instance names

[ssu4716]

Is there any query that can show all the instance names (SIDs) in Oracle? I know you can look at the output of 'ps -ef|grep ora' to
see the instances that are currently running. But is there any way
to know the instance names that are not currently running but can be run on the machine?

Thanks.

Syed

[sysdba]

From within the database, no. But you may look at oratab
under /opt/opt/oracle or /etc.

[davey23uk]

that wont work for those who dont maintain an oratab.

Only way is to go looking and hope you find everything

[JMac]

In the wonderful world of Windoze, I check the Oracle registry keys where every SID has specific nodes.

[davey23uk]

another OS war, sweet :-)

[Thomasps]

another OS war, sweet :-)

You know I am pressing ^C

[jovery]

What about looking in $ORACLE_HOME/dbs for spfile or orapw files.

[davey23uk]

what about if you dont use spfiles or password files :-)

[jovery]

Originally posted by davey23uk
what about if you dont use spfiles or password files :-)

Some people can be so awkward

Well you could use the init.ora files in that case

[davey23uk]

im gonna be awkward again, what about those who dont use dbs for the directory and use startup pfile=xxxx :-)

My point is there is one fail safe way of finding out what databases are available on a Unix server - have to go looking everywhere to find them