I have to migrate one database.

I have exact server replica. (Same directory structure on target as well as source database)

Previously I have performed DB migration using export/import datapump (As we don't have access to any tools). I want to ask : Whether I can create replica using Cold backup method ?

DB Details : Oracle 10.2.0.3 (On Both Source & target)

DB is currently running in no archive mode.

Steps I am going to follow :

1. create pfile from spfile
2. shutdown normal on source db
3. Copy pfile to target server $ORACLE_HOME/dbs
4. Copy all the dbf , ctl , rdo files to target server (Using binary mode FTP) (select name from v$datafile; select member from v$logfile; select name from v$controlfile)
5. startup pfile='<path>' on target server

Doubts :

Can cold backup can be used to create replica/ DB migration ?

If I tried above process , shall I am able to start the db on target server without any errors ?

As I don't have any archive logs , will that create any problem here ?

EDIT

This has been done perfectly fine with no oracle errors.

Few points :

• Even you can change the directory of the dbf file while using this method. All u need to do is :

startup mount pfile='pfilepath'

alter database rename file '/flowsystem/oracle/SYSTEM01.DBF' to '/flowsystem/oracle/oradata/SYSTEM01.DBF';

shutdown

startup

• If you have done changes in directory structure of controlfile , log file then edit the pfile before startup & then startup using pfile (Not Tried)

Information Source : http://www.adp-gmbh.ch/ora/admin/backup_recovery/cold_backup.html