Move Oracle Control File from File System to ASM

In this article, we will walk through a simple and safe method to move an Oracle control file from a traditional file system to ASM (Automatic Storage Management). This approach is useful when standardizing database storage on ASM or preparing for RAC or high-availability configurations.

In this example, one control file already exists on ASM, and we will move the remaining control file from the file system.

Step 1: Check Current Control File Locations

First, identify the existing control file locations.


SQL> SHOW PARAMETER control_files;

Output:


NAME            TYPE    VALUE
--------------- ------- ---------------------------------------------
control_files   string  /u02/oradata/FINDB1/control01.ctl,
                        +RECO/FINDB1/control02.ctl

Here, the first control file is located on the file system, while the second one already resides in the ASM disk group +RECO.

Step 2: Start Database in NOMOUNT and Restore Control File to ASM

Use RMAN to start the database in NOMOUNT mode and copy the control file to ASM.


$ rman target /


RMAN> startup nomount;
RMAN> restore controlfile to '+DATA' from 
'/u02/oradata/FINDB1/control01.ctl';

This command copies the control file into the +DATA ASM disk group.

Step 3: Identify the New ASM Control File Name

ASM automatically assigns a system-generated name to the control file. Use asmcmd to locate it.


$ asmcmd find --type CONTROLFILE +DATA *

Output:


+DATA/FINDB1/CONTROLFILE/current.345.1187623491

Take note of this file path.

Step 4: Update the CONTROL_FILES Parameter

Update the control_files parameter to reflect the new ASM-based control file location.


SQL> ALTER SYSTEM SET control_files=
'+DATA/FINDB1/CONTROLFILE/current.345.1187623491',
'+RECO/FINDB1/control02.ctl'
SCOPE=SPFILE;

This change is made in the SPFILE, so a database restart is required.

Step 5: Restart the Database

Restart the database to apply the changes.


SQL> SHUTDOWN IMMEDIATE;
SQL> STARTUP;

Step 6: Verify the New Control File Locations

Finally, confirm that both control files are now using ASM.


SQL> SHOW PARAMETER control_files;

Output:


NAME            TYPE    VALUE
--------------- ------- ---------------------------------------------
control_files   string  +DATA/FINDB1/CONTROLFILE/current.345.1187623,
                        +RECO/FINDB1/control02.ctl

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Move Oracle Control File from File System to ASM