Oracle + NOARCHIVELOG + VSS + VMware Tools Paradox

[blin787]

Hi
I am stuck with some kind of paradox - best enterprise software, with full support for one another - beeing unable to safely backup Oracle with NOARCHIVELOG database under Windows.

1. Oracle supports VSS, but in NOARCHIVELOG it need to "startup mount" database before VSS operation. - http://docs.oracle.com/cd/B28359_01/win ... m#BABJIDCH
2. Veeam doesn't provide any means to use pre-freeze scripts if VSS is used (Either VSS, either VMware tools quiescence)

I see only options left
1. Windows Scheduled Task to perform those Oracle operations (~5 min before veeam backup). Problem - timing of reverse operation (bringing back Online).
2. Backup up using VMware tools quiescence, and do not use VSS. Problem - consistency of other windows components, which use VSS. Registry for example.

Am I right?

How do people here backup Windows 2008 R2 VM's with Oracle 11g with NOARCHIVELOG databases?

[tsightler]

Running an Oracle database in NOARCHIVELOG mode really minimizes your recovery options, why not just enable ARCHIVELOG mode and a simple script to purge logs older than 48 hours (or whatever you prefer)?

If you're really OK with stopping your database then I'd suggest using VMware tools quiescence and pre-freeze/post-thaw. With all modern versions of ESXi/VMware tools the VMware tools quiescence still triggers at least a file-system level VSS consistency, and, based on your setup, even application level. See http://kb.vmware.com/kb/1007696 for more info.