Re: 8i exports used in newer versions?

joel garry wrote:
> Rob Williamson wrote:
> > Can 8i exports be used to resurect a database in newer versions of
> > Oracle ( 9i 10i ...)?
>
> Yes. See
> http://download-west.oracle.com/docs/cd/B19306_01/server.102/b14215/exp_imp.htm#sthref2853
>
> >
> > We do not want the ability to have a perfect database but for
> > Legal Audit reasons we want to be able to at least say we can get the
> > old data
> > ( transactions and sales information ) without getting into trouble.
>
> Exports are not to be relied on as a sole backup method, but they are
> reasonably solid for getting old data. Most of the time. There are
> exp/imp bugs, even in very late 8i versions - some were actually added
> towards the end. IIRC, one was found by a bank, data was lost when
> some identical data was exported sequentially.
>
> >
> > If so do we need the table creation scripts or does the import create
> > the tables for us.
>
> You might well be advised to have your own table creation scripts and
> use the IGNORE=Y option on import, but if you don't, the import will
> create them for you. Unfortunately, there are situations where it
> might create the tables or indices in the system tablespace if you are
> not experienced and careful. Always test new procedures.
>
> >
> > Again we are only interested in the data inside the tables not the whole
> > functional database.
> >
> > I assume that the file backups are useless unless we actually have a
> > running Oracle 8i DB?
>
> Good assumption. The purpose of backups is recovery, often meaning
> transactional recovery. You might consider having a recovery procedure
> that includes everything - this is also useful for rapid disaster
> recovery, which is how many places justify the expense of being sure it
> works - the general idea is, you have a tape or set of disks, be able
> to get hardware and go. You might want to be familiar with how and
> when Oracle ends support and availability, in some cases they will only
> support old versions if you've kept up support. Details can be found
> on metalink.
>
> There's something to be said for putting all data out in flat ASCII
> files, too. Or at least, there used to be.
>
> jg
> --

And to including the sqlldr control cards as part of the flat file or as a companion file.

• Mark D Powell --