I don't think server process is the one who does this....coz when some of the modifications what we do at the mount phase is also reflected in the control file; like when we change the name of the system datafile in the mount phase it is automatically reflected in the control file, during which there is no server proess started.....

I guess Oracle kerner internally writes to the controlfile abt the physical changes.....i am not sure abt this...

Can some experts put light on this ?

sonia