Got to the /etc/system file and check the max number of semophore setting. If it was less than 100 then you wouldn't be able to start the instance.


Point to ponder: if you increase the semophore limit, then you would have to restart the server and then try increasing the #process in the init.ora file and start the database.

The set up calculation :

SEMMNS = max_sid_process * 2 + all the other instance process count + #instances * 10



example: oracle_sid =A process= 100
"" = B "" = 100
"" = C "" = 200

then your SEMMNS = 100 + 100 + (200*2) + 3 * 10 = 630


For detail check the oracle pre installation part of the installation guide.

Sam