Oracle8 Server Migration Release 8.0 A54650_01

Library Product Contents Index

4
Migrating to Release 8.0.3 by Export/Import

This chapter is a guide for using the Export/Import method of migration from Oracle7 to Oracle8. Topics covered in this chapter include:

• Basics of Export/Import
• Additional Export/Import Information Sources
• Additional Options
• Migrate the Pre-Oracle8 Source Database Using Export/Import

Basics of Export/Import

The Export/Import method of migrating a database uses three basic steps:

• Export the data from the database being migrated (source database).
• Create the target database.
• Import the exported data into the new (target) database.

When migrating an earlier database to Oracle8 by Export/Import, you first export the chosen data from the Oracle7 database, which physically copies the data to the export dump file. Then you import the exported data into the new Oracle8 target database.

Export Requirements: For migration and upgrades use the Export utility shipped with the version or release of the source database. However, for downgrades use the Export utility shipped with the target database.

The Import utility can then copy the data from the export dump file into the target database. The target database must be created and operational before Import can migrate the exported data into the target database.

Import Requirements: For migration, upgrades, or downgrades use the Import utility shipped with the version or release of the target database.

For information to help evaluate the choice of Export/Import for migration, see section "Export/Import" on page 2-5 and also Oracle8 Server Utilities.

Additional Export/Import Information Sources

If you plan to migrate a database by using Export/Import, you should first study also Oracle8 Server Utilitiesfor additional detailed information about using the Export/Import utilities.

Additional Options

If you are exporting from, or importing to, a Trusted Oracle database (Oracle7), besides taking care of the concerns addressed in this chapter, you must also address additional features, as discussed in the Trusted Oracle Server Administrator's Guide.

If you are migrating a pre-Oracle8 database system that has Advanced Replication installed, you must also refer to Oracle8 Server Replication, Appendix B, "Migration and Compatibility."

Migrate the Pre-Oracle8 Source Database Using Export/Import

Note: If the source Oracle database is earlier than Version 6, first upgrade the source database to at least Version 6 before proceeding with export.

To migrate an Oracle database using Export/Import utilities, use the following steps:

1. Export all chosen objects from the source database using the Export utility shipped with the source database. Refer to that release's Server Utilities documents for how to use the Export utility on the source database (typically Oracle7, but Version 6 exports also can be imported into Oracle8).

Note: To get a consistent export, the source database should not be available for updates. If the source database will be made available to users for updates after doing the export, then prior to making the source database available, put procedures in place to copy the changes made in the source database to the Oracle8 target database after the import has been done.

1. Install Oracle8 software. Installation steps for Oracle8 are specific to the operating system, as detailed in the platform-specific Oracle8 documentation and in the README file included with Oracle8.
2. Create the Oracle8 database. The issues involved in database creation are covered thoroughly in the Oracle8 Server Administrator's Guide.

Note: If the new Oracle8 database is to have the same name as the existing pre-Oracle8 database, you must shut down the existing database before creating the new Oracle8 database.

1. Open the new Oracle8 target database. From the Server Manager prompt, typically, issue the following commands:

SVRMGR> CONNECT INTERNAL

SVRMGR> STARTUP

2. You can pre-create tablespaces, users, and tables in the target database to improve space usage by changing storage parameters. When you pre-create tables using SQL*Plus or Server Manager, either run in the original database compatibility mode or make allowances for the specific data definition conversions that occur during import.

Note: If the new Oracle8 database is to be created on the same machine as the source database and you do not want to overwrite the source database datafiles, you must pre-create the tablespaces and specify IGNORE=Y and DESTROY=N when you import.

1. Use the Oracle8 Import utility to import the objects exported from the source database (typically Oracle7, but Version 6 export files also are accepted). Include the LOG parameter to save the informational and error messages from the import session to a file. Refer to Oracle8 Server Utilitiesfor a complete description of the Import utility.
2. After migrating, check the import log file to see which import(s) of which object(s) completed successfully and which failed because of inconsistencies with the new database. See Oracle8 Server Utilities and the Oracle8 Server README file for error handling information.
3. Use further Import scenarios (see Oracle8 Server Utilities) or SQL scripts used to create the source objects to clean up incomplete imports (or possibly to start an entirely new import).
4. If changes are made to the source database after the export is created (Step 1 on page 4-2) make sure those changes are correctly propagated to the Oracle8 database prior to making that database available to users.

Prev Next

Copyright © 1997 Oracle Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Library Product Contents Index