How to apply patch in 11i instance and which order we need to apply?

We can apply patch with adpatch utility. i.e – adpatch driver=u203793.drv
If patch consists of copy driver, database driver, and generate driver then order is
c.drv – Copying of files
d.drv – Database updating
g.drv – Generation of files

What all are the patch components?

Read me files:
Before apply to patch read associated read me file carefully
Contains patch application instructions
Also may contain manual steps
Patch driver files :
Traditional patches: Copy driver, Database driver, Generate driver.
Newer patches: unified driver which combines the action of the copy, database and generate drivers in a single consolidated driver.
Replacement files: Copied over existing files
These files are listed in the copy driver and replace the forms, reports, SQL scripts, HTML files, object modules and etc.
Adpatch make a backup before replacement of any file
Patch metadata files: Contains key patch information
Metadata files are used by the AD utilities to determine prerequisite patches, analyze the impact of the patch on the system.
Compare versions of the files in the patch with those of files in the system.
SQL Scripts: Scripts to modify the database
Run to perform updates
Scripts are called by the database driver

Note: You read the read me file before applying any patch.

What is Auto Patch?

It is utility that automates many patching tasks for oracle applications
It is used to apply oracle applications patches
Compares version numbers before replacing a file to ensure the most recent file is used
It doesn’t change files if those on the file system are more recent then the ones in a patch
Makes a backup copy before replacing any file
It doesn’t run database tasks that have already been performed
It unloads patch metadata and verifies prerequisite patches have been applied
It reads and validates the patch driver files
It relinks executables
It generates java archive (JAR) files
It compiles JSP files
It updates database objects
It compiles invalid objects
It runs AutoConfig to update configuration files, If any template files are introduced or updated by the patch.
It saves patch history information to the database
It is platform aware, If u try to apply a sun Solaris specific patch on windows system, AutoPatch fails

What is needed to be considering before applying a patch?

Take a cold backup of oracle applications as well as database if it possible
Bounce the applications tier
Enable maintenance mode with adadmin utility
Create patch top directory
Download patch and unzip the patch under patch top directory
Make sure there is space in file system to apply patch
Merge all product specific patches

posted by Jaswinder Singh @ 5:00 AM

0 Comments: