_NAME/* \
$ORACLE_HOME/flash_recovery_area/DB_NAME.saved

where DB_NAME is the database name in uppercase.

Note

The Oracle files can be in the default location or in a nondefault location. The default
location of Oracle files varies depending on the version of Oracle. The previous
commands use the default values for the directories.

For Oracle 11g R2, type the following additional commands:

mkdir $ORACLE_HOME/flash_recovery_area/db_name.saved
mv $ORACLE_HOME/flash_recovery_area/db_name/* \
$ORACLE_HOME/flash_recovery_area/db_name.saved

where db_name is the database name in lowercase.

Note

Starting with Oracle 11g R2, flash_recovery_area is referred to as

fast_recovery_area.

The following directories are the default directories of the datafiles (*.dbf), control
files (*.ctl), redo log files (*.log), archive log files (*.arc), and autobackup files
(*.bkp):
l $ORACLE_HOME/oradata/DB_NAME
l $ORACLE_HOME/flash_recovery_area/DB_NAME
7. Restore the database to the $ORACLE_HOME/oradata/DB_NAME directory.

Restore types
Avamar Administrator supports the restore of a database backup from one system to
another system or directory on the same system. The restore uses the same Oracle
system identifier (SID) and database identification number (DBID) of the original
database for the restored database.

Note

To perform a restore to a different client, prepare the target system by completing the
instructions in Preparing the database for restore on page 78.

After preparing the database, you can restore database files to the original client or to a
different client.

Restoring a database to the original client

You can restore Oracle databases to the original directory on the original client by using
Avamar Administrator.
Procedure
1. In Avamar Administrator, click the Backup & Restore launcher button.
The Backup, Restore and Manage window appears.

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 Restore and Recovery

2. Click the Restore tab.

The top-left pane contains a list of domains.
3. Click the domain that contains the Oracle server.
You cannot view clients outside the domain for the login account. To view all clients,
log in to the root domain.
A list of Avamar clients appears in the pane below the domains list.
4. From the list of clients, select the client that runs the Oracle server.
5. Click the By Date tab.
6. Select the backup date from the calendar. Valid backups occurred on dates with a
yellow highlight.
A list of backups that were performed on that date appears in the Backups table next
to the calendar.
7. Select a backup from the Backups table.
The backup contents appear in the Contents of Backup pane.
8. Expand the folders in the Contents of Backup pane to display database SIDs.

Note

For point-in-time recoveries, select only one database. Performing a point-in-time

recovery of multiple databases is not supported.

9. Select a control file backup.

Note

You must select a control file for the restore to complete successfully.

The following figure shows the Backup, Restore and Manage window after selecting a
database and a control file.

10.Select Actions > Restore Now.

The Restore Options window appears.
11.From the Avamar encryption method list, select an encryption method to use for
client/server data transfer during the restore.

Restoring a database to the original client 81

Restore and Recovery

The exact encryption technology and bit strength for a client/server connection
depend on several factors, including the client platform and Avamar server version.
The EMC Avamar Product Security Guide provides more information.
12.Select Restore everything to its original location.
13.Click More Options.
The Restore Command Line Options dialog box appears.
14.Set the plug-in options:
a. Select Show Advanced Options to view advanced options.
b. Leave the Oracle Instance Name field blank. The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle
determines the Oracle instance name when you browse and select a database to
restore.
c. Type the username to use to authenticate the Oracle database in the User Name
field. This is the user with SYSDBA privileges.
d. Type the password for the account In the Password field.
e. (Linux and UNIX only) If the application bitness and OS bitness are not the same,
select the appropriate setting from the Media Management Library Bitwidth list.
If the application bitness and OS bitness are the same, leave the Media
Management Library Bitwidth set to the Automatic (default).
The Management Library Bitwidth option does not apply to Windows platforms.
f. Select the number of channels to allocate during the restore from the Number of
RMAN Channels list. The maximum number is 10.
g. (Optional) Select Exit a multiple target restore when any one restore fails to
prevent a multiple target restore from continuing after one of the restore
operations fails.
h. (Advanced option) Do not select the Enable debugging message option. This
option is for troubleshooting restore problems. When you select the Enable
debugging messages option, the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle creates large log files.
i. (Advanced option) Type a timestamp format for the target database in the
NLS_DATE_FORMAT field.
j. From the Encryption method from Data Domain system list, select the encryption
method to use for data transfer between the Data Domain system and the client
during the restore.
k. Select a Recovery Type:
l To recover the database to the present time or to a point-in-time in the past,
select Point-in-Time (PIT).
Do not select multiple databases for a point-in-time recovery. You must select
only one database for the restore.
l To recover data blocks from the flash recovery area, select Flashback Database
(FRA).
You must configure flash recovery area before you can use the Flashback
Recovery (FRA) recovery type. Configuring Flashback Database recovery on
page 78 provides more information.
l (Advanced option) To restore corrupt blocks only, and not the entire database,
select Corrupt blocks.

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To use the Corrupt blocks recovery option, you must set the
DB_BLOCK_CHECKSUM initialization parameter to TYPICAL for the Oracle
database. The database must be in a mounted or open state.
l. (Advanced option) Select Validate database if you selected Corrupt blocks from
the Recovery Type group box.
The Validate database option is optional when you perform a corrupt block
recovery. The restore operation is slower when you use the Validate database
option.
m. Select an option from the Recovery mode list for the recovery type that you
selected in step 13.k.
Recovery modes and values on page 127 provides more information about the
Recovery mode options.
n. Specify the SCN, log sequence number, or timestamp in the Recovery value field.
This value depends on the option you select from the Recovery mode list.
o. To open the database after the recovery finishes, select Open the database with
resetlogs after recovery.
This option is selected by default.
Clear the Open the database with resetlogs after recovery option to disable this
option. When you clear this option, the restore operation does not open the
database with resetlogs. You can then apply archive logs to recover the database
to the most current point-in-time that is available.
15.(Optional) Specify other advanced options in the Restore Command Line Options
dialog box as appropriate:
a. To run a user-defined script at the beginning of the restore, type the script name in
the Run user-defined script at beginning of restore field.
The script must be in the avamar\etc\scripts directory on the client.
b. Select Exit restore if script fails to stop the script from processing when the script
returns a non-zero status code.
This option is selected by default.
c. To run a user-defined script at the end of the restore, type the script name in the
Run user-defined script at end of restore field.
The script must be in the avamar\etc\scripts directory on the client.
d. Select Exit process with script failure exitcode to exit the script when it fails with
an exitcode from the script rather than an exitcode from the Avamar Plug-in for
Oracle.
This option is selected by default.
Preprocessing and postprocessing scripts and attributes on page 128 provides
more information about using scripts and specifying attributes.
16.Specify the [avoracle]lang_format attribute and value if the database backup
contains datafiles that use the UTF-8 character set:
a. Click More.
The Enter Attribute and Enter Attribute Value fields appear.
b. Type [avoracle]lang_format in the Enter Attribute field.

Restoring a database to the original client 83

Restore and Recovery

Note

Precede all attributes you type in the Enter Attribute field with [avoracle].

c. Type the appropriate value in the Enter Attributes Value field:

language_territory.charset

where:
l language specifies the language. For example, Japanese.
l territory specifies the country. For example, Japan.
l charset specifies the character set. For example, JA16SJIS.
The following example is the correct syntax for Japanese:
Japanese_Japan.JA16SJIS.

Note

The use of the [avoracle]lang_format attribute and value sets the

NLS_LANG environment variable for the restore. The Oracle documentation
provides more information about NLS_LANG.

d. Click + (Add to List button).

The [avoracle]lang_format attribute and value appear in the box below the
+ and - buttons.
ORA-19870: error while restoring backup piece on page 138 provides more
information about restoring datafiles that use the UTF-8 character set.
e. Click OK to close the Restore Command Line Options dialog box.
17.Click OK to close the Restore Options dialog box.
The following status message appears:
Restore initiated.
18.Click OK.

Note

If the restore process fails, manual recovery steps can be necessary. Restore fails to
complete successfully on page 139 provides details.

19.(Solaris only) Restart the listener and other dependent processes if you restored a
database to a Solaris VCS cluster.

Restoring a database to a different client

You can restore Oracle databases to a different client by using Avamar Administrator.
Before you begin
Before you restore the Oracle database, ensure that the following items on the target
client match the source client:
l ORACLE_HOME
l oradata
l flash_recovery_area pathnames

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 Restore and Recovery

l Database SID
Procedure
1. Prepare the target client by following the instructions in Preparing the database for
restore on page 78.
2. In Avamar Administrator, click the Backup & Restore launcher button.
The Backup, Restore and Manage window appears.
3. Click the Restore tab.
The top-left pane contains a list of domains.
4. Click the domain that contains the Oracle server.
You cannot view clients outside the domain for the login account. To view all clients,
log in to the root domain.
A list of Avamar clients appears in the pane below the domains list.
5. From the list of clients, select the client that runs the Oracle server.
6. Click the By Date tab.
7. Select the backup date from the calendar. Valid backups occurred on dates with a
yellow highlight.
A list of backups that were performed on that date appears in the Backups table next
to the calendar.
8. Select a control file backup.
The backup contents appear in the Contents of Backup pane.
9. Expand the folders in the Contents of Backup pane to display database SIDs.

Note

For point-in-time recoveries, select only one database. Performing a point-in-time

recovery of multiple databases is not supported.

10.Select one or more databases and a control file.

You must select a control file for the restore to complete successfully.
The following figure shows the Backup, Restore and Manage window after selecting
databases and a control file.

Restoring a database to a different client 85

Restore and Recovery

11.Select Actions > Restore Now.

The Restore Options dialog box appears.
12.Set options in the Restore Options dialog box:
a. From the Avamar encryption method list, select an encryption method to use for
client/server data transfer during the restore.
The exact encryption technology and bit strength for a client/server connection
depend on several factors, including the client platform and Avamar server
version. The EMC Avamar Product Security Guide provides more information.
b. Select Restore everything to a different location.
Selecting Restore everything to a different location activates the Reset Default
and Set Destination buttons
c. Click Set Destination.
The Set Destination dialog box appears.

d. Click Browse.
The Browse for File, Folder, or Directory dialog box appears.
e. Select the target destination for the restore, and then click OK.
The target appears in the Save Target(s) in Directory field.

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 Restore and Recovery

f. Click OK to close the Set Destination dialog box.

In the Restore Options dialog box, the Destination column in the Items Marked for
Restore table contains the target destination.
g. Click More Options.
The Restore Command Line Options dialog box appears.
13.Set the plug-in options:
a. Select Show Advanced Options to view advanced options.
b. Leave the Oracle Instance Name field blank. The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle
determines the Oracle instance name when you browse and select a database to
restore.
c. Type the username to use to authenticate the Oracle database in the User Name
field. This is the user with SYSDBA privileges.
d. Type the password for the account In the Password field.
e. (Linux and UNIX only) If the application bitness and OS bitness are not the same,
select the appropriate setting from the Media Management Library Bitwidth list.
If the application bitness and OS bitness are the same, leave the Media
Management Library Bitwidth set to the Automatic (default).
The Management Library Bitwidth option does not apply to Windows platforms.
f. Select the number of channels to allocate during the restore from the Number of
RMAN Channels list. The maximum number is 10.
g. (Optional) Select Exit a multiple target restore when any one restore fails to
prevent a multiple target restore from continuing after one of the restore
operations fails.
h. (Advanced option) Do not select the Enable debugging message option. This
option is for troubleshooting restore problems. When you select the Enable
debugging messages option, the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle creates large log files.
i. (Advanced option) Type a timestamp format for the target database in the
NLS_DATE_FORMAT field.
j. From the Encryption method from Data Domain system list, select the encryption
method to use for data transfer between the Data Domain system and the client
during the restore.
k. Select a Recovery Type:
l To recover the database to the present time or to a point-in-time in the past,
select Point-in-Time (PIT).
Do not select multiple databases for a point-in-time recovery. You must select
only one database for the restore.
l To recover data blocks from the flash recovery area, select Flashback Database
(FRA).
You must configure flash recovery area before you can use the Flashback
Recovery (FRA) recovery type. Configuring Flashback Database recovery on
page 78 provides more information.
l (Advanced option) To restore corrupt blocks only, and not the entire database,
select Corrupt blocks.

Restoring a database to a different client 87

Restore and Recovery

To use the Corrupt blocks recovery option, you must set the
DB_BLOCK_CHECKSUM initialization parameter to TYPICAL for the Oracle
database. The database must be in a mounted or open state.
l. (Advanced option) Select Validate database if you selected Corrupt blocks from
the Recovery Type group box.
The Validate database option is optional when you perform a corrupt block
recovery. The restore operation is slower when you use the Validate database
option.
m. Select an option from the Recovery mode list for the recovery type that you
selected in step 13.k on page 87.
Recovery modes and values on page 127 provides more information about the
Recovery mode options.
n. Specify the SCN, log sequence number, or timestamp in the Recovery value field.
This value depends on the option you select from the Recovery mode list.
o. To open the database after the recovery finishes, select Open the database with
resetlogs after recovery.
This option is selected by default.
Clear the Open the database with resetlogs after recovery option to disable this
option. When you clear this option, the restore operation does not open the
database with resetlogs. You can then apply archive logs to recover the database
to the most current point-in-time that is available.
14.(Optional) Specify other advanced options in the Restore Command Line Options
dialog box as appropriate:
a. To run a user-defined script at the beginning of the restore, type the script name in
the Run user-defined script at beginning of restore field.
The script must be in the avamar\etc\scripts directory on the client.
b. Select Exit restore if script fails to stop the script from processing when the script
returns a non-zero status code.
This option is selected by default.
c. To run a user-defined script at the end of the restore, type the script name in the
Run user-defined script at end of restore field.
The script must be in the avamar\etc\scripts directory on the client.
d. Select Exit process with script failure exitcode to exit the script when it fails with
an exitcode from the script rather than an exitcode from the Avamar Plug-in for
Oracle.
This option is selected by default.
Preprocessing and postprocessing scripts and attributes on page 128 provides
more information about using scripts and specifying attributes.
15.Specify the [avoracle]lang_format attribute and value if the database backup
contains datafiles that use the UTF-8 character set:
a. Click More.
The Enter Attribute and Enter Attribute Value fields appear.
b. Type [avoracle]lang_format in the Enter Attribute field.

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 Restore and Recovery

Note

Precede all attributes you type in the Enter Attribute field with [avoracle].

c. Type the appropriate value in the Enter Attributes Value field:

language_territory.charset

where:
l language specifies the language. For example, Japanese.
l territory specifies the country. For example, Japan.
l charset specifies the character set. For example, JA16SJIS.
The following example is the correct syntax for Japanese:
Japanese_Japan.JA16SJIS.

Note

The use of the [avoracle]lang_format attribute and value sets the

NLS_LANG environment variable for the restore. The Oracle documentation
provides more information about NLS_LANG.

d. Click + (Add to List button).

The [avoracle]lang_format attribute and value appear in the box below the
+ and - buttons.
ORA-19870: error while restoring backup piece on page 138 provides more
information about restoring datafiles that use the UTF-8 character set.
e. Click OK to close the Restore Command Line Options dialog box.
16.Click OK to close the Restore Options dialog box.
The following status message appears:
Restore initiated.
17.Click OK.

Note

If the restore process fails, manual recovery steps can be necessary. Restore fails to
complete successfully on page 139 provides details.
18.(Solaris only) Restart the listener and other dependent processes if you restored a
database to a Solaris VCS cluster.

Monitoring restores
You can monitor restores to ensure that the restores complete successfully and to
troubleshoot issues. The Activity Monitor in Avamar Administrator enables you to view
status information for restores.
Procedure
1. In Avamar Administrator, click the Activity launcher button.
The Activity window appears.
2. Click the Activity Monitor tab.
A list of all activities appears.

Monitoring restores 89
Restore and Recovery

3. To filter the results to display only restore activity, select Actions > Filter.
The Filter Activity dialog box appears.
4. Select Restore from the Type list.
5. Click OK.

Canceling restores
You can cancel a restore any time before the restore completes. The cancellation can take
five minutes or more. The restore might complete before the cancellation finishes.
Procedure
1. In Avamar Administrator, click the Activity launcher button.
The Activity window appears.
2. Click the Activity Monitor tab.
A list of all activities appears.
3. Select the restore from the list.
4. Select Actions > Cancel Activity.
A confirmation message appears.
5. Click Yes.

Performing a disaster recovery

With an effective data backup plan in place, you can successfully recover an Oracle server
from a complete loss.
Procedure
1. Replace hardware if required.
The hostname and IP address must be same as that of the original server.
2. Install the same version of the Avamar file system client and Avamar Plug-in for
Oracle. Installation on page 29 provides instructions.
3. Register and activate the client with the same Avamar server.

Note

To resolve registration problems, retire the client and reregister it with the Avamar
server.

The EMC Avamar Administration Guide provides instructions for registering, retiring, and
activating clients.
4. Install the same version of the Oracle software that was previously installed.
5. Set up the Oracle database:
a. Ensure that you set the ORACLE_HOME to the same location as it was set to
previously.
b. Create the Oracle database with the same SID name that was used previously.
Ensure that the ORACLE_SID, oradata, and flash_recovery_area
pathnames are exactly the same as in the previous configuration.

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6. Start the database in the nomount mode by typing the following command:
startup nomount

7. Restore the server parameter file (spfile) by using the following RMAN script:

connect target "/";

set dbid=DBID;
run{
restore spfile to '/HOME/ORACLE/spfiletestdb.ora' from autobackup
MAXSEQ=SEQ
until time = "TO_DATE('DATE','YYYYMMDD')";
}

where:
l DBID is the database ID.
l /HOME/ORACLE is the path for the spfile file.
l SEQ is the highest sequence number for the control file autobackup search.
l DATE, YYYYMMDD is the backup date.
8. Restore the Oracle database by completing the steps in Restoring a database to a
different client on page 84.

Performing a disaster recovery 91

Restore and Recovery

92 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

CHAPTER 6
Backup and Restore with Oracle RMAN

This chapter includes the following topics:

l Preparing the system for RMAN backups and restores........................................... 94

l Specifying RMAN parameters to improve performance...........................................97
l Backing up Oracle data with RMAN......................................................................100
l Restoring Oracle data with RMAN........................................................................ 102
l Using advanced restore commands.....................................................................109
l Managing backup retention.................................................................................110
l Allocating multiple channels............................................................................... 113

Backup and Restore with Oracle RMAN 93

Backup and Restore with Oracle RMAN

Preparing the system for RMAN backups and restores

Before you use RMAN scripts to back up and restore Oracle data, you must prepare the
system. This preparation includes creating an avtar flag file, defining backup channels,
and specifying library path settings.
Before you begin
All RMAN backup and restore scripts in this chapter require an avtar flag file. When you
use RMAN to back up or restore Oracle data, you must pass specific avtar options by
using the send command. You include these avtar options in the avtar flag file,
which is a text file.

Creating an avtar flag file

When you use RMAN to back up Oracle rather than Avamar Administrator, you must
specify the backup expiration time. Otherwise, backups stored on the Avamar server
never expire. You specify the backup expiration by including the --expires option for
the avtar command in the avtar flag file. The avtar process reads the avtar flag file
during RMAN backups and restores.

Note

Do not include the avtar -c and -x options in the avtar flag file. The -c and -x options
might conflict with other avtar options specified for backup or restore operations that
Avamar Administrator runs.

Procedure
1. Create a plain text file with a text editor.
The remaining steps use my-avtar-flags.txt file as an example flag file.
2. Add the following entries to the text file:

--pidname=Oracle
--pidnum=pidnum
--logfile=install-dir/var/avtar.log
--vardir=install-dir/var
--id=user
--ap=password
--path=/clients/my-db-client
--expires={num-days |timestamp}

where:
l pidnum is the correct PID number for the operating system:
n For Linux, use PID 1002.
n For Solaris, use 2002.
n For Windows, use 3002.
n For HP-UX, use 4002.
n For AIX, use 5002.
l install-dir is the base installation directory for the platform. For example,
specify /usr/local/avamar on Linux, /opt/AVMRclnt on Solaris, C:
\Progra~1\avs\bin on Windows, and so forth.

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l user is an Avamar administrative user account.

l password is the Avamar administrative password.
l my-db-client is the Oracle database hostname.
l {num-days |timestamp} specifies backup expiration as the number of days from
today (num-days) or an absolute timestamp.
3. To use an RMAN script to back up Oracle to Data Domain systems, add the following
Data Domain-specific entries:

--ddr
--ddr-index=ddr-index

where ddr-index is the index number (1, 2, 3, and so forth) that you assign to the Data
Domain system when you add it to the Avamar server configuration.

Note

Skip this step if you do not use a Data Domain system.

4. Save the file to /oracle or another convenient place in the search path.

Specifying the SBT_LIBRARY parameter

To use RMAN backup and restore scripts with the Avamar software requires you to define
backup channels by using the allocate channel command. The allocate
channel command must include a PARMS clause, which specifies the SBT_LIBRARY
parameter.
Procedure
1. Set the SBT_LIBRARY parameter to point to the directory that contains the
libobk_avamar.so file for 32-bit installations or the libobk_avamar64.so file
for 64-bit installations:
SBT_LIBRARY=install-dir/lib/libobk_avamar.so

where install-dir is the base installation directory for the platform. For example,
specify /usr/local/avamar on Linux, /opt/AVMRclnt on Solaris, C:
\Progra~1\avs\bin on Windows, and so forth.
For 64-bit Oracle installations, use libobk_avamar64.so in place of
libobk_avamar.so. On Windows, the equivalent libraries are
libobk_avamar64.dll and libobk_avamar.dll.
2. Use the appropriate allocate channel command to define backup channels:
l For IBM AIX, type the following command:

allocate channel c1 type sbt

PARMS="SBT_LIBRARY=/usr/local/avamar/lib/libobk_avamar.so";
l For 64-bit HP-UX, type the following command

allocate channel c1 type sbt

PARMS="SBT_LIBRARY=/opt/AVMRclnt/lib/libobk_avamar64.so";

Specifying the library path settings

When RMAN loads libobk_avamar.so or libobk_avamar64.so, the path to the
RMAN-dependent libraries must be communicated to the dynamic loader. The dynamic

Specifying the SBT_LIBRARY parameter 95

Backup and Restore with Oracle RMAN

loader exits with a failure when it is unable to locate the libraries that
libobk_avamar.so or libobk_avamar64.so requires. RMAN channel allocation,
therefore, fails.
You use an environment variable to specify the location of the libraries. You must set the
correct environment variable before an Avamar backup or restore operation runs an
RMAN script. The location and the environment variable vary with each operating system.
The following table lists the operating systems and the environment variables.
Table 3 Environment variables for libobk

Operating system Environment variable

AIX LIBPATH

HP-UX SHLIB_PATH

Linux, Solaris LD_LIBRARY_PATH

The library path is typically install-dir/lib, where install-dir is the base installation
directory for the system. For example:
l On Linux, the path is /usr/local/avamar.
l On Solaris, the path is /opt/AVMRclnt.
l On Windows, the path is C:\Progra~1\avs\bin.
Procedure
1. Use the set and export commands (for the sh, ksh, or bash shell) or the setenv
command (for the csh or bash shell) to set the library path variable.
2. Set the appropriate environment variable on the system. For example, to set the
LD_LIBRARY_PATH variable on Solaris, use one of the following methods
depending on the operating system shell:
l For the sh, ksh, or bash shell, type the following command:
set LD_LIBRARY_PATH=/opt/AVMRclnt/lib export LD_LIBRARY_PATH
l For the csh or bash shell, type the following command:
setenv LD_LIBRARY_PATH /opt/AVMRclnt/lib

Specifying the SECTION SIZE parameter for multisection backups

The SECTION SIZE parameter enables RMAN to create a multisection backup.
Procedure
l To set the SECTION SIZE parameter, add the following command to the RMAN
backup script:
backup section size sizespec database;

where sizespec specifies the size of each backup section. For example: 250M.

The following example command creates a multisection backup of the database where
each backup piece is 250M:

backup section size 250M database;

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RMAN substitution variables %d and %U

You can use RMAN substitution variables %d and %U in an RMAN backup or restore script
to ensure that the name of each backup piece is a unique name.
The name of a backup piece can be any name, as long as each backup piece has a
unique name on the Avamar server.
l %d specifies the name of the database.
l %U specifies a unique Oracle system-generated file name.
You must specify both the %d and %U together to obtain a unique name. For example:
format '%d_%U'.

Specifying RMAN parameters to improve performance

To improve performance, you can set RMAN parameters, such as maxopenfiles and
filesperset, configure the database to skip certain file types, and use the --before
and --after flags.

Specifying the maxopenfiles parameter

The maxopenfile parameter specifies the number of files that RMAN can open
concurrently per channel.
Procedure
l To set the maxopenfiles parameter in an RMAN backup script, use the allocate
channel or configure channel command. The following example uses the
allocate channel command:
allocate channel c0 maxopenfiles = 1 device type sbt;

RMAN compares the value of the maxopenfiles parameter with the number of files
in each backup set and uses the level of multiplexing as a minimum of two.
Set the maxopenfiles parameter to 1 to disable multiplexing, which increases data
deduplication performance. Disabling RMAN multiplexing results in more time to back
up Oracle data because RMAN reads a single file instead of multiple files
simultaneously.

Specifying the filesperset parameter

The filesperset parameter specifies the number of files that RMAN can include in
each backup set.
Procedure
l To set the filesperset parameter in an RMAN backup script, use the backup
command. The following example uses the backup database command:
backup filesperset = n database ...;

where n is the number of files RMAN includes in a backup set. The default value is 8.
Results
RMAN compares the value of the filesperset parameter with number of files to be
backed up divided by the number of allocated channels, and then uses the lower of the

RMAN substitution variables %d and %U 97

Backup and Restore with Oracle RMAN

two values. For example, if the total number of files to be backed up is 8, the number of
channels is 1, and filesperset is 4, RMAN creates two backup sets each with four
files.

Enabling RMAN backup optimization

Backups that use RMAN backup optimization skip any file that has not changed and has
already been backed up to the allocated device type. A file can be a dbf file, an archived
redo log, or an RMAN backup set.
Procedure
l Set the CONFIGURE RETENTION POLICY option:
CONFIGURE RETENTION POLICY TO REDUNDANCY r

where r is the redundancy setting.

Results
RMAN skips backups of offline or read-only datafiles only when there are r +1 backups of
the files to SBT.

Setting backup optimization

To reduce backup time, enable the RMAN backup optimization feature.
Procedure
1. Open a command shell.
2. Log in to Oracle RMAN by using the Oracle user ID and password.
The command prompt changes to an RMAN prompt.
3. Connect to the Oracle database to back up.
4. Type the following command:
configure backup optimization on;

Guidelines for using RMAN backup optimization

The following guidelines apply to backups that use RMAN backup optimization:
Procedure
l Allocate only one type of channel. Do not mix disk and SBT channels in the same
RMAN backup command.
l Run the crosscheck command periodically to synchronize the RMAN backup
catalog with Avamar backups.
Running the crosscheck command also ensures that RMAN does not skip a backup
that has already expired in Avamar.
l Override RMAN backup optimization by specifying the force option with the RMAN
backup command.
The Oracle documents provide more information about the RMAN backup
optimization feature.

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Specifying before and after flags to increase index lookup speed

The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle uses the avtar --history command to perform index
lookups. This command can sometimes run slowly. To increase the index lookup speed,
you can specify the --before and --after flags with the send command.
The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle runs the avtar --history command for each CLI
backup and for each backup a restore retrieves. When a backup or restore involves
hundreds of backups, the avtar --history command might take hours to run.
The avtar --history command supports two time-range CLI flags:
l The --before flag instructs the avtar process to search only for backups that were
created before the time specified by the --before flag.
l The --after flag instructs the avtar process to search only for backups that were
created after the time specified by the --after flag.
The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle library, libobk_avamar.x, enables you to set the --
before and --after flags for operations that perform an index lookup. The
libobk_avamar.x uses the --before and --after flags to increase index lookup
performance.
Procedure
l Do not set the --before or --after flags for backups. The libobk_avamar.x
automatically sets these flags to the backup start time, which enables the backup
index lookup to search only for backups created after the backup began.
l Set the --before or --after flags for restores with the send command in an
RMAN script. The following RMAN script shows how to set the --before and --
after flags:

connect target user/password@SID;

run {
allocate channel c1 type sbt
PARMS="SBT_LIBRARY=install-dir/lib/libobk_avamar.so";
send '"--after=2014-11-07 00:30:00" "--before=2014-11-11 01:00:00"
"--bindir=install-dir/avamar/bin" "--flagfile=my-avtar-flags.txt"';
restore datafile 4;
release channel c1;

Use the following time format for the --before and --after flags:
YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS

Note

The smaller the time range between the --before and --after flags, the faster the
searches.
l In addition to the --before and --after flags, use the --nohist flag to disable
all index lookups for all operations. Set the --nohist flag with the send command
in an RMAN script:

send '"--nohist" "--bindir=install-dir/avamar/bin"

"--flagfile=my-avtar-flags.txt"';

The --nohist flag does not require a value.

Specifying before and after flags to increase index lookup speed 99

Backup and Restore with Oracle RMAN

Results
When a backup or restore specifies all three flags, the --nohist flag takes precedence.
The --before and --after flags are ignored.

Backing up Oracle data with RMAN

You can use RMAN scripts to back up an Oracle database, a tablespace, or a single
datafile. You can specify an Avamar server or a Data Domain system as the target system
for RMAN backup scripts.
Before you begin
All RMAN backup scripts in the following topics require an avtar flag file. Creating an
avtar flag file on page 94 provides more information.
All Windows paths that you specify with the RMAN send command must use the 8.3
format.

Note

Avamar uses the RMAN interface to perform hot and cold backups. RMAN requires the
Oracle database to be running to perform a hot backup.

Backing up a database
Procedure
1. Open a command shell.

Note

To back up the database by using a database control file instead of a recovery

catalog, start RMAN by using the nocatalog option.

2. Log in to Oracle RMAN by using the Oracle user ID and password.

The command prompt changes to an RMAN prompt.
3. Connect to the Oracle database to back up.
4. Back up the Oracle database by typing RMAN commands similar to the following
commands:

run {
configure controlfile autobackup on;
allocate channel c1 type sbt\
PARMS="SBT_LIBRARY=install-dir/lib/libobk_avamar.so"\
format '%d_%U';
set controlfile autobackup format for device type sbt\
to "CONTROLFILE.%F";
send '"--flagfile=/oracle/my-avtar-flags.txt"\
"--bindir=install-dir/bin"';
backup database plus archivelog;
release channel c1;
}

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where install-dir is the base installation directory for the platform. For example,
specify /usr/local/avamar on Linux, /opt/AVMRclnt on Solaris, C:
\Progra~1\avs\bin on Windows, and so forth.

Backing up a tablespace
The following procedure uses an RMAN script to back up a tablespace to an Avamar
server or a Data Domain system.
An avtar flag file for the RMAN script specified in this procedure contains the following
entries:

--debug
--pidname=Oracle
--pidnum=3002
--logfile=C:\test\rman\bacupdb.log
--vardir=C:\test\rman\var
--id=testuser@/clients/oraw2k864-mc2.bgl-avamar.emc
--password=testuser
--path=/clients/oraw2k864-mc2.bgl-avamar.emc
--server=avamar-1.emc.com

Note

To view the contents of a tablespace backup, use the list backup command. The
list backup command lists all the datafiles and the control file that are part of the
tablespace backup.

Procedure
1. Open a command shell.
2. Log in to Oracle RMAN by using the Oracle user ID and password.
The command prompt changes to an RMAN prompt.
3. Connect to the Oracle database to back up.
4. Back up the Oracle tablespace by typing commands similar to the following RMAN
commands:

run {
configure controlfile autobackup on;
set controlfile autobackup format for device type sbt to
'CONTROLFILE.ANT.%F';
allocate channel c0 type sbt
PARMS="SBT_LIBRARY=c:\PROGRA~1\avs\bin\orasbt64.dll"\
format '%d_%U';
send '"--prefix=11g/ANT/"
"--flagfile=c:\anant\rman\avtar-flags.txt"
"--bindir=c:\PROGRA~1\avs\bin"';
backup tablespace ant_ts;
release channel c0;
}

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Backup and Restore with Oracle RMAN

In the sample script, the database name is ANT and the tablespace name is ant_ts.
The script backs up the tablespace and the database control file by using the
autobackup option.

Backing up a datafile
Procedure
1. Open a command shell.
2. Log in to Oracle RMAN by using the Oracle user ID and password.
The command prompt changes to an RMAN prompt.
3. Connect to the Oracle database to back up.
4. Back up the Oracle datafile by typing RMAN commands similar to the following
commands:

run {
configure controlfile autobackup on;
allocate channel c1 type sbt\
PARMS="SBT_LIBRARY=install-dir/lib/libobk_avamar.so"\
format '%d_%U';
set controlfile autobackup format for device type sbt\
to "CONTROLFILE.%F";
send '"--flagfile=/oracle/my-avtar-flags.txt"\
"--bindir=install-dir/bin"';
backup datafile "MyFile.dbf";
release channel c1;
}

where:
l install-dir is the base installation directory for the platform. For example,
specify /usr/local/avamar on Linux,/opt/AVMRclnt on Solaris, C:
\Progra~1\avs\bin on Windows, and so forth.
l MyFile.dbf is the Oracle datafile to back up.

Restoring Oracle data with RMAN

You can use RMAN scripts to restore an Oracle database, a tablespace, or a single
datafile.
Before you begin
All RMAN backup scripts in the following topics require an avtar flag file. Creating an
avtar flag file on page 94 provides more information.
The Oracle database you select to restore must be offline.

Restoring a database
To restore a database backup, you must specify a value from the control file name.
Backups you perform from RMAN use the format, c.DBID-DATE-SEQ, for the control file

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name. Backups you perform with Avamar Administrator add a prefix to the control file
name.
You can modify the default RMAN format of the control file by passing directives to RMAN
scripts.
Avamar Administrator generates scripts that contain the RMAN directive, %F:

set controlfile autobackup format for device type sbt\

to "CONTROLFILE.%F";

The %F directive combines the DBID, date, and sequence to form the following control file
name:
CONTROLFILE.c.DBID-DATE-SEQ
The sample scripts in this guide assume this format for the control file name.
The control file name contains a prefix when you use a backup that you created with
Avamar Administrator for the restore. You must then add the prefix to the send
command. The prefix must be the first directive. The following send command specifies
“11g/orcl” as the prefix for an Oracle 11g database with a SID of orcl:

send '"--prefix=11g/orcl/" "--flagfile=/oracle/my-avtar-flags.txt"\

"--bindir=install-dir/bin"';

The path that you specify by the --prefix option must contain a trailing slash (/). The
direction of the slash does not change on Windows platforms.
The following procedure uses an RMAN script to restore an Oracle control file and
database.
Procedure
1. Open a command shell.
2. Log in to Oracle RMAN by using the Oracle user ID and password.
The command prompt changes to an RMAN prompt.
3. Connect to the Oracle database to restore.
4. List all available backups by typing the list backup command:
list backup;
5. From the backup to be restored, retrieve the following information from the control
file:
a. Examine the database backup control file name.
b. Note the values for the following variables:
l DATE
l DBID
l SEQ
Use the values of the DATE, DBID, and SEQ variables in the RMAN restore script.
6. Restore the Oracle control file by typing the following RMAN commands:

set dbid=DBID;
set controlfile autobackup format for device type sbt to\
'CONTROLFILE.%F';
run {
allocate channel c1 type sbt\

Restoring a database 103

Backup and Restore with Oracle RMAN

PARMS="SBT_LIBRARY=install-dir/lib/libobk_avamar.so"\
format '%d_%U';
send '"--flagfile=/oracle/my-avtar-flags.txt"\
"--bindir=install-dir/bin"';
restore controlfile from autobackup MAXSEQ=SEQ\
until time = "TO_DATE('DATE','YYYYMMDD')";
startup mount;
release channel c1;
list backup;
}

where:
l DBID is the database ID.
l install-dir is the base installation directory for the platform. For example,
specify /usr/local/avamar on Linux, /opt/AVMRclnt on Solaris, C:
\Progra~1\avs\bin on Windows, and so forth.
l YYYYMMDD is a date.
The restore process copies the control file and puts the database in a mount state. A
list of available database backups and corresponding system change numbers (SCN)
appears in the command shell
7. Locate and note the SCN that corresponds to the backup to use for the recover
process:
l To recover an archive log backup, locate and note the next SCN for the archive log.
l To recover from a database backup, locate and note the SCN for the database.
8. Log out of the RMAN session by typing the following command:
exit
9. Log in to Oracle RMAN by using the Oracle user ID and password.
The command prompt changes to an RMAN prompt.
10.Connect to the Oracle database to restore.
11.Restore the Oracle database by typing the following RMAN commands:

run {
allocate channel c1 type sbt PARMS="SBT_LIBRARY=install-dir\
/lib/libobk_avamar.so" format '%d_%U';
send '"--flagfile=/oracle/my-avtar-flags.txt"\
"--bindir=install-dir/bin"';
set until scn scn;
restore database;
recover database;
release channel c1;
}
alter database open resetlogs;

where:
l scn is the next SCN value (noted in step 7) for the archive log recovery or the SCN
value for the database.
l install-dir is the base installation directory for the platform. For example,
specify /usr/local/avamar on Linux, /opt/AVMRclnt on Solaris, C:
\Progra~1\avs\bin on Windows, and so forth.

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Note

If the restore process fails, you might need to perform manual recovery steps.
ORA-19870: error while restoring backup piece on page 138 provides more
information.

Restoring a tablespace
You can use an RMAN script to restore a tablespace from an Avamar server or a Data
Domain system.
Procedure
1. Open a command shell.
2. Log in to Oracle RMAN by using the Oracle user ID and password.
The command prompt changes to an RMAN prompt.
3. Connect to the Oracle database to restore.
4. Restore the Oracle tablespace by typing the following RMAN commands:

run {
allocate channel c1 type sbt\
PARMS="SBT_LIBRARY=install-dir/lib/libobk_avamar.so"
format '%d_%U';
send '"--flagfile=/oracle/my-avtar-flags.txt"\
"--bindir=install-dir/bin"';
restore tablespace "USERS";
recover tablespace "USERS";
release channel c1;
}

where:
l install-dir is the base installation directory for the platform. For example,
specify /usr/local/avamar on Linux, /opt/AVMRclnt on Solaris, C:
\Progra~1\avs\bin on Windows, and so forth.
l USERS is the tablespace to restore.

Restoring a tablespace to a specific time

You can use RMAN scripts to restore a tablespace to a specific point-in-time. You can
restore a tablespace from an Avamar server or a Data Domain system.
Before you begin
The instructions to recover a tablespace to a specific point-in-time, require one or more of
the following parameters:
l DB ID (database identification number)
l Control file MAXSEQ number
l SCN of the datafiles
l Latest timestamp

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Backup and Restore with Oracle RMAN

Listing information about the backup

Use the list backup command to obtain the parameters you need to recover a
tablespace.
Procedure
1. Open a command shell and type the following set command:
set ORACLE_SID=DB SID

where DB SID is the database system ID (SID).

2. Log in to Oracle RMAN by using the Oracle user ID and password.
The command prompt changes to an RMAN prompt.
3. Connect to the Oracle database.
4. Type the list backup command:
list backup;

The list backup command lists information similar to the following output:

BS Key Type LV Size Device Type Elapsed Time Completion Time

------ ---- -- ----- ----------- ------------ ---------------
173 Full 2.25M SBT_TAPE 00:00:08 07-SEP-14
BP Key: 173 Status: AVAILABLE Compressed: NO Tag: TAG20121007T2323
Handle: ANT_6knn6l37_1_1 Media: avtar007

List of Datafiles in backup set 173

File LV Type Ckp SCN Ckp Time Name
---- -- ---- ------- -------- ------------------------
5 Full 1935412 07-SEP-14 C:\ORCL\ORADATA
\ANT_TS_DF.DBF
6 Full 1935412 07-SEP-14 C:\ORCL\ORADATA
\ANT_TS_DF2.DBF

BS Key Type LV Size Device Type Elapsed Time Completion Time

------ ---- -- ---- ----------- ------------ ---------------
174 Full 9.75M SBT_TAPE 00:00:08 07-SEP-14
BP Key: 174 Status: AVAILABLE Compressed: NO Tag:
TAG20121007T232335
Handle: CONTROLFILE.ANT.c-107988049-20121007-0e Media: avtar007

SPFILE Included: Modification time: 07-SEP-14

SPFILE db_unique_name: ANT
Control File Included: Ckp SCN:1935425 Ckp time: 07-SEP-14

From the list backup command's output, note the values for the DB ID, MAXSEQ,
SCN, and timestamp parameters. For example, the sample output includes the
following parameters values:
l DB ID is 107988049.
l Control file MAXSEQ number is 0e (14 in decimal).
l SCN is 1935412.
l Timestamp is 20121007T232335.
You use these parameters in the tablespace restore script.

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Restoring a tablespace to a specific point-in-time

Procedure
1. Start SQL*Plus.
2. Type the following SQL*Plus command to take the tablespace offline:
alter tablespace tablespace-name offline;

where tablespace-name is the name of the tablespace.

3. Type the following SQL*Plus command to shut down the database:
shutdown immediate
4. Remove the tablespace datafiles and the control file from the oradata directory.
5. Type the following SQL*Plus command to start the Oracle instance in nomount mode:
startup nomount;
6. Run the restore script to restore the control file. Then run the script that restores the
tablespace. For more information about the restore scripts, review the following
sample scripts:
l Sample script to restore the control file on page 107
l Sample script to restore the tablespace by using an SCN on page 107
l Sample script to restore the tablespace by using a timestamp on page 108
7. Run the RMAN recover database command to recover the database:
a. Log in to Oracle RMAN by using the Oracle user ID and password.
The command prompt changes to an RMAN prompt.
b. Connect to the Oracle database to restore.
c. Type the recover database command:
recover database;
8. Run the RMAN command to reset logs and open the database:
alter database open resetlogs;

Sample script to restore the control file

connect target "/";

set dbid=107988049;
run{
set controlfile autobackup format for device type sbt to
'CONTROLFILE.ANT.%F';
allocate channel c0 type sbt\ PARMS="SBT_LIBRARY=c:\PROGRA~1\avs\bin
\orasbt64.dll"format '%d_%U';
send '"--prefix=11g/ANT/" "--flagfile=c:\anant\rman\avtar-flags.txt"
"--bindir=c:\PROGRA~1\avs\bin"';
restore controlfile from autobackup MAXSEQ=14 until
time="TO_DATE('20121007','YYYYMMDD')";
}
startup mount;

Sample script to restore the tablespace by using an SCN

connect target "/";

run {

Restoring a tablespace to a specific time 107

Backup and Restore with Oracle RMAN

allocate channel c0 type sbt PARMS="SBT_LIBRARY=c:\PROGRA~1\avs\bin

\orasbt64.dll" format '%d_%U';
send '"--prefix=11g/ANT/" "--flagfile=c:\anant\rman\avtar-flags.txt"
"--bindir=c:\PROGRA~1\avs\bin"';
set until scn 1935412;
restore tablespace ant_ts;
}

Sample script to restore the tablespace by using a timestamp

connect target "/";
run {
allocate channel c0 type sbt PARMS="SBT_LIBRARY=c:\PROGRA~1\avs\bin
\orasbt64.dll" format '%d_%U';
send '"--prefix=11g/ANT/" "--flagfile=c:\anant\rman\avtar-flags.txt"
"--bindir=c:\PROGRA~1\avs\bin"';
set until time "TO_DATE ('20141007 23:23:35','YYYYMMDD HH24:MI:SS')";
restore tablespace ant_ts;
}

Restoring datafiles
Procedure
1. Open a command shell.
2. Log in to Oracle RMAN by using the Oracle user ID and password.
The command prompt changes to an RMAN prompt.
3. Connect to the Oracle database to restore.
4. Restore the Oracle datafile by typing the following RMAN commands:

run {
allocate channel c1 type sbt\
PARMS="SBT_LIBRARY=install-dir/lib/libobk_avamar.so"\
format '%d_%U';
send '"--flagfile=/oracle/my-avtar-flags.txt"\
"--bindir=install-dir/bin" "--labelnum=num"';
restore datafile "MyFile.dbf";
recover datafile "MyFile.dbf";
release channel c1;
}

where:
l install-dir is the base installation directory for the platform. For example,
specify /usr/local/avamar on Linux, /opt/AVMRclnt on Solaris, C:
\Progra~1\avs\bin on Windows, and so forth.
l num is the backup number from which you want to restore.
l MyFile.dbf is the Oracle datafile you want to restore.

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 Backup and Restore with Oracle RMAN

Using advanced restore commands

You can restore a database by using the recovery catalog. Restore the database to the
original location or to a different client system.
Before you begin
All RMAN restore scripts in the following topics require an avtar flag file. Creating an
avtar flag file on page 94 provides more information.

Using the catalog for backup and restores

Before you begin
To use a catalog for restore, add the connect catalog string after the connect target string.
For example, you can specify the following commands:

connect target user/password@mydb;

connect catalog catuser/catpassword@catalog;

Procedure
1. Open a command shell.
2. Log in to Oracle RMAN by using the Oracle user ID and password.
The command prompt changes to an RMAN prompt.
3. Restore the Oracle database by typing the following RMAN commands:

Connect catalog user/passwd@CATALOG;

run {
allocate channel c1 type sbt\
PARMS="SBT_LIBRARY=install-dir/lib/libobk_avamar.so"\
format '%d_%U';
send '"--flagfile=/oracle/my-avtar-flags.txt"\
"--bindir=install-dir/bin"';
restore database;
recover database;
release channel c1;
}

where:
l user and passwd are the credentials for the recovery catalog (CATALOG).
l install-dir is the base installation directory for the platform. For example,
specify /usr/local/avamar on Linux, /opt/AVMRclnt on Solaris, C:
\Progra~1\avs\bin on Windows, and so forth.

Performing a redirected restore

You can use RMAN to restore Oracle to a different client system. This type of restore is
known as a directed restore.
Before you begin
The system environment must meet the following requirements to restore Oracle to a
different client system:

Using advanced restore commands 109

Backup and Restore with Oracle RMAN

l Both the source and target platforms must be similar types with the same
configuration.
l The version of RMAN on the target platform must be compatible with the version of
RMAN that was used to create the backup.
Procedure
1. Open a command shell.
2. On the target system, create an avtar flag file.
This file is the same as the one described in Creating an avtar flag file on page 94,
except for the --id, --ap, and --path entries, which refer to the original client
system (where the backup was originally performed), not the target system.
3. Save the changes.
4. Log in to Oracle RMAN by using the Oracle user ID and password.
The command prompt changes to an RMAN prompt.
5. Create an empty database on the target system with the same SID as the original
database.
6. Shut down the database and delete all control files, datafiles, logs, and FRA contents
corresponding to the database.
7. Restart the database with the nomount option.
8. Restore the database by using the flag file. Restoring a database on page 102
provides instructions.

Managing backup retention

RMAN supports two types of retention policies: recovery window and redundancy.
The recovery window policy specifies a period of time that begins with the current time
and extends backward in time to the point of recoverability. For example, a recovery
window policy can be seven days. The redundancy policy specifies the number of
backups that are kept for the database. The default retention policy keeps one backup.
As backups accumulate, older backups become obsolete according to the retention
policy. RMAN uses crosscheck and delete operations to manage backups stored on
the Avamar server:
l Crosscheck operations verify that backups on the Avamar server exist. Crosscheck
operations also work for backups created by Avamar Administrator.
l Delete operations remove expired backups from the Avamar server if the backups are
marked as obsolete. Delete operations do not work for backups created by Avamar
Administrator.

Configuring retention policies

To use the crosscheck command to verify backups performed by Avamar
Administrator, you must configure an Avamar retention policy and an RMAN retention
policy.

Configuring an Avamar retention policy

Procedure
1. In Avamar Administrator, select Tools > Manage Retention Policies.

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 Backup and Restore with Oracle RMAN

The Manage All Retention Policies window appears.

2. Click New.
The New Retention Policy dialog box appears.
3. Type a name in the Name field for the retention policy.
Do not use any of the following characters in the retention policy name: ~!@$^%(){}
[]|,`;#\/:*?<>'"&.
4. To configure a basic retention policy, select the appropriate option from the Basic
Retention Policy group box:
l To automatically delete backups after a specific number of days, weeks, months,
or years, select Retention period and specify the number of days, weeks, months,
or years.
l To automatically delete backups on a specific calendar date, select End date and
browse to that date on the calendar.
l To keep backups for as long as a client remains active, select No end date.
5. To configure advanced retention settings:
a. Select Override basic retention policy for scheduled backups.
b. Click Advanced.
The Edit Advanced Retention Policy dialog box appears.
c. Specify the maximum number of daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly backups to
retain.
d. Click OK.
The Edit Advanced Retention Policy dialog box closes.
6. Click OK.
The new retention policy appears in the Manage All Retention Policies dialog box.

Configuring an RMAN retention policy

Procedure
1. Open a command shell.
2. Log in to Oracle RMAN by using the Oracle user ID and password.
The command prompt changes to an RMAN prompt.
3. Connect to the Oracle database.
4. Create a retention policy by using the appropriate command. The following commands
are examples:
CONFIGURE RETENTION POLICY TO REDUNDANCY 2;
CONFIGURE RETENTION POLICY TO RECOVERY WINDOW OF 3 DAYS;

Ensure that the RMAN retention period and the Avamar retention policy are as close as
possible to the same length of time.

Crosschecking backups
The crosscheck command verifies that backups on the Avamar server exist. RMAN
marks the backup as available or expired upon successful completion of this command.

Crosschecking backups 111

Backup and Restore with Oracle RMAN

When the crosscheck command is unable to connect to the Avamar server, the
operation fails.
When you back up a database from Avamar Administrator, the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle
adds a prefix to the name of the backup file. To crosscheck this type of a backup, ensure
that you add the prefix to the avtar flag file. The prefix you specify by the avtar flag file
must match the prefix of the Avamar Administrator backup.
Procedure
1. Open a command shell.
2. Log in to Oracle RMAN by using the Oracle user ID and password.
The command prompt changes to and RMAN prompt.
3. Connect to the Oracle database.
4. Verify a backup by typing the following RMAN commands:

allocate channel for maintenance type sbt

PARMS="SBT_LIBRARY=install-dir/lib/libobk_avamar.so";
send '"--flagfile=/oracle/my-avtar-flags.txt"\
"--bindir=/usr/local/avamar/bin"';
crosscheck backup device type sbt;

where install-dir is the base installation directory for the platform. For example,
specify /usr/local/avamar on Linux, /opt/AVMRclnt on Solaris, C:
\Progra~1\avs\bin on Windows, and so forth.

Deleting backups
To delete backups, the Avamar user account must have the delete privilege. This user
account is the account that corresponds to the --id value in the avtar flag file. When
you run the delete command from an account that does not have the delete privilege,
the avtar program issues a warning, not an error.
Before you begin
The following procedure requires an avtar flag file. Creating an avtar flag file on page 94
provides more information.
To add the delete privilege to the Avamar user account, use the avmgr command:
avmgr chgv --u=name --pv=delete

where name is the name of the user account.

Note

The delete command deletes expired backups from the Avamar server if the backups
are marked as obsolete. Use the delete command only to manage RMAN backups. The
use of the delete command to manage backups originally created by Avamar
Administrator can cause unpredictable system behavior.

Procedure
1. Open a command shell.
2. Log in to Oracle RMAN by using the Oracle user ID and password.
The command prompt changes to an RMAN prompt.

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 Backup and Restore with Oracle RMAN

3. Connect to the Oracle database.

4. Delete an expired backup by typing the following RMAN commands:

run {
allocate channel c1 type sbt
PARMS="SBT_LIBRARY=/install-dir/lib/libobk_avamar.so";
send '"--flagfile=/oracle/my-avtar-flags.txt"\
"--bindir=/usr/local/avamar/bin"';
delete expired backupset;
}

where install-dir is the base installation directory for the platform. For example,
specify /usr/local/avamar on Linux, /opt/AVMRclnt on Solaris, C:
\Progra~1\avs\bin on Windows, and so forth.

Mixing RMAN and Avamar Administrator backups

Do not back up Oracle by using both RMAN and Avamar Administrator. You can, however,
recover backups you create with Avamar Administrator by using RMAN.

Synchronizing the RMAN catalog

You can synchronize the RMAN catalog by using the report obsolete command or
the crosscheck command.
To keep the RMAN catalog synchronized with the Avamar server, use either of the
following methods.
Procedure
l Use the report obsolete command followed by the delete obsolete
command.
RMAN determines which backups have fallen outside of the retention policy, and then
deletes them from its catalog and the Avamar server.
l Use the crosscheck command followed by the delete expired command.
RMAN determines which backups are available on the Avamar server, and then
updates its catalog accordingly.

Allocating multiple channels

An RMAN backup script that specifies multiple channels runs multiple instances of the
avtar program in parallel. The maximum number of channels is 10.
To avoid cache file collisions, specify a separate cache file for each channel including
cases where you only use one channel. The cacheprefix directive determines the
name of the cache file. Use a separate set of cache files for each database.
You might lock out processes by allocating too many channels, which can result in a
time-out error. If a time-out error occurs, retry the operation by using fewer channels.
Create an RMAN script to use multiple channels.
Procedure
1. Disable the file cache by adding the following entry to the avtar flag file:
--enable-filecache=false

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Backup and Restore with Oracle RMAN

2. Create an RMAN script that includes allocate channel commands similar to the
following commands:

allocate channel c0 type sbt

PARMS="SBT_LIBRARY=/usr/local/avamar/lib/libobk_avamar64.so"
format '%d_%U';
allocate channel c1 type sbt
PARMS="SBT_LIBRARY=/usr/local/avamar/lib/libobk_avamar64.so"
format '%d_%U';
allocate channel c2 type sbt
PARMS="SBT_LIBRARY=/usr/local/avamar/lib/libobk_avamar64.so"
format '%d_%U'

3. Repeat the allocate channel command to allocate more channels, if required.

4. Add a send command to the RMAN script for each channel. For example, the
following send commands correspond to the channels specified in step 2.

send channel='c0' '"--flagfile=/oracle/my-avtar-flags.txt"

"--bindir=install-dir/bin" "--cacheprefix=orcl-c0"';
send channel='c1' '"--flagfile=/oracle/my-avtar-flags.txt"
"--bindir=install-dir/bin" "--cacheprefix=orcl-c1"';
send channel='c2' '"--flagfile=/oracle/my-avtar-flags.txt"
"--bindir=install-dir/bin" "--cacheprefix=orcl-c2"';

The script specifies a cacheprefix directive for each channel. If the send
command is split into multiple instances, specify the cacheprefix directive only
once for each channel.
5. Before running an RMAN script that allocates multiple channels, ensure the user
account has permissions to create files in the install-dir/var directory or the
cache files exists and has the correct permissions.

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APPENDIX A
RAC Issues When Not Using Shared Var Directory

This appendix includes the following topics:

l Configuring the plug-in without a shared var directory......................................... 116

l Restoring a backup to the inactive node.............................................................. 117
l Removing the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle configuration.........................................118

RAC Issues When Not Using Shared Var Directory 115

RAC Issues When Not Using Shared Var Directory

Configuring the plug-in without a shared var directory

You can configure the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle for RAC environments that do not use a
shared var directory. When you do not use a shared var directory, you must manually
activate another node when the active node goes down.

Installing the Avamar software

Install the Avamar client software and the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle for the platform on all
nodes.
Installation on page 29 provides instructions.

Running the rac_config script

To configure Oracle RAC on HP-UX, IBM AIX, Linux, or Solaris, you run the rac_config
script on each RAC node. You specify the same scan name or virtual name for each node.
Procedure
1. Log in to one of the RAC nodes as root.
2. Change to the directory that contains the rac_config script.
3. Start the script by typing the following command:
./rac_config

The following output appears in the command shell:

sles11asm2:~ # /usr/local/avamar/bin/rac_config
Enter the path of Oracle Clusterware Home :
4. Type the path for the Oracle Clusterware Home, and then press Enter.
The following output appears in the command shell:
Using ORACLE_HOME : /u01/grid/product/11gR2/crs/
Setting PATH set for Oracle commands
Oracle cluster version 11 R2
Do you want to configure on a cluster shared filesystem?
[y/n] [y]:
5. Type n, and then press Enter.
The following output appears in the command shell:
Not configuring EMCagent as cluster resource... Automatic
failover not available...
Enter the full path of var directory location[]:
6. Type the full path to the var directory, and then press Enter.
The following output appears in the command shell:
Using /home/oracle/lvar1 as var directory location
Make sure the Cluster scan name is same across all nodes.
Enter the cluster scan name [sles11-asmscan.bgl.avamar.emc]:
7. Type the cluster scan name (or the virtual name for Oracle versions 11g R1 and
before), and then press Enter.
The following output appears in the command shell:

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 RAC Issues When Not Using Shared Var Directory

Using sles11-asmscan.bgl.avamar.emc as hostname

8. Repeat steps 2 through 7 for all other RAC nodes.

Registering and activating the Avamar client

After you run the rac_config script on each RAC node, you run the avregister
command on one cluster node. The avregister command registers and activates the
Avamar client with the Avamar server.
Procedure
1. Log in to the first cluster node as root.
2. Change the directory to /usr/local/avamar/ora_rac/bin by typing the
following command:
cd /usr/local/avamar/ora_rac/bin

3. Start the registration script by typing the avregister command:

./avregister

The following output appears in the command shell:

=== Client Registration and Activation
This script will register and activate the client with the
Administrator server.
Enter the Administrator server address (DNS text name or
numeric IP address, DNS name preferred):
4. Type the DNS hostname or IP address of the Administrator server, and then press
Enter.
The following output appears in the command shell:
Enter the Avamar server domain [clients]:
5. Press Enter to accept the default domain, or type the appropriate domain name, and
then press Enter.
The registration process runs to completion.
Results
The registration and configuration is complete. You can now back up and restore this
node’s RAC databases. Backup on page 63 and Restore and Recovery on page 77 provide
more information.

Restoring a backup to the inactive node

To restore a backup to an inactive node in the RAC configuration, you deactivate the
active node by using Avamar Administrator. Then you run the avregister command on
the inactive node. The avregister command registers and activates the Avamar client
with the Avamar server.

Deactivating the active node

Procedure
1. Log in to the active node.

Registering and activating the Avamar client 117

RAC Issues When Not Using Shared Var Directory

2. Change the directory to /usr/local/avamar/ora_rac/var by typing the

following command:
cd /usr/local/avamar/ora_rac/var
3. Run the deactivate.sh script by typing the following command:
./deactivate.sh

The script runs to completion.

Registering and activating the inactive node

Procedure
1. Log in to the inactive node as root.
2. Change the directory to /usr/local/avamar/ora_rac/bin by typing the
following command:
cd /usr/local/avamar/ora_rac/bin
3. Start the registration script by typing the avregister command:
./avregister

The following output appears in the command shell:

=== Client Registration and Activation
This script will register and activate the client with the
Administrator server.
Enter the Administrator server address (DNS text name
or numeric IP address, DNS name preferred):
4. Type the DNS hostname or IP address of the Administrator server, and then press
Enter.
The following output appears in the command shell:
Enter the Avamar server domain [clients]:
5. Type the same domain name that you specified for the first cluster node, and then
press Enter.
The registration process runs to completion.
6. Restore the backup. Restore and Recovery on page 77 provides instructions.

Removing the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle configuration

The rac_deconfig script removes the Oracle RAC configuration from the active and
inactive nodes. After you run the rac_deconfig script, you uninstall the Avamar Plug-
in for Oracle.

Removing the plug-in from the active node

Procedure
1. Log in to the active node as root.
2. Change the directory to /usr/local/avamar/bin by typing the following
command:
cd /usr/local/avamar/bin

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 RAC Issues When Not Using Shared Var Directory

3. Run the rac_deconfig script by typing the following command:

./rac_deconfig

The following output appears in the command shell:

. avagent.d Info: Stopping Avamar Client Agent (avagent)...
avagent.d Info:
Client Agent stopped.
avagent.d Info: Client Agent not running.
[PASSED]
4. Uninstall the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle. Installation on page 29 provides specific
uninstall instructions for each Linux or UNIX operating system.

Removing the plug-in from the inactive node

Procedure
1. Log in to the inactive node as root.
2. Change the directory to /usr/local/avamar/bin by typing the following
command:
cd /usr/local/avamar/bin

3. Run the rac_deconfig script by typing the following command:

./rac_deconfig

The following output appears in the command shell:

avagent.d Info: Client Agent not running
[PASSED]
4. Uninstall the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle. Installation on page 29 provides specific
instructions for each operating system.

Removing the plug-in from the inactive node 119

RAC Issues When Not Using Shared Var Directory

120 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

APPENDIX B
Plug-in Options

This appendix includes the following topics:

l How to set plug-in options...................................................................................122

l Backup options................................................................................................... 122
l Restore options...................................................................................................125
l Preprocessing and postprocessing scripts and attributes.................................... 128

Plug-in Options 121

Plug-in Options

How to set plug-in options

Plug-in options enable you to control specific actions for on-demand backups, restores,
and scheduled backups. The plug-in options that are available depend on the operation
type and client plug-in type.
You specify plug-in options in Avamar Administrator for on-demand backup or restore
operations, or when you create a dataset for a scheduled backup. You set plug-in options
with the graphical user interface (GUI) controls (text boxes, checkboxes, and radio
buttons, and so forth). In addition to using the GUI controls for the options, you can type
an option and its value in the Enter Attribute and Enter Attribute Value fields.

NOTICE

The Avamar software does not check or validate the information that you type in the Enter
Attribute and Enter Attribute Value fields. In addition, the values in the Enter Attribute
and Enter Attribute Value fields override settings that you specify with the GUI controls
for the options.

Detailed instructions on how to access and set plug-in options during a backup or restore
are available in Backup on page 63 and Restore and Recovery on page 77.

Backup options
Backup plug-in options enable you to control backup functionality that is specific to the
Avamar Plug-in for Oracle. You can specify plug-in options for on-demand and scheduled
backups.
The following table lists options that are available for the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle when
you perform an on-demand backup or when you configure dataset for scheduled
backups.

Table 4 Backup plug-in options

Option Description
Oracle Instance Name Leave this field blank. The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle determines the Oracle instance name when
you browse and select a target to back up.

Username Specifies the username that is used to authenticate the Oracle database. Username and
password comprise a connection string to Oracle. The connection string must specify a user that
has backup privileges for the database.
If left blank, RMAN tries to log in with the same username and password that the Avamar client
agent uses and attempts to assume SYSDBA privileges.

Typically, this field should contain the special account name (backupuser). Creating the Oracle
user account on page 64 provides more information.

Password Specifies the password for the username account.

Number of RMAN Channels Specifies the number of channels to allocate during a backup or restore. The maximum number
is 10. The default is 1. This option impacts the number of streams that Data Domain systems
use. The formula that determines the number of streams is:
NUMBER OF RMAN CHANNELS x NUMBER OF DATA DOMAIN STREAMS.

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 Plug-in Options

Table 4 Backup plug-in options (continued)

Option Description

Note

The number of Data Domain streams is set when you add a Data Domain system to the Avamar
configuration.

Note

Allocating multiple channels for backups and restores can improve performance. Performance
improvements for backups and restores, however, depend on the Oracle server configuration.

In some instances, allocating too many channels can lock out processes, which can result in a
time-out error. This problem does not occur when using RMAN scripts.

Back up database Backs up the Oracle database. You can use this option by itself or with the Backup archive
logs option.
Back up archive logs Backs up Oracle archive logs. You can use this option by itself or with the Back up database
option.

Note

The backup process does not use Incremental Backup options if you select only the Back up
archive logs option.

Delete archive logs after backup Automatically deletes Oracle archive logs after a successful database backup.

Media Management Library Specifies Media Management Library (MML) bitwidth. Select an option:
Bitwidth
l Automatic (default)
l 32-bit
l 64-bit
If the application bitness and OS bitness are not the same, select the appropriate setting from
the Media Management Library Bitwidth list. If the application bitness and OS bitness are
the same, leave the Media Management Library Bitwidth set to Automatic.

Note

The Media Management Library Bitwidth option is available for Linux and UNIX Oracle
RMAN plug-ins. This option does not apply to Windows platforms.

Exit a multiple target backup Prevents a multiple target backup from continuing after one of the backups fails.
when any one backup fails

Enable debugging messages Writes maximum information to log files. Use with caution.
(advanced option)

NLS_DATE_FORMAT (advanced Specifies a valid timestamp format for the target machine. For example: mm/dd/yyyy.
option)

Enhanced Data Deduplication Enables or disables data compression. During backups, enhanced data deduplication can
(advanced option) reduce the amount of client data that is sent to the server, but might require additional client
CPU resources. Select an option:
l Select Default to use the global data compression setting already set on the server. This is
the default setting.

Backup options 123

Plug-in Options

Table 4 Backup plug-in options (continued)

Option Description

l Select Disabled to back up the datafiles without using compression.

l Select Enabled to use enhanced data deduplication for the backup.

Full backup Backs up all datafiles, redo logs, and archive logs. Full backups do not use the Block Change
Tracking option. This option is the default.

Level 0 backup Performs a level 0 backup. Level 0 backups back up all datafiles, redo logs, and archive logs.
You must perform a level 0 backup before you perform a level 1 backup.

Level 1 differential backup Backs up all database blocks that have changed since the most recent level 1 or level 0 backup.
You must perform a level 0 backup before you perform a level 1 backup. Selecting the Level 1
backup option before you create a level 0 backup results in a level 0 backup.

Level 1 cumulative backup Backs up all database blocks that have changed since the most recent level 0 backup.

Use recovery catalog Select this option to use the values in the Recovery Catalog Server Name, Recovery
Catalog Username, and Recovery Catalog Password fields to form a recovery catalog server
connection string for RMAN. Using a recovery catalog server enables you to use specialized
features of RMAN. A thorough discussion of these features is beyond the scope of this guide.
The Oracle documentation provides more information.

Recovery Catalog Server Name Specifies the recovery catalog server name.

Recovery Catalog Username Specifies the recovery catalog username.

Recovery Catalog Password Specifies the recovery catalog password.

Run user-defined script at Specifies the name of a script that runs at the beginning of the backup. The preprocessing script
beginning of backup (advanced must be in the /avamar/etc/scripts directory on the client.
option)

Exit backup if script fails Stops processing the script when the script returns a non-zero status code.
(advanced option)

Run user-defined script at end of Specifies the name of a script that runs at the end the backup. The postprocessing script must
backup (advanced option) be in the /avamar/etc/scripts directory on the client.

Exit process with script failure Exits the script with an exitcode from the script rather than with the standard avoracle
exitcode (advanced option) exitcode.

Filesperset Specifies the number of files that RMAN can include in each backup set. The default is 1.

Store backup on Data Domain Backs up the data to the Data Domain system rather than to the Avamar server. Select the
system checkbox, and then choose a Data Domain system from the list.

Encryption method to Data Specifies the encryption method for data transfer between the client and the Data Domain
Domain system system during the backup.

Show Advanced Options Displays advanced options.

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 Plug-in Options

Specifying the channel_maxopenfiles option as normal text

The MAXOPENFILES parameter defines the number of files that RMAN can read and write
simultaneously in each backup piece per channel. You can specify RMAN parameters for
backups in Avamar Administrator by using avoracle flags in the avoracle.cmd file.
To modify the MAXOPENFILES value, specify the --channel_maxopenfiles flag in
the avoracle.cmd file:
--channel_maxopenfiles=value

Tune the MAXOPENFILES value appropriately for the databases and hardware
configuration. Specify the MAXOPENFILES value in the Backup Command Line Options
dialog box.
Procedure
1. From the Backup Command Line Options dialog box, click More.
The dialog box expands to display the Enter Attribute and Enter Attribute Value fields.
2. Type the [avoracle]channel_maxopenfiles option in the Enter Attribute field.
3. Type the number of files in the Enter Attribute Value field.
4. Click +.
The option and value appear in the box below the + and - buttons.

Restore options
Restore plug-in options enable you to control restore functionality that is specific to the
Avamar Plug-in for Oracle. You set restore options from the Restore Command Line
Options dialog box.
The following table lists options for restore operations with the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle.

Table 5 Restore plug-in options

Option Description
Oracle Instance Name Leave this field blank. The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle determines the Oracle instance name when
you browse and select a target to restore.

Username Specifies the username that is used to authenticate the Oracle database. Username and
password comprise a connection string to Oracle. The connection string must specify a user that
has backup privileges for the database.
If left blank, RMAN tries to log in with the same username and password that the Avamar client
agent is running under, and attempts to assume SYSDBA privileges.
Typically, this field should contain the special account name (backupuser), Creating the Oracle
user account on page 64 provides more information.

Password Specifies the password for the username account.

Media Management Library Specifies Media Management Library (MML) bitwidth. Choices are:
Bitwidth
l Automatic (default)
l 32-bit
l 64-bit

Specifying the channel_maxopenfiles option as normal text 125

Plug-in Options

Table 5 Restore plug-in options (continued)

Option Description
If the application bitness and OS bitness are not the same, select the appropriate setting from
the Media Management Library Bitwidth list. If the application bitness and OS bitness are the
same, leave the Media Management Library Bitwidth set to the Automatic.

Note

The Media Management Library Bitwidth option is available for Linux and UNIX Oracle RMAN
plug-ins. This option does not apply to Windows platforms.

Number of RMAN Channels Specifies the number of channels to allocate during a backup or restore. The maximum number
is 10. The default is 1. This option impacts the number of streams that Data Domain systems
use. The formula that determines the number of streams is: NUMBER OF RMAN CHANNELS x
NUMBER OF DATA DOMAIN STREAMS.

Note

The number of Data Domain streams is set when you add a Data Domain system to the Avamar
configuration.

Note

Allocating multiple channels for backups and restores can improve performance. Performance
improvements for backups and restores, however, depend on the Oracle server configuration.

In some instances, allocating too many channels might lock out processes, which can result in a
time-out error. This problem does not occur when using RMAN scripts.

Exit a multiple target restore Prevents a multiple target restore from continuing after one of the backups fails.
when any one restore fails

Enable debugging messages Writes maximum information to log files. Use with caution.
(advanced option)

NLS_DATE_FORMAT (advanced Specifies a valid timestamp format for the target machine. For example: mm/dd/yyyy.
option)

Encryption method from Data Specifies the encryption method for data transfer between the Data Domain system and the
Domain system client during the restore.

Point-in-Time (PIT) Enables a point-in-time recovery. Do not specify a point-in-time option if you selected multiple
databases for the restore. Before using a point-in-time recovery option, ensure that relevant
backups are available on the Avamar server. The recovery operation fails if a backup has expired
or has been deleted from the Avamar server.

Flashback Database (FRA) Enables a flashback restore.

Corrupt blocks (advanced Recovers corrupt blocks only, and not the entire database. To use the Corrupt blocks only
option) option, you must set the DB_BLOCK_CHECKSUM initialization parameter to TYPICAL for the
Oracle database. The database must be in a mounted or open state.

Validate database (advanced Validates the database only if the option is selected during a corrupt blocks recovery
option)

Recovery mode Lists recovery modes for the Point-in-Time (PIT) and Flashback Database (FRA) recovery
types. Select an option from the Recovery mode list. Recovery modes and values on page 127
provides more information.

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Table 5 Restore plug-in options (continued)

Option Description
Recovery value Specifies the SCN, log sequence number, or timestamp, depending on which recovery mode is
selected.

Open the database with Select this option to open the database after the recovery. Clear this option to enable a roll-
resetlogs after recovery forward operation to recover the database with archive log transactions.

Run user-defined script at Specifies the name of a script that runs at the beginning of the restore. The preprocessing script
beginning of restore (advanced must be in the /avamar/etc/scripts directory on the client.
option)

Exit restore if script fails Stops processing the script when the script returns a non-zero status code.
(advanced option)

Run user-defined script at end Specifies the name of a script that runs at the end of the restore. The postprocessing script must
of restore (advanced option) be in the /avamar/etc/scripts directory on the client.

Exit process with script failure Exits the script with an exitcode from the script rather than with the standard avoracle
exitcode (advanced option) exitcode.

Show Advanced Options Displays advanced options.

Recovery modes and values

The Point-in-Time (PIT) and Flashback Database (FRA) recovery types share recovery
mode options.
The following table describes the recovery mode options and shows the relation each
option has to each recovery type.

Table 6 Recovery mode options

Recovery mode Recovery value Point-in- Flashback

options Time Database
(PIT) (FRA)
Backup Time (PIT Recovers the database to the most recent SCN. The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle X
only) automatically determines the SCN from the control file.

SCN Recovers the database to the specified SCN: X X

l To recover an archive log backup, type the next SCN for the archive log.
l To recover only from a database backup, type the SCN for the database.
Type the SCN in the Recovery value field.

Log Sequence Recovers the database to the specified log sequence number. Specify the log X X
sequence number in the Recovery value field.

Time Stamp Recovers the database to the specified timestamp. The timestamp format must X X
conform to the localization settings on the target machine and locale
configuration setting for the Oracle server.

Restore Point Recovers the database to the SCN associated with the specified restore point. X X
The restore point can be an ordinary restore point or a guaranteed restore point.

Recovery modes and values 127

Plug-in Options

Table 6 Recovery mode options (continued)

Recovery mode Recovery value Point-in- Flashback

options Time Database
(PIT) (FRA)
Before SCN (FRA Recovers the database to its state just before the specified SCN. Any changes at X
only) an SCN lower than that specified are applied. If there is a change associated
with the specified SCN, it is not applied.

Before Log Specifies a redo log sequence number and thread as an upper limit. RMAN X
Sequence (FRA applies changes up to (but not including) the last change in the log with the
only) specified sequence and thread number.

Before Resetlogs Recovers the database to its state including all changes up to the SCN of the X
(FRA only) most recent OPEN RESETLOGS.

Before Time Stamp Recovers the database to its state including all changes up to but not including X
(FRA only) changes at the specified time.

Timestamp order of precedence rules

The timestamp order of precedence rules from highest to lowest are:
l Highest—A timestamp format specified by the NLS_DATE_FORMAT field (advanced
option).
l Lower—A timestamp format specified by the NLS_DATE_FORMAT variable in
environment settings.
l Lowest—The built-in default timestamp format uses american_america.us7asci.
The format is MM DD YYYY HH24:MI:SS:
l MM is a two-digit month.
l DD is a two-digit day of the month.
l YYYY is a four-digit year.
l HH24 is the hour using a 24-hour format.
l MI is minutes.
l SS is seconds.

Preprocessing and postprocessing scripts and attributes

Preprocessing and postprocessing scripts are user-written shell scripts that you can run
from Avamar Administrator when you perform backup and restore operations. You specify
preprocessing or postprocessing scripts and attributes in the Backup Command Line
Options dialog box or the Restore Command Line Options dialog box.
To specify preprocessing or postprocessing scripts, select Show Advanced Options in
either of the two dialog boxes.
1. From the Backup Command Line Options or Restore Command Line Options dialog
box, select Show Advanced Options.
2. Click More.
The Enter Attribute and Enter Attribute Value fields appear.

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The following table describes the attributes that you specify in the Enter Attribute and
Enter Attributes Value fields.

Table 7 Preprocessing and postprocessing attributes

Attribute Description
run_at_start=script_name Specifies a script to run before a backup or restore operation. The user interface
includes the Run user-defined script at beginning of backup and Run user-
defined script at beginning of restore fields for this attribute.
run_at_start_clause=flags Specifies flags to use with the run_at_start script.

run_at_end=script_name Specifies a script to run after a backup or restore operation. The user interface
includes the Run user-defined script at end of backup and Run user-defined
script at end of restore fields for this attribute.
run_at_end_clause=flags Specifies flags to use with the run_at_end script.

run_before_database=script_name Specifies a script to run before a database backup or restore operation. When you
specify multiple targets, the script runs for each database operation.

run_before_database_clause=flags Specifies flags to use with the run_before_database script.

run_after_database=script_name Specifies a script to run after a database backup or restore operation. When you
specify multiple targets, the script runs for each database operation.

run_after_database_clause=flags Specifies flags to use with the run_after_database script.

The following table describes flags that you specify for run_at_start_clause,
run_at_end_clause, run_before_database_clause, and
run_after_database_clause attributes.

Table 8 Attribute flags

Flag Description Usage Default value

desc Specifies a description for the script. desc=text string Type of script being
executed.
env Specifies an environment variable to env=variable_name=value None
use.
exit_on_error Set to true to exit the process if the exit_on_error=true False
preprocessing or postprocessing
script fails.
skip_on_error Set to true to skip the next backup skip_on_error=true False
or restore component. The
skip_on_error flag clause is
valid only with the
run_before_database
attribute.

use_cscript (Windows Set to true to run the script with use_cscript=true False
only) Microsoft cscript.exe.

use_cscript_raw Set to true to run the script with use_cscript_raw=true False

(Windows only) Microsoft cscript.exe/nologo.

Preprocessing and postprocessing scripts and attributes 129

Plug-in Options

Table 8 Attribute flags (continued)

Flag Description Usage Default value

timeout_seconds Specifies the number of seconds a timeout_seconds=num 1 hour (60 * 60
script has to complete before the seconds)
plug-in considers the script as failed.
The plug-in then terminates the
script.
create_stdout_pipe Creates a stdout pipe for the script create_stdout_pipe=true True
and sends output to the avoracle
log file.
create_stderr_pipe Creates a stderr pipe for the script create_stderr_pipe=true True
and sends output to the avoracle
log file.
stringlist_args Set to false (default value) to split stringlist_args=true False
the specified argument’s string into
separate arguments. Set to true to
use each argument’s string as a
separate argument to the script.

Example of
stringlist_args=false:
[avoracle]run_at_start=scr
ipt.bat First Second Third

The plug-in passes First, Second,

and Third as three command line
parameters to script.bat.

Example of
stringlist_args=true:
[avoracle]run_at_start=scr
ipt.bat First Second Third

The plug-in considers the script as a

single file name. The arguments are
not split. To pass arguments the
correct way, use commas:
[avoracle]run_at_start=scr
ipt.bat,First,Second,Third

Preprocessing and postprocessing usage examples

The following examples show how to specify preprocessing and postprocessing
attributes in Avamar Administrator.

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Running a preprocessing script before the backup

The Run user-defined script at beginning of backup field specifies a script that runs
before the backup. Specifying a script in this field is equivalent to specifying a script with
the run_at_start attribute.
To pass flags to a preprocessing script requires you to type attributes and values in the
Enter Attribute and Enter Attribute Value fields. For example, the following procedure
specifies attributes and flags that provide a description for the preprocessing script and a
time-out of 60 seconds.
Procedure
1. From the Backup Command Line Options dialog box, select Show Advanced Options.
2. Type the name of the script in the Run user-defined script at beginning of backup
field. This example uses Avamar.bat for the script:
Avamar.bat

3. Type the following text after the name of the script:

First Second

First and Second correspond to the attributes and flags you pass to the script.
The field now contains the following text:
Avamar.bat First Second

Note

To pass a third attribute and flag, you append Third to the text string.

4. Click More.
The Enter Attribute and Enter Attribute Value fields appear.
5. Type the run_at_start_clause attribute in the Enter Attribute field:
[avoracle]run_at_start_clause

You precede all attributes with [avoracle].

6. Type the desc flag and value in the Enter Attribute Value field:
desc=”Avamar Pre Script”

Enclose the text string in quotation marks.

7. Click +.
8. Type the run_at_start_clause attribute in the Enter Attribute field:
[avoracle]run_at_start_clause

9. Type the timeout_seconds flag and value in the Enter Attribute Value field:
timeout_seconds=60

10.Click +.
The run_at_start_clause attributes and flags appear in the box below the + and
- buttons.

Preprocessing and postprocessing usage examples 131

Plug-in Options

11.Clear the Exit backup if script fails option to enable the backup to proceed if the script
fails.

Running a postprocessing script after the backup

The Run user-defined script at end of backup field specifies a script that runs after the
backup. Specifying a script in this field is equivalent to specifying a script with the
run_at_end attribute.
The instructions for running a run_at_end script are the same as Running a
preprocessing script before the backup on page 131.

Running a postprocessing script after each database backup

To run a postprocessing script after each backup requires you to type attributes and
values in the Enter Attribute and Enter Attribute Value fields. For this type of operation
you leave the Run user-defined script at end of backup field blank.
This procedure adds attributes and flags that run the dbpostscript.bat script after a
database backup, sets the time-out to 200 seconds, specifies a description, and
prevents the script’s output from being written to the log file.
Procedure
1. From the Backup Command Line Options dialog box, select Show Advanced Options.
2. Click More.
The Enter Attribute and Enter Attribute Value fields appear.
3. Type the run_after_database attribute in the Enter Attribute field:
[avoracle]run_after_database

4. Type the script name, first, second, and third in the Enter Attribute Value field:
dbpostscript.bat first second third

5. Click +.

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6. Type the run_after_database_clause attribute in the Enter Attribute field:

[avoracle]run_after_database_clause

7. Type the desc flag and value in the Enter Attribute Value field:
desc=”Avamar post script after database”

8. Click +.
9. Type the run_after_database_clause attribute in the Enter Attribute field:
[avoracle]run_after_database_clause

10.Type the timeout_seconds flag and value in the Enter Attribute Value field:
timeout_seconds=200

11.Click +.
12.Type the run_after_database_clause attribute in the Enter Attribute field:
[avoracle]run_after_database_clause

13.Type the create_stdout_pipe flag and value in the Enter Attribute Value field:
create_stdout_pipe=false

14.Click +.
The attributes and flags appear in the box below the + and - buttons.

Note

You do not need to specify the exit_on_error flag, because it is set to false by
default.

Preprocessing and postprocessing usage examples 133

Plug-in Options

134 EMC Avamar 7.1 for Oracle User Guide

APPENDIX C
Troubleshooting

This appendix includes the following topics:

l Backup and restore problems and solutions........................................................136

l Configuration problems and solutions.................................................................143

Troubleshooting 135
Troubleshooting

Backup and restore problems and solutions

You can resolve common backup and restore problems with the following
troubleshooting information.

avoracle Error <7936>: No valid targets found

A database restore fails with the following error:
avoracle Error <7936>: No valid targets found. Aborting the
operation

To work around this problem, increase the snapupbrowsetimeoutsecs option in

Avamar Administrator:
1. From the Restore Command Line Options dialog box, click the More button.
The dialog box expands to display the Enter Attribute and Enter Attribute Value
fields.
2. Type the [avoracle]snapupbrowsetimeoutsecs option in the Enter Attribute
field.
3. Type the number of seconds in the Enter Attribute Value field.
4. Click +.
The option and value appear in the box below the + and - buttons.
5. Restart the restore.

Backups fail when backup copies is set to more than 1

In RMAN you can use the BACKUP ... COPIES command to make identical copies of
backups. This ability to make copies is also known as backup duplexing.
If you configure backup copies to be more than 1 in RMAN, backups you perform with the
Avamar Plug-in for Oracle fail. For example, the following RMAN command sets backup
copies to 3:

CONFIGURE ARCHIVELOG BACKUP COPIES FOR DEVICE TYPE SBT_TAPE TO 3;

Backups that you run from Avamar Administrator or RMAN scripts that you run from the
command line fail after setting backup copies to 3:
l For backups from Avamar Administrator, an error message similar to the following
error appears in the sbtio.log:

error 7501: Could not connect to avoracle

l For backups from the RMAN command line, an error message similar to the following
error appears in the avtar log file:

avtar Error <5064>: Cannot open file cache_filename

The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle does not support the RMAN backup copies feature.
To prevent this backup failure, do not configure backup copies to be more than 1. The
Oracle RMAN documentation provides more information about the backup copies feature.

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Note

To further protect the Oracle data beyond performing regular backups, consider using
Avamar replication. The EMC Avamar Administration Guide provides more information
about the Avamar replication feature.

Backups unavailable after registering secondary RAC node

Backups are unavailable after the following occurs:
l The Avamar var directory is accidentally deleted.
l You registered the secondary RAC node with a virtual hostname other than the
original virtual hostname.
This problem applies only to Oracle 11g R1.
To prevent this problem, register the secondary node by using the original virtual
hostname.

Cannot open file f_cache.dat error

The Avamar activity.log file contains avtar errors similar to the following:

avtar Info <8650>: Opening cache file /usr/local/avamar/var/

f_cache2.dat
avtar Error <5064>: Cannot open file "/usr/local/avamar/var/
f_cache2.dat"
avtar Error <0000>: Invalid cache file header for /usr/local/
avamar/var/f_cache2.dat, clearing the cache
avtar Info <5065>: Creating new paging cache file /usr/local/
avamar/var/f_cache2.dat
avtar Error <5803>: Error writing 32-byte header to cache
file /usr/local/avamar/var/f_cache2.dat.

These errors occur if the specified var directory does not have sufficient permissions for
the Oracle user. The Oracle user requires read, write, and execute permissions for the
var directory.
Specify the /var/avamar/clientlogs directory for backups that you perform from
the RMAN CLI.
Backups with Avamar Administrator automatically access the cache files from the /var/
clientlogs directory.

Cannot Sync error

If an RMAN session stops responding and a Cannot Sync message appears, try
restarting RMAN by using svrmgr.

Hot backup fails with Oracle not available error

The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle uses Oracle RMAN for a hot backup. Oracle RMAN requires
the Oracle database to be running for a hot backup.
If the database is not running, a hot backup will fail. Oracle RMAN then returns the
following error:
Oracle not available

Backups unavailable after registering secondary RAC node 137

Troubleshooting

To start the Oracle database before a hot backup, use SQL*Plus:

1. Connect to the Oracle database by typing the following command:
sqlplus "/as sysdba"
2. Start the Oracle database by typing the following command:
startup;

The startup process displays status information about the Oracle instance.
ORACLE instance started.
Total System Global Area1 023410176 bytes
Fixed Size 1223224 bytes
Variable Size 234882504 bytes
Database Buffers 784334848 bytes
Redo Buffers 2969600 bytes
Database mounted

Level-1 backup of a large database fails with a snapview timeout

A level-1 backup of a large (300 GB) database that you perform from Avamar
Administrator fails with a snapview timeout. This issue is specific to Windows.
The log file contains the following error messages:
2014-04-03 16:04:26 avoracle Error <7011>: Unable to
successfully process snapview workorder because of timeout on
wait for snapview workorder MOD-1364973477725#0 (pid:3002-
Oracle).
Please increase subprocess timeout using
--[avoracle]subprocesstimeoutsecs option and try again.
2014-04-03 16:04:26 avoracle Info <7271>: Final summary
generated subwork 1, cancelled/aborted 0, snapview 24,
exitcode 0

To work around this issue, set the --[avoracle]subprocesstimeoutsecs option

to 350:
1. In the Backup Command Line Options dialog box, click More.
The dialog box expands to display the Enter Attribute and Enter Attribute Value
fields.
2. Type --[avoracle]subprocesstimeoutsecs in the Enter Attribute field.
3. Type 350 in the Enter Attribute Value field.
4. Click +.
5. Click OK.

ORA-19870: error while restoring backup piece

The restore of a database that contains datafiles that uses the UTF-8 character set fails
with the following error messages:
channel c0: ORA-19870: error while restoring backup piece

ORCL_0vnahoeh_1_1ORA-19504: failed to create file

"/home/oracle/app/oracle/oradata/orcl/home/oracle/app/oracle/
product/11.2.0/dbhome_1/home/oracle/app/oracle/product/11.2.0/
dbhome_1/home/oracle/app/oracle/product/11.2.0/dbhome_1.dbf"

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 Troubleshooting

ORA-27040: file create error, unable to create file

Solaris-AMD64 Error: 2: No such file or directory failover to

previous backup released channel: c0

RMAN-00571: =======================================
RMAN-00569: ===== ERROR MESSAGE STACK FOLLOWS =====
RMAN-00571: =======================================
RMAN-03002: failure of restore command at 05/09/2014 10:01:35
RMAN-06026: some targets not found - aborting restore
RMAN-06023: no backup or copy of datafile 3 found to restore
RMAN-06023: no backup or copy of datafile 2 found to restore
RMAN-06023: no backup or copy of datafile 1 found to restore

Oracle requires you to set the NLS_LANG environment variable to the correct language,
territory, and character set when the following configuration settings are true:
l The operating system is in a locale other than English.
l The database contains datafiles that use the UTF-8 character set.

ORA-25153: Temporary Tablespace is Empty

If you encounter a ORA-25153 Temporary Tablespace is Empty message, you
must manually re-create the temporary tablespace.
The Oracle Database Backup and Recovery Advanced User's Guide provides more
information about creating tablespaces.

ORA-27211: Failed to load Media Management Library

While backing up or restoring from either Avamar Administrator or the command line,
RMAN fails to load the Media Management Library. In both cases, RMAN writes output
similar to the following in the log file:
RMAN-00571: ==================================================
RMAN-00569: ========== ERROR MESSAGE STACK FOLLOWS ===========
RMAN-00571: ==================================================
RMAN-03009: failure of allocate command on c1 channel at
2014-9-4 20:27:34
ORA-19554: error allocating device, device type: SBT_TAPE,
device name: ORA-27211: Failed to load Media Management Library
Additional information: 25
Recovery Manager complete.

Restore fails to complete successfully

In rare situations, the restore process for a full database fails to complete successfully
because of the internal state of the database when the backup occurred. When this
happens, additional manual recovery steps can be necessary.
To restore a database after an unsuccessful restore attempt:
1. Restore the control file. Restoring Oracle data with RMAN on page 102 provides more
information.
2. Note the system change number (SCN) that corresponds to the backups that you
need to restore.

ORA-25153: Temporary Tablespace is Empty 139

Troubleshooting

3. Log in to Oracle RMAN by using the Oracle user ID and password.

4. Connect to the Oracle database to restore.
5. Type the following commands:

allocate channel c1 type sbt PARMS="SBT_LIBRARY=install-dir\

/lib/libobk_avamar.so" format '%d_%U';
send '"--flagfile=/oracle/my-avtar-flags.txt"\
"--bindir=install-dir/bin"';
restore database;
restore archivelog until scn scn;
release channel c1;
}

where:
l install-dir is the base installation directory for the platform (for example, /usr/
local/avamar on Linux, /opt/AVMRclnt on Solaris, and C:\Program
Files\avs\bin on Windows).
l scn is an SCN value noted in step 2 on page 139.
6. Use Oracle documentation to perform other necessary recovery steps.

RMAN backup script fails with media management errors

An RMAN script that you create from the Schedule Backup page in the Oracle Enterprise
Manager does not include the RMAN send command. For example, the following script
was generated by using the Oracle Enterprise Manager user interface:
run {
allocate channel oem_sbt_bkup1 type 'SBT_TAPE' format '%U'
parms
'"SBT_LIBRARY=/usr/local/avamar/lib/libobk_avamar64.so"';
backup incremental level 1 cumulative database;
backup archivelog all not backed up;
}
allocate channel for maintenance device type 'SBT_TAPE' parms
'"SBT_LIBRARY=/usr/local/avamar/lib/libobk_avamar64.so"';
delete noprompt obsolete recovery window of 31 days device type
'SBT_TAPE';

The script is missing the RMAN send command.

To work around this problem, use the Edit RMAN Script button from the Oracle Enterprise
Manager to add the appropriate RMAN send command. Backup and Restore with Oracle
RMAN on page 93 provides more information about creating RMAN scripts.

RMAN backup script fails with ORA-19511

An RMAN script that backs up Oracle fails with ORA-19511. RMAN writes output similar to
the following to the log file:
RMAN-00571: ===================================================
RMAN-00569: =========== ERROR MESSAGE STACK FOLLOWS ===========
RMAN-00571: ===================================================
RMAN-03009: failure of backup command on ORA_SBT_TAPE_1 channel
at 2014-9-4 16:02:37

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 Troubleshooting

ORA-19506: failed to create sequential file,

name="06jtv7ks_1_1", parms=""
ORA-27028: skgfqcre: sbtbackup returned error
ORA-19511: Error received from media manager layer, error text:
sbtbackup: avtar exited, trying to create 06jtv7ks_1_1

The following problems might cause the RMAN backup script to fail with the ORA-19511
error:
l The /var/avamar directory does not have correct permissions to start a backup.
Use the /var/avamar/clientlogs directory instead of the /var/avamar
directory.
l Either RMAN or libobk cannot locate avtar.
The allocate channel command in the RMAN backup or restore script must
include Avamar-home/bin as the PATH variable or include bindir="/usr/
local/avamar/bin".
l An Oracle instance is running as a nonstandard user or group.
To determine if Oracle is installed as a nonstandard user or group, check the file
permissions for the Oracle home directory. For example, use the following
commands:

cd /home/oracle/oracle/product/10.2.0/db_1/oradata
ls -l

The following output appears in the command shell:

total 28
drwxr-x--- 2 oracle oinstall 4096 Aug 26 2014 cataloged
drwxr-x--- 2 oracle oinstall 4096 Mar 9 18:05 db2
drwxr-xr-x 2 oracle oinstall 4096 Mar 30 17:21 orcl
drwxr-xr-x 2 oracle oinstall 4096 Mar 30 16:26 orcl.w
drwxr-xr-x 2 oracle oinstall 4096 Mar 10 15:50 plargedb
drwxr-xr-x 2 oracle oinstall 4096 Feb 6 16:20 plargedb.w
-rw-r--r-- 1 oracle oinstall 696 Dec 28 16:58 sqlnet.log
In the example, oracle is the user and oinstall is the group.
If a user other than oracle installs the Oracle database, the avoracle program must use
the --storageapp_username=username option. For example, if the user named emc
installs the Oracle database, username is emc.

RMAN-06056: could not access datafile n error on AIX

The avoracle program runs as root. If you encounter an RMAN-06056: could not
access datafile n error, it means avoracle was unable to open the file for
processing.
This error on IBM AIX systems occurs when the default ulimit is set to 2097151. This
default setting limits the maximum file size that the root user can read to 1 GB.
To resolve this issue, change the ulimit setting for the root user to unlimited. This
unlimited setting allows avoracle to process large files.

RMAN-06056: could not access datafile n error on AIX 141

Troubleshooting

RMAN script fails with WriteFile failed error

When you specify C:\Program Files\avs\bin for the --bindir variable in an
RMAN script, the script fails with the following errors:
RMAN-03009: failure of backup command on c1 channel at
10/20/2014 13:56:49
ORA-19502: write error on file "sample_1_1", blockno 1
(blocksize=512)
ORA-27030: skgfwrt: sbtwrite2 returned error
ORA-19511: Error received from media manager layer, error text:
stream->WriteFile failed

To resolve this issue, ensure that all variables in the RMAN script that specify the
Windows installation directory use Progra~1, the short name for the Program Files
folder. The parser cannot process spaces in folder names.
For example, the correct syntax for the --bindir variable is --bindir=C:
\Progra~1\avs\bin.

Time-out errors when using multiple RMAN channels

Allocating too many channels from Avamar Administrator might lock out processes. The
backup or restore can then fail with a time-out error. If a time-out error occurs, retry the
operation by using fewer channels.
This problem does not occur when using RMAN scripts.

Unable to process snapview workorder

The Avamar Plug-in for Oracle is unable to process the snapview workorder because the
wait time for the snapview workorder times out.
To work around this problem, increase the [avoracle]subprocesstimeoutsecs
option in Avamar Administrator:
1. From the Backup Command Line Options dialog box, click the More button.
The dialog box expands to display the Enter Attribute and Enter Attribute Value
fields.
2. Type the [avoracle]subprocesstimeoutsecs option in the Enter Attribute
field.
3. Type the number of seconds in the Enter Attribute Value field.
4. Click +.
The option and value appear in the box below the + and - buttons.
5. Restart the backup.

Unable to send CTL message

A backup or restore fails with one of the following error messages:
avoracle Error <6629>: INTERNAL: Unable to send CTL message
(n=-1, retcode=1, errno=0)
avoracle Error <6629>: INTERNAL: Unable to send CTL message
(n=-1, retcode=3, errno=0)

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 Troubleshooting

These errors can occur when you allocate too many channels for a backup or restore from
Avamar Administrator.
To resolve this issue, EMC recommends that you set the number of channels to no more
than two times the number of processors. If the problem persists after making this
change, further reduce the number of channels.
The Number of RMAN Channels option is available from the Backup Command Line
Options, Restore Command Line Options, and New Dataset dialog boxes.
This problem does not apply to backups or restores started by an RMAN script.

Configuration problems and solutions

You can resolve common configuration problems with the following troubleshooting
information.

Avamar client and Avamar Plug-in for Oracle registration

To back up or restore Oracle by using the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle, you must register the
Avamar client with the Avamar server. The registration process can fail for either of the
following conditions:
l The Avamar plug-in_catalog.xml does not support the Avamar Plug-in for
Oracle version.
l An administrator disabled the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle.
After you register the Avamar client, Avamar Administrator lists the client in the Oracle
databases. In addition, the avagent.log file (in the /var/avamar directory, by
default) contains information that verifies a successful registration:
****** Current MCS name 'avamar-1.example.com' ******
2014-1-1 15:08:37 avagent Info <7452>: Registration of client
/clients/Oracle-client.example.com with MCS
avamar-1.example.com:28001 successful.
2014-1-1 15:08:37 avagent Info <5928>: Registration of plugin
1002 Oracle successful.
2014-1-1 15:08:37 avagent Info <5928>: Registration of plugin
1001 Unix successful.
2014-1-1 15:08:37 avagent Info <5619>: Registration of client
and plugins complete.
2014-1-1 15:08:37 avagent Info <7150>: first work request
delayed for 180 seconds.
2014-1-1 15:11:37 avagent Info <7151>: first work request delay
finished.

Bitwidth of Avamar Plug-in for Oracle and Oracle

The bitwidth of the Oracle software, the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle, and the platform must
match.
Ensure you download the correct software packages for the platform and version of
Oracle. System requirements on page 30 provides more information.

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Troubleshooting

Note

64-bit operating systems do not support the 32-bit versions of Oracle 10g and later
versions. You can find additional information about Oracle on the Oracle website.

To check the bitwidth of Oracle, change to the $ORACLE_HOME/bin directory and type
the following command:

file ~/oracle/product/version/db-name/bin/rman

where:
l version is the version of Oracle.
l db-name is the name of the Oracle database.
The following output appears in the command shell:
/home/oracle/oracle/product/10.2.0/db_1/bin/rman: ELF 64-bit
LSB executable, AMD x86-64, version 1 (SYSV), for
GNU/Linux 2.4.0, dynamically linked (uses shared libs),
not stripped

To check the bitwidth of RMAN, change to the $ORACLE_HOME/bin directory and type
the following command:

file ~/oracle/product/version/db-name/bin/sqlplus

where:
l version is the version of Oracle.
l db-name is the name of the Oracle database.
The following output appears in the command shell:
/home/oracle/oracle/product/10.2.0/db_1/bin/sqlplus: ELF 64-bit
LSB executable, AMD x86-64, version 1 (SYSV), for
GNU/Linux 2.4.0, dynamically linked (uses shared libs),
not stripped

The text string ELF 64-bit LSB executable in the command output confirms that
both Oracle and RMAN are 64-bit.

Cluster Configuration Tool fails to start

Starting the Cluster Configuration Tool fails with the following error if the Windows system
does not have Microsoft . NET Framework 4 installed:
To run this application, you must install one of the following
versions of the .NET Framework: v4.0.30319 Contact your
application publisher for instructions about obtaining the
appropriate version of the .NET Framework

The Cluster Configuration Tool requires Microsoft .NET Framework 4. You can download
and install the .NET Framework 4 from the Microsoft Download Center.

Determining the version of Oracle

Use SQL*Plus to determine the version of Oracle:

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1. Log in to the Oracle server.

2. Start SQL*Plus:
sqlplus "/ as sysdba"

3. View version information by typing the following command:

select * from v$version;

Content similar to the following appears in the command shell:

Oracle Database 11g Enterprise Edition Release 11.1.0.7.0 -
Prod PL/SQL Release 11.1.0.7.0 - Production CORE 11.1.0.7.0
Production TNS for Linux: Version 11.1.0.7.0 - Production
NLSRTL Version 11.1.0.7.0 - Production

Disk space for the /var/avamar directory

The /var/avamar directory must have sufficient disk space for RMAN scripts and log
files. Backups and restores fail if the /var/avamar directory does not have enough
space.
Check the /var/avamar directory for free space by using the applicable method for the
system. The following example shows output from the df -h command on a Red Hat
Enterprise Linux system:
Filesystem Size Used Avail Use% Mounted on
/dev/mapper/VolGroup00-LogVol00 985G 310G 625G 34% /

The RMAN scripts, RMAN log files, and the avoracle log files require a minimum of 100
MB of disk space.

Oracle RAC database failover

If the registered Oracle RAC node fails over to another node, you must manually start the
avagent program on the other cluster nodes.
Run avagent.d restart to start the avagent program:
1. Log in to the failover node as root.
2. Change the directory by typing the following command:
cd /usr/local/avamar/ora_rac/etc

3. Start avagent by typing the following command:

./avagent.d restart

The following information appears in the command shell.

avagent Info <5241>: Logging to
/usr/local/avamar/ora_rac/var/avagent.log
avagent Info <5174>: - Reading /usr/local/avamar/
ora_rac/var/avagent.cmd
avagent Info <5417>: daemonized as process id 15603
avagent.d Info: Client Agent started.
[OK]

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Troubleshooting

Requirements for libobk_avamar.so and libobk_avamar.dll

The libobk_avamar.so file (on UNIX) and libobk_avamar.dll file (on Windows)
implement the Oracle SBT interface specification, which Avamar Plug-in for Lotus Domino
and RMAN require for successful backup and restore operations.
The following requirements apply to both files:
l They must provide read and execute access to the Oracle user.
l They must be in the Avamar-home/lib directory.
l They must be the same bitwidth as Oracle.
To verify that the correct libobk_avamar file is installed in the Avamar-home/lib
directory on a UNIX platform, type the following commands:
cd Avamar-home/lib
file *

The text strings ELF 64-bit LSB shared object and ELF 32-bit LSB
shared object in the following command output confirm that both 64-bit and 32-bit
libraries are present:
libobk_avamar64.so: ELF 64-bit LSB shared object, AMD x86-64,
version 1 (SYSV), not stripped
libobk_avamar.so: ELF 32-bit LSB shared object, Intel 80386,
version 1 (SYSV), not stripped

RMAN executable file and Oracle versions

The RMAN executable file version must match the Oracle database version. For example,
the ORACLE_HOME/bin directory contains the RMAN executable file. Linux systems use
the default RMAN file in the /usr/X11R6/bin directory. An RMAN backup or restore
script that uses the default RMAN executable file causes the backup or restore operation
to fail.
For multiple versions of Oracle, RMAN executables must point to the correct
ORACLE_HOME/bin directory.
To determine whether the default RMAN executable points to the correct RMAN
executable in the ORACLE_HOME/bin directory, type the following commands:

which rman
/usr/X11R6/bin/rman
rpm -qf /usr/X11R6/bin/rman
xorg-x11-devel-6.8.2-1.EL.33
xorg-x11-devel-6.8.2-1.EL.33
more oratab
catalogdb:/home/oracle/oracle/product/10.2.0/db_1:N
largedb:/home/oracle/OraHome:N
orcl:/home/oracle/oracle/product/10.2.0/db_1:N

The sample output from the oratab file includes a database named largedb. This
database has both Oracle 9i and Oracle 10g homes. Because largedb is an Oracle 9i
instance, the correct RMAN executable is in /home/oracle/OraHome/bin/rman.

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Set the PATH variable to the ORACLE_HOME/bin directory to ensure RMAN uses the
correct executable file. Before running RMAN scripts, run /usr/local/bin/oraenv.

Stopping Avamar Administrator processes

Note

Only administrators, who understand the consequences of stopping Avamar

Administrator processes, should perform the following procedure. Use this procedure for
emergencies only.

The following procedure runs the UNIX kill command to stop avoracle processes,
which were started by the Avamar Administrator interface. The avoracle processes are
automatically started by Avamar Administrator for browse, backup, and restore
operations. Stop these avoracle processes only when you determine that something is
wrong with a browse, backup, or restore operation.
1. Log in to the Oracle server.
2. Show all Avamar processes by typing the following command:
ps -ef|grep avoracle

The command shell displays a list of active processes. Some of them are avoracle
processes for the Avamar Plug-in for Oracle.
3. Locate the avoracle processes in the list and note the process ID numbers (PIDs).
4. Terminate the process by typing the following command:
kill pid

where pid is a process ID displayed in step 2.

5. Repeat step 4 until all avoracle processes are stopped.

Unable to browse Oracle databases with Avamar Administrator

The Browse for Files, Folder, or Directories option in Avamar Administrator does not
display Oracle databases. To verify the browse problem, use the following command:
./avoracle --browse

When this browse problem exists, the output from the avoracle program contains the
following message:
avoracle Info <7908>: browse returning with 0 items

All of the following circumstances can prevent you from browsing the Oracle databases:
l The Avamar client and Oracle databases use two separate NIC cards, each with
different IP addresses and hostnames.
l The oratab file contains invalid entries.

Verifying the client and plug-in versions

For all supported platforms, install the Avamar client before installing the Avamar Plug-in
for Oracle. The versions of the Avamar client and Avamar Plug-in for Oracle must be the
same.
The following table includes methods to verify the installation of the Avamar client.

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Troubleshooting

Table 9 Avamar client installation verification

Platform Method
Microsoft Windows Use the Windows Explorer to verify that the C:\Program files\avs
folder exists and contains libobk_avamar.dll.

Oracle Linux, Red Hat Use the rpm command:

Linux, or SUSE Linux
rpm -qa |grep -i avamar

HP-UX Use the swinstall command:

swinstall -list

IBM AIX Use the smitty command to list all software or to search for the Avamar
client software package.

Solaris Use the pkginfo command:

pkginfo|grep -i AVMRclnt

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activation The process of passing the client ID (CID) back to the client, where it is stored in an
encrypted file on the client file system.

See also client activation

administrator Person who normally installs, configures, and maintains software on network computers,
and who adds users and defines user privileges.

archive logs Log files that contain a copy of one of the filled members of an online redo log group. The
archiving process requires that the database be set to ARCHIVELOG mode. Oracle
terminology refers to archive logs as archive redo logs.

Avamar Administrator A graphical management console software application that is used to remotely administer
an Avamar system from a supported Windows or Linux client computer.

Avamar client A computer or workstation that runs Avamar software and accesses the Avamar server over
a network connection. Avamar client software comprises a client agent and one or more
plug-ins.

Avamar server The server component of the Avamar client/server system. Avamar server is a fault-
tolerant, high-availability system that efficiently stores the backups from all protected
clients. It also provides essential processes and services required for data restores, client
access, and remote system administration. Avamar server runs as a distributed application
across multiple networked storage nodes.

avtar The Avamar process that performs backups and restores.

backup A point-in-time copy of client data that can be restored as individual files, selected data, or
as an entire backup.

browse The process of viewing data that is available for backup on a client computer or restore
from the Avamar server.

client activation The process of passing the client ID (CID) back to the client, where it is stored in an
encrypted file on the client file system.

See also activation

client agent A platform-specific software process that runs on the client and communicates with the
Management Console Server (MCS) and with any plug-ins installed on that client.

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client registration The process of establishing an identity with the Avamar server. When Avamar recognizes
the client, it assigns a unique client ID (CID), which it passes back to the client during
client activation.

See also registration

cluster Two or more independent network servers, usually with exact copies of the same software
and data, that operate and appear to clients as if they are a single unit. A cluster
configuration enables work to be shifted from one server to another, providing high
availability, which allows application services to continue despite most hardware or
software failures.

Cluster Configuration Tool Avamar configuration wizard to configure the cluster client.

cold backup A backup of database objects that you perform while the corresponding database or
instance is shut down and unavailable to users. Also known as an offline backup.

database A collection of data arranged for ease and speed of update, search, and retrieval by
computer software.

database files Oracle database files include datafiles, control files, and online redo logs.

Data Domain system Disk-based deduplication appliances and gateways that provide data protection and
disaster recovery (DR) in the enterprise environment.

dataset A policy that defines a set of files, directories, and file systems for each supported platform
that are included or excluded in backups across a group of clients. A dataset is a
persistent and reusable Avamar policy that can be named and attached to multiple groups.

DD Boost The API that Avamar clients use to access a Data Domain system. The DD Boost API is
installed automatically on the client computer when you install the Avamar client. It is also
installed automatically on the Avamar server when you install Avamar.

disaster recovery Recovery from any disruptive situation, such as hardware failure or software corruption, in
which ordinary data recovery procedures are not sufficient to restore a system and its data
to normal day-to-day operations. A disaster recovery can be a bare metal recovery.

DNS Domain Name Server. A dynamic and distributed directory service for assigning domain
names to specific IP addresses.

domain A feature in Avamar Administrator that is used to organize large numbers of clients into
named areas of control and management.

file system Software interface used to save, retrieve, and manage files on storage media by providing
directory structures, data transfer methods, and file association.

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group A level of organization in Avamar Administrator for one or more Avamar clients. All clients
in an Avamar group use the same group policies, which include the dataset, schedule, and
retention policy.

group policy The dataset, schedule, and retention policy for all clients in an Avamar group.

LAN Local Area Network.

MCS Management console server. The server subsystem that provides centralized
administration (scheduling, monitoring, and management) for the Avamar server. The MCS
also runs the server-side processes used by Avamar Administrator.

Media Management A software library used by RMAN to back up data to tertiary storage. The MML for the
Library (MML) Avamar Plug-in for Oracle is libobk_avamar.

Media Manager (MM) A third-party networked backup system. MM works with Recovery Manager so that
database backups can be written directly to tertiary storage.

metadata Data about the backup, including information about the original database files, the backup
types, the date and time of the backup, and other information necessary for restore.

Oracle instance A memory structure and a group of Oracle Server processes running on a node.

oratab file A text file that contains the system identifier and home directory of the Oracle database. A
typical oratab entry is similar to the following: ora91:/space/local/oracle/
ora901. The default location for the oratab file is /var/opt/oracle on Solaris
and /etc on other systems.

plug-in Avamar client software that recognizes a particular kind of data resident on that client.

point-in-time restore Restore of a backup to a specific point in time.

policy A set of rules for client backups that can be named and applied to multiple groups. Groups
have dataset, schedule, and retention policies.

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Recovery Manager A software application that provides a command line interface for hot and cold backups,
(RMAN) as well as cold recovery of a supported Oracle database.

redirected restore The process of restoring a backup to a different location than the original location where
the backup occurred.

registration The process of establishing an identity with the Avamar server. When Avamar recognizes
the client, it assigns a unique client ID (CID), which it passes back to the client during
client activation.

See also client registration

restore An operation that retrieves one or more file systems, directories, files, or data objects from
a backup and writes the data to a designated location.

retention The time setting to automatically delete backups on an Avamar server. Retention can be
set to permanent for backups that should not be deleted from an Avamar server. Retention
is a persistent and reusable Avamar policy that can be named and attached to multiple
groups.

schedule The ability to control the frequency and the start and end time each day for backups of
clients in a group. A schedule is a persistent and reusable Avamar policy that can be
named and attached to multiple groups.

System Backup to Tape An Oracle architecture that supports directly writing backups to tape (and reading them) by
using the Media Management Library.

tablespace A logical storage unit in a database, which groups related logical structures together.

transaction logs A record of database transactions or list of changed files in a database, stored in a log file
to execute quick restore and rollback transactions.

User Account Control A Windows feature available in Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008
(UAC) R2, Windows Vista. UAC helps prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. When
functions that could potentially affect a computer's operation are made, UAC prompts the
user for permission or for an administrator's password before continuing with the task.

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